Wire gauge

[Frank in PG]

Hi, can anyone tell me what gauge wire I should use coming off some DIY PV panels?
They are 36 cell panels measuring around 18.5v and 2.9a
I was going to use 18 gauge lamp cord, but thought I'd check first.
Thanks,
Frank

[Mike90250]

20 gauge wire is Ok for 3 amps, but depending on the distance, you may want/need a larger wire, to reduce voltage loss.

here's a link to a wire size calculator (a spreadsheet, excel or openoffice) that will work for you,

http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/voltage_drop_calculator_.xls

some cells are locked, some are slaved to another cell, you may have to hunt around the spreadsheet a bit to find the inputs.

[Frank in PG]

Wire gauge

Hey Mike thanks for the calculator! Works great.