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geno-heidi · 11-27-2012, 09:20 AM

Hello All, happy Holidays...

I have 2 new panels, 60 & 30 watt...have the wire, fuses and 2 solar controllers. I am going to use the 30w for V10 batt, hooked direct and 60w for Chassis GC batts. (also have 4-1 connectors for 60+30 to Chassis GC only, for 90 watt boondocking help)

My Dilemna: I see these "small round ring" connectors (same as on most small trickle chargers...) to end my 10awg wire to connect to regular 12v Batt Terminals, yet they are way to SMALL to go over the Pos/Neg posts?? What is a simple, yet good solid way to connect the wire ends to the Batt Posts?? Is there a special needed post attachment or something??

((using 14awg for Solar to Controllers...then 10 awg from controllers to Batt. 2004 Southwind 32v, V10 with stnd. engine batt. and 2 GC batts for coach...))

LandKinaMoho · 11-27-2012, 02:04 PM

Any good auto parts store has battery bits and bobs :0)

geno-heidi · 11-28-2012, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandKinaMoho

Any good auto parts store has battery bits and bobs :0)

ok....thanks....is this a real answer?? "bits and bobs" ?

Any other answers, help...?

BFlinn181 · 11-28-2012, 08:58 AM

'bits and bobs' translates to 'connectors and terminals.' -Bob

geno-heidi · 11-28-2012, 10:22 PM

Thanks for translation ..., :-) :-)

jofo777 · 11-28-2012, 10:38 PM

I would go higher gauge than 14 for the panel to controller. 10g would be much better.

And get the controller as close to batteries as possible.

LandKinaMoho · 11-29-2012, 09:47 AM

As one becomes older one reverts to old english speak and yesI agree on 10 guage, also add disconnects along the way :-)

:-)

Shadowcatche · 11-29-2012, 10:43 AM

Not knowing what the clamps are on your battery makes it difficult to recommend. I used ring terminals under the bolt clamping the terminal to the battery on the car. The Lifeline battery has bolts that will accommodate those same terminals. They are gold plated for use with high end automotive sound systems and I soldered them rather than using just a crimp.
Depending on the length of wire or if you plan on upgrading to more panels you may want to use larger cable i.e. a 6 or 8 ga. a good voltage drop calculator
Solar Electric Power Discussion Forum by Northern Arizona Wind & Sun
Unless they are high voltage panels you want to keep voltage drop to under 3%

vito.a · 11-29-2012, 02:55 PM

10 gauge is not necessary. Remember, Volts x Amps =Watts. Your 60 watt panel in the noon sun during the summer is only producing 5 amps. Most of the time it is only 1-2 amps and at night is 0.
Even 14 gauge is overkill. Just connect it to your ceiling fan wire in the nearest vent. This is easy and also protects it through a fuse.