Solar shut off

[justjim]

You are making it extra complicated in my opinion. You have more risk with that many connections than anything, not to mention the rats nest of wires. Plus in a safety concept the circuit breakers would have to be at the source to do any good,

[justjim]

Oops

Duplicate

[justjim]

This 4 into 1 branch connector is rated for 50 amps. Most are rated for 30 amps and pushing them to their limit and even more so exceeding it melts them.

The same is true for 10 gauge. You might not melt it down but you will see voltage loss over distance. Using 8 gauge eliminates that and you can actually get a decent copper lug for 8 gauge that can be properly crimped instead of the crappy crimp connectors.

Fusing at the source means putting a real 40 amp ANL fuse holder after the branch connector. Not a MC4 fuse holder. They are push together, have poor connections and no matter what gauge of wire you use the current is carried by the thin spring used to keep the fuse in place much like a ciggy plug. Also no fuse holder that uses set screws to hold the wire. Use one that takes lugs.

Fusing at this point is peace of mind as both the branch connector and the wires from the panels to the branch connector and from the branch connector to the controller are rated higher than the current they will carry. Unlike being connected to a battery, that current is limited to the output of the panels.

Now you have a single line coming to the controller and a DC disconnect switch will be fine. I do not suggest wall switches because they are rated for 15 amps at 120Vac and not made to take 8 or even 10 gauge wire.

[GotSmart]

Fusing at the source. That is 15 ft in the air on top of the barn.  

I have no choice but to go down 10 feet where I have access

[GotSmart]

Ok. 8 g wire. Check 
T branch connectors. Check
50amp breaker like Tex first posted. 

Will that work?

[justjim]

40 or 50 will do

[GotSmart]

In digging deeper I found a 40. On order. 

The wiring will be complete before the panels are mounted. 

Now to work installing lights wires and batteries. I have almost everything needed.

As long as my body holds up, I can get it done.

[GotSmart]

Looks like Jim will be getting another Christmas present this year. 

It’s the details that make a system fade into the background. Used but not thought about. My current 200 w system is still providing light when needed. But the new 1000 w system will have a power station that will be able to charge up all the cordless equipment as well as have 120 volts for the corded tools.

[Abnorm]

NICE !

[Blacktank]

so what switch did you go with? is it also a breaker? just on the positive?

grazie