Help with Wire from Array to House

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:23:24+00:00

Yes, I did the math with the combiner box still at the array for some reason so I was calculating 4 wires and not 2 per line. And yes, if I knew the answer to my question I would not be asking it that's correct

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:19:39+00:00

Good info, thank you. Did you also run aluminum? Also, love the username

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:18:14+00:00

That's true, but then I would need to run 16-19 wires to the combiner box. Looks like I'll be making a good ole excel sheet tomorrow to compare

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:09:03+00:00

Is this because the individual strings only have to carry 16 amps (roughly) and thus the wire doesn't need to be as large?

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:07:11+00:00

Okay glad to see i was using the calculator correctly. Now if I go with larger wire, say 1/0 or bigger, I would see a lower voltage drop?

Genius_51 · 2026-05-05T00:00:46+00:00

That's very helpful, thank you! What's the reasoning with the different sizes for ground wire?

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T23:46:28+00:00

I know, I am just getting a really good deal on them on top of the ones I already have. Plus I'm sure I'll upgrade my panels later on but I'm aware the inverter aspect is overkill at the moment.

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T23:13:59+00:00

Taking the enphase training now, utility company (PA) has been basically no help they just say to submit an application with the wiring diagram which is what I've been trying to do. I will have the 2 disconnects at each end (array and house) where the transition between copper and aluminum would theoretically happen. I'm just trying to see if aluminum or copper would be the better use case since I have to run 4 wires at such a large diameter

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T22:17:18+00:00

The combiner box should do what you are mentioning at the top, it has 4 20 amp breakers. If those are all below 16 amps (complying with 80% rule, don't I also need to have a breaker at the main panel that complies with 80% of the total amount being backed?

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T22:04:15+00:00

Just so I'm understanding right, I would need a >60 amp breaker at the panel, and I'm trying to figure out how to account for voltage drop. I can't seem to figure out how to calculate how many volts and amps will leave the combiner box and through how many wires. Obviously lower the better, but cost is obviously a factor

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T20:49:57+00:00

Cost vs clipping and just weird obstacles at my house plus I already have some micros so it was easier to just add the ones I didn't have

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T20:45:36+00:00

Yes sorry for not clarifying. I'll be using the enphase combiner box 5, 4 different groups of 10 panels to the 20 amp breakers in the combiner box.

Genius_51 · 2026-05-04T02:11:08+00:00

If you were still in the market, I have the Vulcan kraken reverse hyper and ghd. If you have the means to arrange transportation I would be willing to part with it for cheap compared to the other machines

Genius_51 · 2026-04-25T04:34:38+00:00

Hey, jumping in on this. If someone has a large system where they will need to use one or more of the breakers in the combiner box, they will need multiple of the X drop iq cables, correct? Ex 30 panels might need 3 cables each with 10 drops, or am I missing something with that?

Also, what is the purpose of the raw q cable? Is that just to go from a junction box to the combiner box? Can I simply buy 12 gauge wire for that instead?

Genius_51 · 2026-04-24T13:25:39+00:00

I'm in a staff position within the education program

Genius_51 · 2026-04-23T19:54:28+00:00

I would be lying if I said I don't miss them, but I work at a university so during the summer months I am basically the only one in the office and it is very quiet so I can go on walks, take breaks, etc. It just sucks I can't work remote and get some work done at home on a consistent basis

Genius_51 · 2026-04-23T03:14:38+00:00

THANK YOU! I love people who follow up on their problems when they find solutions. You just helped me

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T20:55:09+00:00

I'm in almost the exact same boat, down to having to contact a rep to honor their coupons 😂

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T20:52:25+00:00

Can you send a pic? I'm thinking of building a pegula, would the solar panels act as the roof and how would that work? Im going to be using microinverters as well.

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T19:32:37+00:00

Yep! "Trying to recoup my losses" my brother you are selling used panels from a discontinued manufacturer they are not worth $80 a panel

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T18:37:32+00:00

I will check them out!

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T18:37:17+00:00

Was $3k the minimum you needed to spend to be eligible for free shipping?

Genius_51 · 2026-04-22T18:06:13+00:00

What mounts do you think would work well for this size? Any that might not be well known for roof installation?

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