How to install solar panels to roof of van so they are stealthy and blend in?

ThisIsWeird

Section62 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Anyway, electrics in 'general'. 4mm cables will be more than adequate for a couple of panels. You could go thinner, but it makes sense to continue with whatever is already fitted to the panel, and MC4 connectors are standard and cheap, so also makes sense. Don't contemplate 6mm, tho'!
My recommendation is to stick with 12V DC throughout, for everything you possibly can - lights, and as many appliances as possible. Reasons - safety, and efficiency. Only invert up to 240v where unavoidable. 

Don't forget though that for the same power demand, lower voltage = higher current.

Whilst the risk of electric shock is lower with 12v DC, the risk of electrical cables overheating, melting and starting a fire is potentially greater - and being a space in which someone is living/sleeping (and not necessarily with the best egress design) this is something which needs to be considered in selecting cable sizes (and quality, including care in installation).

In other words, 12V DC should be though of as 'safer' not 'safe'...

Likewise with the efficiency side of the coin, cables getting warm = wasted energy.  Spending a bit more money on extra copper may pay for itself in terms of reduced energy loss.

Absolutely, and I just gave myself a shock - when I considered 200 watts of PV power at 12V = ~17 amps.

Of course, it's unlikely the panels will provide that, but - yup - still quite a shock!

GervisLooper

I did much research yesterday and have a much better idea of how to size the cables now.