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Old 01-13-14, 05:55 PM   #1
Exeric
Apprentice EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: California
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Default Cable type and size

Hi all,
I'm in the midst of a whole house renovation and am about to put up ceiling drywall right below a future PV panel installation on the roof. Now is the time to make the provisions for wiring from the panels (microinverter installation) and the main CB panel below before the access is limited or I'd have to trample on insulation in the attic. I plan on tacking the wire in place in the attic and just leave about 10 ft coming out of a new riser in the roof to attach to the later solar panel installation.

Naturally it will be 120 volts since its for a microinverter install. It will be about 3000 watts so I figure 3000/120 = 25 amp rated cable for about 75ft. Am I overrating this since it will be 3 wire cable? I'm a bit worried about the neutral wire carrying too much current if I downrate it just for the hot wires. No future expansion of PV is anticipated.

Also, exactly what specification of cable do I need? I figure it needs to be
outdoor and UV rated even though there will only be a few feet exposed.
Thanks in advance.

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