Info needed on a solar panel purchase

[zero]

You are talking about using just one 100 watt panel and want a flexible cord 50 feet long to connect it to the controller, correct?   A 50 foot, 12 gauge extension cord meant for AC would work fine.  At most it would have a 5% voltage drop and that only when the panel was at absolute max output.  Kind of an expensive way to do it though unless you have a used one.  Normal convention is to use 15 amp, 250 volt plugs on such a cord when using for DC instead of AC (NEMA 6-15P).  That's in a building when DC is mixed with AC and code is involved. In your own motorhome - you can do whatever you want.  You could just use a regular 12 gauge extension cord and put  AC plugs on the panel and by the controller to match.  Then you've got a spare AC extension cord on board in case you need it for something else. The idea of using the 15 amp, 250 volt plugs is to avoid confusion and having something that will not plug into any local AC outlets.

[Totem]

remember, if mixing different types or makes of panels, you may want to consider separate controllers.

[payaso del mar]

I've used a simple 12v outlet before as a 12v INlet from PV panels and plan to do this again on the Bandito.  just wire it to the upstream side of the controller.  get a marine grade one and read the reviews to be sure the cover stays in place...many don't

low voltage landscape wire from Lowes/Despot is cheap, 12 gauge, UV resistant, and comes in any size roll you want.  used it lots for solar wiring and like it.  bought it for our "cabin" before I learned that NEC requires a ground conductor if you're pushing >50 volts, so getting 10/3 UF for that and using the landscape wire for the Bandit.

Edited May 9, 2016 by payaso del mar