Choosing the Right Wire Size for Your Solar Panel System

Choosing the right solar panel system wiring is a critical yet frequently ignored consideration while designing a solar panel system. The chosen wire size affects the efficiency, safety, and performance of the solar system, facilitating the smooth flow of electricity from the solar panels to the batteries, inverters, and other appliances. Installing a wire of a different gauge size than prescribed can result in loss of power, overheating, and in extreme cases, danger to life and to the solar energy system. This article explores the reasons why you need to pay more attention to the correct wire size selection, what factors affect your choice, and how you can meet the system requirement unique to your design. Optimally configuring your energy system, be it your first solar project or if you are an experienced installer, requires a deep understanding of this aspect.

What is the Importance of Wire Gauge in a Solar Panel System?

Wire gauge impacts the efficiency and safety of the entire solar panel system, making it an important measurement. Correct wire gauge selection minimizes energy loss during transmission; narrower wires tend to result in greater resistance and wastage, which could adversely affect energy efficiency. Overheating that can damage certain parts or create fire risks is also avoided. Proper size selection guarantees unobstructed current flow, given the parameters relevant to the system, including distance and power needs. The reliable performance and safety of the system are maintained by proper wire sizing, which optimizes system performance.

Understanding Wire Gauge Standards

Wire gauge standards denote methods to measure the thickness of a wire, which directly relates to its conductivity and current-carrying capacity. In the US, the most prominent one used is the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. This system states that a larger gauge number represents a thinner wire, whereas a smaller gauge number indicates a thicker wire. For instance, 20 AWG wire is thinner and carries less current than 10 AWG wire, which is thicker and can carry more current. As with any other standard, these are very important for safety and reliability because of current and distance requirements in electrical engineering. There are useful materials such as codes or guidelines like the National Electrical Code (NEC) that are trustworthy and should always be relied on for safety compliance.

Impact of Wire Size on Efficiency and Safety

A wire’s diameter affects its electrical efficiency and safety in both positive and negative ways. A low gauge number means the wire is thicker, thus having less resistance to electricity. This means that more current will efficiently pass through with minimal energy loss. For example, a 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) Wire has a resistance of roughly 10.15 ohms per 1,000 feet, while a 20 AWG wire has a much higher resistance of approximately 1.02 ohms per 1,000 feet. The lower value of resistance is a feature of thicker wires. Thinner wires have a higher value of resistance, which results in more heat generation. This energy loss is termed wasteful and, in grave scenarios, can lead to danger, such as fire, if the wire isn’t properly rated for the current flowing through it.

Additionally, varying the wire gauge affects the range of the solar panel and power system while also taking into consideration the voltage drop across longer distances. A higher gauge number means a smaller wire diameter. The detrimental impact on equipment functionality makes everything even worse in high-demand scenarios. For example, a 12 AWG wire is estimated to have a 3% drop in voltage with a 20-amp load over fifty feet, while a 14 AWG wire, under like conditions, is likely to surpass this limit, potentially endangering sensitive motors and electronics.

For operational efficiency and safety, all electrical installations must comply with legal frameworks like the National Electrical Code (NEC). The scope of these guidelines specifies the appropriate size of wires for particular ranges of currents based on the geography and ambient conditions (temperature, type of insulation, and conduits). Adhering to these standards helps to minimize the chances of equipment malfunction and functional energy usage, thereby saving money in the long run.

How Voltage Drop Affects Solar Panel Performance

Like any integrated system, solar panel systems have an efficiency boundary and performance constraint, which is dictated by the voltage drop. This is considered, and as energy is consumed by the system’s wiring and components, this basic circuitry resistor results in energy loss. If there is an increased physical distance between the solar panels and the inverter or load, this inefficiency further escalates, and the energy delivered to the system decreases considerably. This energy loss has adverse consequences, ultimately leading to decreased energy output, which further adversely impacts the economic return of investing in solar facilities.

In standard direct current (DC) systems, keeping the voltage drop within the 2% – 3% range is generally accepted by most industry standards. To illustrate, there are significant practical consequences of even a 3% voltage drop for a 48V solar system, as it translates to about a 1.44V reduction per cycle. Over time, these losses become considerable. Commonly known criteria affecting voltage drop are wire length, cross-sectional area, material (copper or aluminum), and system current.

To reduce voltage drops, engineers try to use thicker wires (lower gauge) or shorten the cable runs as much as possible. Modern solar systems also take advantage of advanced technology such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), which optimizes output, albeit with some losses. Controlling voltage levels in the solar installation is important to guarantee steady energy production and is especially critical in large-scale projects where wire runs can stretch over significant distances.

How to Calculate the Correct Wire Size for Your Solar Array?

Steps to Determine Wire Gauge for Your PV System

1. Establish the Total Output Current: To begin, I figured out the total output current of the solar array. This can be done either by summing the current ratings of all the panels or by calculating total wattage and dividing by operating voltage.
2. Capture Distance Measurements: Afterward, I capture the distance from the solar panels to the charge controller or inverter. Greater distances cause an increase in the diameter of the wires needed to minimize voltage drop.
3. Determine an Acceptable Voltage Decrease: I determine a voltage drop; ranges are usually below 3% of system efficiency. The voltage drop is proportional to energy lost in the form of heat within the wires.
4. Apply a Voltage Drop Formula: ChartI check the pre-calculated voltage drop and wire gauge chart applying a formula to ensure current, cable length, acceptable voltage drop, and other factors are aligned for proper wire sizing. In this instance, it is relative to the rounded trip measurement.
5. Adjust for Other External Influences: Ultimately, I consider the external temperature, conduit fill, or any other environmental factors that may pose a risk for needing a wire upsize placed in a safeguarded performance zone.

Using Voltage Drop Calculations to Select Wires

Factors Affecting Voltage Drop 

Safety and system efficiency depend on how well voltage drop calculations are done, closely monitoring key parameters such as conductor material, wire length, current, voltage level, and wire gauge size. For instance, with a given current and length, copper wires will experience less voltage drop than aluminum wires due to the high conductivity of copper.

Voltage Drop Example Calculation

Take as an example a copper conductor in a 120V circuit carrying 20 amps over a one-way distance of 100 feet with an equivalent round trip of 200 feet. Given these parameters, the voltage drop formula can be applied as follows:

Voltage Drop (V) = 2 * Length * Current * Resistivity / Cross Sectional Area

With the following values: 

Resistivity of Copper: 10.4 Ohm-cmil/foot
Cross section area of wire: 10 AWG = 10, 380 cmilReplacing values gives me:

Voltage Drop = (2 x 100 x 20 x 10.4) / 10380 = 0.4V 

This gives us a value of voltage drop of 0.4V, meaning the voltage drop is acceptable from a residential circuit standpoint since it remains within the 3% most circuits allow. If the adjustable load increases or in case more stringent limits on upper voltage drop allowable were set, a thicker wire gauge would be needed.

Voltage Drop Data Application

The most significant voltage drops often occur for supplies to outbuildings or solar panel installations. They also have longer cable runs, increasing their resistance and, thus, the losses sustained. When designing these circuits, it makes sense to consider upsizing the conductor to improve the cost-benefit relationship. Moreover, factors like increased environmental temperatures could further lower conductivity, thereby complicating the selection of wires.

As such, these professionals and engineers, along with the calculations, integrate optimizations using energy efficiency codes to design and improve the safety compliance, overall performance systems energy efficiency performance results.

Tools for Calculating Wire Size

A variety of tools and resources are available to professionals concerning compliance to standards and wire size determination. These tools take into account parameters such as voltage drop, current carrying capacity, ambient temperature, and conductor material, which are essential for cable gauge selection.

1. Voltage Drop Calculating Software: Estimate the wire gauge size needed for your solar installations using online and software-based wire gauge calculators. These devices allow users to enter system parameters such as Load Current, Conductor Length, and Voltage Levels, thus providing accurate estimations of power loss along the wiring. The calculators suggest appropriate wire or gauge sizes to minimize significant energy losses.
2. Conductor Ampacity Tables: These tables contain multi-conductor ampacity values found in electrical codes/standards (National Electrical Code). They contain the current carrying capacity (ampacity) that various conductor sizes can carry under certain Environmental and Operational conditions. This assists in wire size determination for safety and efficiency.
3. Electrical Design Software: Complete electrical systems including monitors and PST relays and other components can now be simulated using advanced software packages such as ETAP, AutoCAD Electrical, and SKM Power Tools. These programs include modules for calculating requirements and STK Circuit Performance Evaluation Under Load conditions.
4. Mobile Applications: A number of mobile applications, like Electrical Calc and Wire Size Calculator, offer fast and easy recommendations on wire sizes. These tools are beneficial in the field where calculations need to be performed on the spot.
5. Factor-Adjusting Charts: For projects subjected to atypical features, such as unusually higher regions of bundled conductors, correction factor charts are pivotal in modifying base ampacity values to more realistic levels. These charts assist in avoiding errors.

Strategic wire sizing not only maintains adherence to engineering standards but also enhances efficiency, increases uptime, and minimizes overheating or electrical failure risks. The integration of engineering skills alongside these tools guarantees safety and performance on various electrical projects.

What Cable Size Should Be Used for Connecting Panels in a Series?

Choosing the Right Cable for Series Connection

When determining the appropriate cable size for connecting the solar power panels in a series, the parameters that require attention include the current receiving ability of the system, the length of the cable and the minimum acceptable level of voltage drop in the circuit. Start by estimating the maximum current produced by the panels and measuring the total distance the cable will cover. From a general stance, it is optimal to use a cable that has sufficient gauge size to handle the current without exceeding a 3 percent voltage drop for best performance. In most standard solar panel setups, a 10 AWG cable is often considered standard, but in larger systems with longer distances, the use of thicker cables becomes necessary. The set requirements should always be verified against local electrical codes as well as the recommendations from the manufacturer to achieve optimal system performance and safety.

Effects of Wire Length on Solar Panel Systems

The wire length is vital in the working of a solar panel system due to its relation to the voltage drop and resistance. The longer the wire, the greater the resistance, causing power loss across the circuit to increase. This is critical for low voltage systems, which are highly sensitive, since even a small drop in voltage on the circuit can lead to a decrease in output efficiency.

As an example, consider a 12v solar system with improperly sized or excessively long wires, which can lead to a power loss of up to 5% due to voltage drop. In calculating permissible voltage drop for a given distance, the formula Voltage Drop (V) = Current (I) * Resistance (R) can be handy. The resistance in question is that of the material used, typically copper or aluminum, and the cross-section of the wire. Due to lower resistivity, copper wires are preferred for solar systems when compared to aluminum.

Also, evidence indicates that with a setup pushing 30 amps over 50 feet, a 10 AWG wire might result in exceeding the set 3% voltage drop threshold, which would indicate the need for a thicker wire, perhaps an 8 AWG. Correct sizing of wires averts unnecessary system inefficiencies and potentiates the safe functioning of the system by mitigating the safety concerns regarding overheating due to excessive resistance. System designers and installers must pay meticulous attention to best practices and local standards, considering wire length when designing the system and regularly recalculating to ensure accuracy.

How Does a Charge Controller Affect Wire Sizing?

Role of Charge Controller in Solar Wiring

In a solar power system, the charge controller is an important part because it helps manage the electrical energy from the solar panels to the battery bank and from the battery bank to the loads. The batteries are charged properly without damage due to overcharging, which reduces the life of the batteries. The charge controller also ensures that the voltage and the current coming from the solar panels are sent to the batteries by their needs and capacity.

When considering wire sizing, the type and configuration of the charge controller, either MPPT or PWM, makes a difference. In some cases, MPPT charge controllers enable the use of lighter gauge wires because those controllers are more efficient in power conversion and transfer. However, in the case of wider wire runs between the solar array and the controller, those wires have to be of lower gauges to reduce the voltage drop irrespective of the type of controller used.

For instance, an example can be seen in charge controllers in which higher input voltage (like 48V instead of 12V) is used. In such cases, the current will be lower, which will reduce ohmic losses in the wires. With a 48V system, a 10 AWG wire can support a 2% voltage drop over a distance of 100 feet at 20 amps. However, at 12V, a pair of feet would require 6 AWG wires to achieve better efficiency.

That said, the controller with an MPPT feature is capable of optimizing how power is harnessed from the solar panel, which ensures lower currents are drawn from the battery. Hence, the controller does not only manage energy usage but also enables simpler solutions for wiring based on the current and voltage needs of the system. So, it is vital to integrate the charge controller design features to the wire size calculation to achieve the ideal performance while observing restrictions in the level of safety and regulations.

Matching Wire Gauge with Charge Controller Requirements

In order to adjust the wire gauge to meet the requirements of the charge controller, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Each controller comes with an expected current output which determines how big the wires will need to be. Locate the specific model for its maximum current output.
2. It is important to consider how far away the device the controller will be placed as it has a direct effect how much voltage is lost. Measure both ends of the cables to understand all the distances they will need to travel.
3. To perform proper optimization of the energy transfer, make sure that our calculations do not exceed a 2-3% reduction of voltage drop and always maintain sufficient energy flow throughout your solar system. Calculated energy transfer for each system should not exceed standard voltage drop calculations.
4. Gauge charts approved for use and available in the public domain also get most of the work done. Make sure that the ones you are using align with your received values for voltage, current, and distance.
5. Make sure that the wire gauge selected for use falls within the accepted local codes. This allows us to avoid overheating and energy drain, which subsequently enhances safety.

Through following the mentioned steps above, you will be able to ensure that efficiency and safety is well maintained alongside proper adjustment to the charge controller’s requirements.

Why is Choosing the Right Wire Critical for a DIY Solar Project?

Common Mistakes in Selecting Wire Size for DIY Solar

Underestimation of Voltage Drop 

One of the errors many people make is ignoring voltage drop considerations on long wire runs. Without some appropriate calculation, voltage drop could lead to inefficiency as it can exceed caps between 2% and 3 % on average (recommended limits). For example, using a gauge that is too small on a 12V system across a 50-foot run can cost significant amounts of energy, which can be detrimental to solar setups and their effectiveness.

Ignoring Current Carrying Capacity 

Another critical mistake is disregarding the restrictions of the system about the conductor. Having wires that are too small can lead to overheating under excessive loads, which is a fire hazard. For instance, in theory, a ten-gauge wire could work for a twenty-ampere system, but with current spikes coupled with a rise in ambient temperatures, those conditions could overheat and become very unsafe.

Not Considering Environmental Factors

Extreme environmental factors such as high temperatures and sunlight can cause major damage to the insulation of the wire, affecting the current that can be carried. Wrapping wires with insulation without consideration of exposure to UV rays results in degradation and makes the construction unsafe.

Using the Wrong Wire Type and System Voltage

The connection of a solar system of higher voltage with wires rated for lesser voltages poses a risk. For example, wires used for a 12V system differ significantly in insulation and durability from those used for a 48V system, which require stricter standards to withstand higher stress.

Ignoring Electrical Code Compliance

Nonprofessional enthusiasts of DIY solar systems fail to follow local laws and provisions governing minimum wire size, insulation materials, and general installation of wiring. This neglect may lead to faulty installations, which may later come to haunt the individual legally or in terms of insurance claims. It is always best to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) or any relative rule within the area for proper and safe installations.

Using Only Length of the Wire as Focused Parameter

Focusing solely on the length of the wire, disregarding the load and voltage of the system, leads to poor wire results. Balancing all these factors is key to selecting the proper gauge, which will ideally aim to reduce losses while allowing adequate slack for system performance fluctuations.

Avoiding these common mistakes involves performing all calculations utilizing recognized algorithms, validated wire gauge reference guides, and seeking out professional advice as required. The efficiency, reliability, and overall safety of any solar power project greatly depend on the correct selection of wire.

Ensuring Performance and Safety in DIY Solar Installations

When conducting DIY solar power installations, advanced strategies need to be implemented to enhance efforts and ensure safety. Below are tips that can optimally bolster the performance and efficiency of your solar power:

Installation of High-Efficiency Solar Panels

Current technological advancements have seen the development of solar panels employing monocrystalline or bifacial designs with efficiencies exceeding 22%. Restricted roof space is not an obstacle anymore as high-efficiency panels are designed to produce more power per square foot.

Utilization of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

An MPPT charge controller allows your system to operate at a certain voltage and current level, which effectively maximizes energy yield. Improvements in energy capture are achieved through the implementation of Intrusive MPPT algorithms, which are able to adapt to changing sunlight conditions, outperforming older systems like PWM controllers by thirty percent.

Battery Selection and Management Systems (BMS)

Recent breakthroughs in storage systems, such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), introduce more energy in lesser volume, last longer, and have a higher level of safety than conventional lead acid batteries. Adding a smart BMS will allow effortless management of overcharging, overheating, and controlling the charging cycles, which improves the battery integrity and performance.

Protective Measures and Monitoring Systems  

Employing protection devices like fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protection systems greatly reduces the chances of electrical faults and damage. Furthermore, the addition of real-time monitoring tools with IoT dashboards enables users to evaluate performance, optimize load, and mitigate emerging faults.

Evaluating System Load with Greater Precision  

Conducting a comprehensive load analysis guarantees that the solar array and energy storage units are correctly sized and matched. Modern energy audit tools offer precise computations of daily consumption, peak loads, and other energy requirements over a specified period, including future projections.

Compliance with Enhanced Safety Regulations  

The most recent updates to the NEC guidelines (§690) include fundamental requirements for system grounding and rapid shut-off to safeguard users and installers alike. Following these requirements greatly increases system compliance, accident prevention, and overall system lifespan.

Employing these strategies alongside advanced components enables maximum efficiency and reliability for DIY solar installations. With particular regard to selecting the right wire gauge, the performance and safety of personal energy systems are maintained with continuous education on solar innovations and regulations.

Impact of Undersized Wires on Your Solar Panel System

Using undersized wires for a given solar panel system can significantly decrease its performance and pose safety hazards. Utilizing wires with smaller diameters than what the system’s current output needs results in increased resistance, which leads to energy being uselessly burnt in the form of heat. For instance, a 12 g wire capable of carrying 20 amps of current over a distance of 100 feet can experience a drop in voltage of 6-7%. This is compared to just under 3% loss in voltage experienced by an 8g wire of the same length, which is correctly sized for the current. The cumulative power loss over time for solar installations increases because of these factors.

Wires of a smaller gauge than recommended carry excessive amounts of heat which gets converted to thermal energy due to the excessive current flowing through them which can hamper the reliability of the insulation used on the wires and increase the fire risk considerably which is concerning in high power systems where overheating is a real issue under continuous load. Regulations set on electricity outline that voltage drops exceeding 3% lead to losses in system efficiency, something which should be avoided which the National Electric Code imposes. Selecting the right materials to construct wires also guarantees reduced power losses and better temperature regulation; therefore, wires with the correct gauge made out of copper or aluminum should be used.

To prevent the problems mentioned, it is important to perform a wire sizing analysis during installation. This analysis should include system voltage, current flow, distance from the modules to the inverter, and more. The considerations above not only fulfill regulatory requirements but also improve the safety and efficiency of the solar array over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is selecting the correct wire size important for a solar power system?

A: Selecting the correct wire size for your solar power system is critical for the proper functioning of your system. It affects efficiency, safety, overheating, and performance of the solar panels and battery bank. Furthermore, proper wire sizing helps with minimal power loss and reduces the risk of every component overheating and maximally improves the performance of the entire setup. The gauge of the wire used also affects the voltage drop. With the right components, one can achieve an optimal solar power experience.

Q: How do I determine the right size wire for my solar panel system?

A: To determine the appropriate wire for your solar panel system, one must first take into consideration the total wattage of solar panels, the amperage of the entire system, the distance between constituent components, and the voltage of the setup, such as 12. You can determine the value of the wire using an online calculator or by referring to the American Wire Gauge AWG chart. Make sure to consider the output of the system, which, if high-voltage, makes thinner wires ideal, but low-voltage systems suggest thicker ones.

Q: What are the repercussions of using undersized wire in my solar power system?

A: The main problems that will arise with a solar power system that uses undersized wires include higher resistance, which leads to greater power loss and voltage drop, less efficiency, wire overheating, and greater safety risks due to the undersized wire gap. In the worst case, it can result in a fire. Using the correct size wire guarantees safety and efficiency in the system.

Q: What is the impact of wire gauge on the optimal performance of my solar panel wiring?

A: Wire gauge can greatly impact solar panel wiring performance. With the increasing gauge number comes an increase in the wire thickness, which means lower diameter wires will have greater gauge numbers. Wider wires (higher gauge numbers) are better because they possess greater power and efficiency due to reduced resistance such as current flow. A good example would be the 10 AWG wire, which has greater resistance than the 12 AWG pipe. Performance optimization of solar power systems heavily relies on appropriate wire gauge selection.

Q: For a 100-watt solar panel, what type of cable will I require?

A: In a 12-volt system, the 100-watt solar panel will require an AWG gauge wire of 12, provided that the distance between the solar panel and the battery bank or the solar controller is short. In case the distance increases or there are multiple panels, then to minimize power loss, using thicker wires like 10 or 8 AWG would be beneficial.

Q: In what manner does the length of the cable affect the selection of the wire gauge in a solar power system?

A: The length of the cable is important in determining the wire size for the solar power system. Longer wire runs suffer from even greater voltage drop and power loss due to resistance. To overcome this, you may need to use a thicker wire (lower gauge number) for longer distances. For example, a short run might be fine with 12 AWG wire, but a longer run may require 10 AWG or even 8 AWG to maintain effectiveness and reduce voltage drop as much as possible.

Q: Is the use of unequal wire gauges in constructed solar power systems acceptable?

A: The use of unequal wire gauges in constructed solar power systems is acceptable and advisable. For optimum performance, it is recommended to make use of unequal wire gauges. For example, stronger wires could be used for the more central runs from the solar PV panels to the charge controller and battery bank, while weaker wires could be used for the connections to individual devices or appliances. Always make sure that the wire is the correct size for the amount of current it needs to carry and the distance that it needs to travel.

Q: What type of wire should I use for my solar panel system?

A: Most solar panel systems tend to use copper wire as it is highly conductive and durable. For your application, a stranded copper wire with UV-resistant insulation is ideal for outdoor use. An excellent alternative is solar cable, which is made specifically for photovoltaic systems since it is built to endure extreme weather conditions. For safety and efficiency, use wire that is rated for the voltage and current requirements of your system.

Reference Sources

1. Optimal Sizing and Economic Analysis of Community Battery Systems Considering Sensitivity and Uncertainty Factors

• Authors: Ziad Ragab et al.
• Journal: Energies
• Publication Date: September 23, 2024
• Citation: (Ragab et al., 2024)

Key Findings:

• This study offers a model for the optimal sizing and operation of community battery systems in economically efficient PV-rich rooftop communities.
• Wiring in energy systems from a performance and energy loss perspective is an area of focus in this paper’s analysis.

Methodology:

• In estimating the community battery system’s economic efficiency, the authors performed sensitivity and uncertainty analyses with wire sizing, including the use of Monte Carlo simulations.
• The model’s scenarios were run with varying parameters to find the optimal configuration for maximum financial returns.

2. Optimal Design of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

• Authors: Hoe-Gil Lee
• Journal: 2015 IEEE International Multidisciplinary Conference on Engineering Technology (IMCET)
• Publication Date: 1 November 2015
• Citation: (Lee, 2015)

Key Takeaways:

• Photovoltaic energy considered the design of a solar panel system including wire length energy losses and efficiency maximizer, application efficiencies for all components and subsystems within the design framework.
• The design approach underscores the need for precise definition of parameters such as the diameter of the transfer wires for maximum energy flow from devices towards inverters and storage systems.

Methodology:

• The performance forecasting of solar PV systems was done probabilistically and with fuzzy logic methodologies, which also included evaluation of the effect of wire diameter on efficiency on overall system energy efficiency.
• In addition, the design models were subjected to several parameters to determine the impact of the parameters on the performance of solar panel systems.

3. Most Effective Configuration of Solar Panel and Battery Storage for an Intelligent Aquaponic System

• Authors: Mohd Farhan Mohd Ali et al.
• Journal: 2021 IEEE 19th Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD)
• Publication Date: Nov 23, 2021
• Citation: (Ali et al., 2021, pp. 186–191)

Key Findings: 

• The key objective of the research is to determine the optimal size of solar panels and battery storage for a smart aquaponic system and also focus on the important role of wire sizing in system concept design.
• The work shows that wire sizing is very important in the system for energy flow to ensure minimal losses in the system the latter is intended to work in.

Methodology: 

• Power consumption data, available solar energy resources, and energy harvesting were monitored using a data logger that the authors designed.
• Data collection, wire sizing consideration as a part of system design, and energy efficiency were the main solution directions to achieve the preset goals.