The purpose of a Ring solar panel extension cable is to help extend the distance between a ring solar panel and a ring device such as the Ring doorbell and security camera.
The extension cable will allow you to position the solar panel in a location with better sunlight exposure and place your device in a better spot.
Extending a ring solar panel wire can cause power loss. However, choosing the right length will reduce the negative effects.
In this article, I will go in-depth to talk more about ring solar panel extension cable and their effects.
Also, see why the ring solar panel is not charging.
What Is A Ring Solar Cable Extension?
A ring solar cable extension is a cable used to connect solar panels to the ring devices.
These cables have been carefully developed to endure sunlight and severe temperatures, making them perfect for outdoor solar power systems.
MC4 connectors are locking connectors that enable a secure, watertight connection and are commonly used in solar wire extensions.
These connections are used in the solar energy sector and work with most solar panels and inverter systems.
What Is The Purpose Of A Solar Cable Extension?
You may require a solar cable extension for your solar energy system for various reasons. Here are the most essential ones:
Distance between solar panels: If a significant distance separates your solar panels, a solar cable extension will be required to link them.
Solar cable extensions allow you to connect solar panels without cutting and splicing wires of varying lengths.
Inverter Location: If your smart inverter is positioned distant from your solar panels, a solar cable extension will be required to link them.
This allows you to transfer the energy produced by the solar panels to the inverter, where it is turned into useful electricity.
Custom Setups: If your solar power system has a custom configuration, you may require a solar cable extender to link different system components.
For example, if you have many solar panels linked in series or parallel, you may want a solar cable extender to connect them correctly.
How Do I Install A Ring Solar Cable Extension?
Installing a ring solar cable extension is straightforward, but following the manufacturer’s instructions and keeping some safety precautions in mind is essential.
The following are some general measures to take:
- Before commencing installation, turn off the solar energy system. This will avoid electrical dangers and system damage.
- Connect one end of the cable to a solar panel, ensuring the MC4 connection is securely attached.
- Connect the other end of the wire to the ring solar devices, depending on your system arrangement. Check that the MC4 connection is firmly attached and that the cable length is adequate to reach the ultimate destination without undue strain.
- Rep the preceding procedures to connect all required cable extensions to your solar power installation.
- Once you’ve connected all the cable extensions, double-check the polarity and ensure the connection is secure.
- Reconnect the electricity to the solar panel system and double-check all connections before turning it back on.
How do I choose the best ring solar cable extension?
There are various aspects to consider while selecting a ring solar cable extender. Here are a few of the more important ones:
- Length: Depending on your system setup, the cable should be long enough to reach from your solar panels to the ring devices. It is critical to select an adequate length to avoid cutting and splicing cables, which can affect system efficiency and safety. The average length is 10 to 20 feet.
- Gauge: The wire’s gauge must be sufficient to sustain the electricity passing through it. Overheating and system damage might occur if the gauge is too tiny. As a result, it is critical to select an appropriate gauge to ensure the system’s efficiency and safety.
- Insulation type: The cable insulation type must suit environmental circumstances. If your solar panel system is exposed to the sun and water, for example, you should select a cable with water- and UV-resistant insulation.
- Compatibility: Selecting a ring solar cable extension that is compatible with the MC4 connections on your solar panels and ring devices system is critical. Before selecting a solar cable extension, double-check the technical parameters of your components.
How Long Can A Solar Extension Cable Be?
A solar extension cable can be as long as you want, but the longer the cable, the more electricity can be lost as it travels a long distance.
In contrast, using a shorter cable length will need more power; when the cable is too short, it might not reach where you need it.
These are some of the little things around the right extension cable length. However, to determine the right length, you should consider factors such as the power of your solar panels and the distance to your devices.
Here are some things that can also determine the length of a solar extension cable cab. Let’s take a look at these brief tips:
Voltage factor on cable
Keep the cable length as short as possible for low-voltage DC systems often used in solar installations (e.g., 12V or 24V), especially for greater power systems.
Power loss can be severe with more extended cable use. For 12V systems, try to keep it under 100 feet (30 meters), and much shorter for 24V systems.
Cable gauge effect
Thicker cables have lower electrical resistance and can transport power over greater distances with less loss.
If you want a longer cable, choose a thicker gauge (lower AWG number) to compensate for the extra length. A 10 AWG cable, for example, can tolerate greater lengths than a 12 AWG wire.
Electricity Requirements of the cable
The electricity rate generated by your solar panels and the power consumed by your gadgets is also very important.
Shorter cable lengths may be required if you have high-power devices or panels to reduce power loss.
Ring Solar Panel Extension Cable Black
The black ring solar panel extension cable is practically the same as every other ring extended cable.
The main difference is in color, and it is commonly used for outdoor installations to blend in with outdoor settings.
It can be used to connect the Ring solar panels to the Ring’s security camera systems, such as the Ring Spotlight Cam, Ring Stick Up Cam, and Ring Doorbell.
Like every other ring extension cable, it allows you to place the solar panel in a location with better sun exposure, even if it’s farther away from the camera.
The black extension solar panels are available in lengths of 10 to 20 feet.
To use it, you would connect one end of the extension cable to your Ring Solar Panel and the other end to your Ring camera.
This way, you can ensure that your camera stays powered by solar energy, reducing the need for battery recharging or wired electrical connections.
Ring Solar Panel Extension Cable For Stick Up Cam
Ring stick up cam solar panel is a compact gadget that a micro-USB cable can be put outside and connected to your ring stick up cam.
Now, the ring solar panel extension cable for stick-up cam is an extension cable that is designed to extend the reach of the ring solar panel with Ring Stick Up Cameras.
This solar panel extension cable is designed to work only with the Ring’s Stick Up Cam models.
However, it serves a similar purpose as other extension cables, such as generic solar extension cables.
However, there are some key details about this extension cable that will be considering now:
1. The Compatible with Stick Up Cam
The ring solar panel extension cable uses ring stick up cameras and ring solar panels.
It provides a convenient way to connect the solar panel to the camera, ensuring a continuous power supply.
2. The Length Options for Stick-Up Cam
This ring has different length options for the extension cable, ranging from 15 to 30 feet. Your length depends on the distance between your solar panel and stick up cam.
3. Extension cable weather-resistant
Like other Ring accessories, this extension cable is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use.
How Fast Does Ring Solar Panel Charge
Knowing how quickly a ring panel charges depends entirely on the device and what you’re charging.
A Ring solar panel should charge a gadget in 3 to 4 hours. This depends on how the gadget is used and how much sunshine the solar panel receives.
For example, charging the ring stick up cam battery takes 5-10 hours using the accompanying micro-USB connection and power adapter.
If you choose the ring solar panel, however, the camera may be charged continually with direct sunshine, removing the need for manual charging.
It is crucial to remember that the age and usage of the battery may influence the charging time.
If the battery is old or has been used regularly, charging it completely may take longer. Extreme temperatures can also impact charging time and overall battery life.
The time it takes to charge a ring solar panel is determined based on its power output and the capacity of the device’s battery.
Let’s look at each element using the ring doorbell cam as an example.
At 5.2 volts, the Ring Solar Panel generates 2.2 watts. To find out how much power it generates in amps, do the following:
W / V = Amps.
2.2W /5.2V = 0.43 amps
According to this computation, the capacity of the ringing doorbell battery is 0.43 amps.
Divide the battery capacity by the solar panel output to calculate the battery charge time, usually 4 amps.
The Ring Solar Panel generates 0.43 amps of power. As a result, the formula would be as follows:
A / A = Hrs.
2A / 0.43A = 5 hours.
Because the super solar panel has a larger output, it will charge faster. It would take around 5 hours.
The best charging time for the accompanying micro-USB connection and power adapter is suggested.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the ring solar panel extension cable.
You need to know this about the ring solar panel extension cable. When choosing a solar cable extension, consider the diameter, length, type of insulation, and whether it works with your solar parts.
Also, ensure the cable is the right size, which will help keep them from heating and preventing energy loss.
It’s best to pick the right length from the start to avoid cutting and slicing wires. Cutting and splicing a solar wire extension is not a good idea.
Read also about the ring doorbell solar panel charger here.
