Path-Q Solar
How far can a ground-mounted solar array be from the house before electrical losses become a concern?
Answer
There is no single distance cutoff. Electrical losses depend on conductor length, system voltage, current, conductor size and material, connection design, and whether the run is direct-current or alternating-current. A properly designed system can serve a relatively distant array, but longer runs generally require larger conductors or higher voltage and increase trenching and equipment cost.
Key points
- Losses increase with electrical resistance and current, and resistance increases with conductor length.
- The designer should calculate voltage drop and system losses for the complete route.
- Distance also affects trenching, conduit, protection, maintenance, communications, and fault-response requirements.
- A slightly more distant, sunnier site may still outperform a nearby shaded site.
What it depends on
- Array size and operating voltage
- Conductor length, material, and size
- DC or AC architecture and equipment locations
- Ground conditions and trenching route
- Acceptable loss, cost, and maintenance objectives
Risks and trade-offs
- Undersized conductors can reduce production, increase heating, or create reliability problems.
- Oversizing conductors reduces losses but may make trenching and installation uneconomic.
- Long underground routes add exposure to water, damage, and future repair difficulty.
Information you may need
- Measured one-way distance and route
- Array voltage, current, and equipment configuration
- Conductor and conduit proposal
- Calculated voltage drop, loss, and installed cost
Your next step
What to do next
Request a wiring calculation that states the expected voltage drop and losses, conductor sizes, route length, trenching scope, and cost alternatives.
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