connecting a solar array

System

This is very basic but I am doing some research so here goes:

I am looking a solar panels that use MC4 connectors and it appears to me that you can only connect them in series, +ve to -ve.

But I want to run a 12v system and connect a few panels in parellel. How do I do it or am I misunderstanding something?

RandomJoe

Re: connecting a solar array

You use something like this:

http://store.solar-electric.com/mumc4colam.html

System2

Re: connecting a solar array

Aha! Thanks for the help.

lorelec

Re: connecting a solar array

If you're handy with a soldering gun, you could always cut the connnectors off, solder the wires together, and heatshrink the connection with some glue-lined waterproof tubing (or something similar). Not as elegant as the adapter method, but cheaper and probably more reliable.

Marc

BB.

Re: connecting a solar array

One reason to not cut the connector(s) off of the panels is that, for many vendors, it will invalidate the warranty.

Generally, if you only have a few connections to make up (and don't want to purchase the correct crimping tools)--just get a male/female cable from here, and cut them in half... Use those for your transition connections.

-Bill

lorelec

Re: connecting a solar array

BB. wrote: »

One reason to not cut the connector(s) off of the panels is that, for many vendors, it will invalidate the warranty.

Sounds like a ploy to sell couplers

Marc

BB.

Re: connecting a solar array

lorelec wrote: »

Sounds like a ploy to sell couplers

Marc

Or a ploy to sell salvaged/returned material as new.

-Bill