MC-less wiring question
VolcanoSolar
Solar Expert Posts: 56 ✭
Hi everyone,
I just bought some 3-year-old Sanyo 200-watt panels. It looks like they came with MC-3 type connectors, but the wires were simply cut off when removed from their prior location. :grr So each panel has only about an 8-12" wire lead with a cut end.
I'm thinking of just siliconing a PVC junction box to the back of each one, routing the wires into the box via small bushings, then splicing in the box with conventional wire nuts or crimps.
Any code (or other) issues with this plan?
Thanks,
- Ted
I just bought some 3-year-old Sanyo 200-watt panels. It looks like they came with MC-3 type connectors, but the wires were simply cut off when removed from their prior location. :grr So each panel has only about an 8-12" wire lead with a cut end.
I'm thinking of just siliconing a PVC junction box to the back of each one, routing the wires into the box via small bushings, then splicing in the box with conventional wire nuts or crimps.
Any code (or other) issues with this plan?
Thanks,
- Ted
Comments
heool Volacno ..
Some, here have said that for some Panel manufacturers, cutting the MC connectors off the leads will VOID the Mfg warranty. I dunno about the panels you have. The panels in question might even have a Limited Warranty, in which case, the warranty might not be transferrable.
However, if cutting the MCs off these panels did not void the warranty, gluing a junction box onto the panel just might. The mfg might be concerned about compatibility twix the glue and the back-sheet, or perhaps some extra stress placed on the back of the pane by the boxl, or perhaps for some other reason. Wonder if there is sufficient lead length to mount a J-box on the back of the frame ...of if there is some compliant in-line splice. Sure did like the old real J-boxes which would take 1/2-inch waterproof grommets, or cable exits (whatever one calls them).
Anyway, Good Luck. Vic
it might be a good idea to present your dilemma to sanyo and see what they say about the warranty, the box and the warranty, and what the best recourse is to take. let us know of any reply and advice from them if you wouldn't mind.
Good questions, I hadn't even thought about a warranty (at $2.50 per watt, it wasn't a concern) or even contacting Sanyo. I just emailed them and I'll report back what I find out.
- Ted
I'm not sure, but I think some cities will require that the solar panels be listed (UL or ETL or such) and if the inspector knew anything about it might say that this violates the listing.
I would crimp on new MC3 connectors.
On the off chance that you're in Southern California I could do it for you if you don't have a crimper.
Thanks for the offer, but I'm in Hawaii. Chances are the inspector won't be an issue. I looked at MC crimpers but at $600 no, not an option. Maybe I'll check with local solar installers though.
If you need longer wires w/MC connectors buy some of the 'extension' wires - they have a (+) connector on one end and a (-) on the other. Cut them in half and splice the wires on to the existing stubs (make sure you get the polarity right). Seal the joint with heat-shrink tubing (has to be slipped over the wire before you solder the connection).
Right, I've used cut MC "extension" wires this way when wiring my existing system. But are you saying to just splice into the existing wires and seal with heat-shrink?
My "not to code" alarm bell is ringing on that one, I wouldn't trust the heat-shrink tubing to provide complete mechanical protection over the long haul, I'd rather see a splice like this inside a PVC box.
My "not to code" alarm bell is ringing on that one, I wouldn't trust the heat-shrink tubing to provide complete mechanical protection over the long haul, I'd rather see a splice like this inside a PVC box.
Get the glue lined heatshrink it much thicker and more stable than "normal "heatshrink
From Sanyo:
Thank you for your interest in Sanyo high efficiency solar
panels.
I am sorry to tell you that the warranty does not transfer
along with your purchase of these
panels from the original owner.
I am happy to forward onto you an installation manual, but
any issues regarding the warranty
are already compromised. I hope you are successful in
generating solar power from your system.
Sincerely,
Customer Service Solar Department
SANYO Energy (USA) Corp.
I found that part rather interesting. All warranties have some restrictions, but that statement seems to imply that if you sell your home with Sanyo panels on it, the warranty will not transfer to the new owner.
Sounds like a good reason NOT to buy the Sanyo panels, first I have ever heard of a warranty is for the purchaser, not the product.
Sanyo has show over and over again they want to wiggle out of warranty's, like the temperature/humidity flap they started about two years ago ...
Yes, that surprised me too. I just emailed them again for clarification on that point.
Here is the applicable warranty statement from one of 4 versions of Sanyo's current warranty list:
Not quite clear---A) product must remain at original installation,
Would seem if "VolcanoSolar" has a copy of the original copy of the receipt and a bill-of-sale from the original customer -- should be covered under the Sanyo Warranty.
These limitations could void the warranty for other reasons:
I always wonder how this statement of 5 year warranty on mfg. defects vs the 80% over 20 year performance guarantee (woops--"failed" panel at 15 years--zero output; but we only guarantee for 5 years--may be the difference between 100% 5 year vs pro-rated payments).
-Bill
Don't think so...his panels aren't at the "original installed location".
It is the old question of a list of ... and ... and ... or .,..
Are the clauses all, either, and, or, nor etc...
But, I would agree that Sanyo would interpret the warranty to their favor (and not pay out) if at all possible.
-Bill
Since when do solar panels have a "title" as in "title holder"?
Kyocera for example didn't ask for anything except the serial number of the panel for exchanging a defective panel for my old system, same for Matrix/Photowatt's.
There is a thread on here where Sanyo changed the humidity/temperature spec and normal installations in the south or south west would "void" the warranty .. I thought Wind-Sun dropped them as a vendor for these shenanigans? Sanyo later backed off, but it seemed clear they were trying to play word smith to limit the warrantys and this doesn't help when Sanyo has the HIT process, no one else uses and no long term data to show they will last 20+ years