Connections for PV panels

zoidberg

zoidberg

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Nov 2016
Messages
6,983
Visit site
I'm looking to mount a pair of PV panels P&S on my pushpit rails, and use a pair of connectors fitted into the moulded coamings, then to a pair of SmartSolar MPPT devices. I'll want to disconnect regularly and stow the panels and cables below when prudent. There seem to be several connector-products available.

The decks and coamings will be sluiced periodically by seawater ( as will I ). I'm concerned about resistance to corrosion.

Who can suggest connector-products that HAVE stood up to the sailyboat environment?
 
Standard solar MC4 connectors are fine

I've had them on my boat for 7 years so far - on the deck level up front, on the coach roof and on the cockpit hard top - around 24 of them and her failures and no loss of current after all this time
 
I have been using these on short fly leads this season. Our panels are not permanently mounted, we leave them in the cockpit during the week and disconnect and move them inside when on the boat so they have regularly been disconnected and reconnected. When disconnected the open end has not been protected from water and there have been no problems.

IP67 Waterproof In-Line Connectors | 12 Volt Planet
 
Chiara’s slave said:
We use MC4 connectors. 4 years so far, no issues.
Click to expand...
I've not been too impressed with them. I used the 2 to 1 adapters hung vertically, water got in and corroded them, the contacts are not copper or brass, I think there aluminium. I'm still using them but with lots of silicone grease on the seals and I've mounted them under the cover of the panels.
 
Corrosion X would be sensible whatever connectors you use ...

Even with exterior weather-proof connectors - the usual let-down is where the cable enters the socket / plugs.

I have used XT30 .. XT60 connectors which can be had in gold plated etc. You can even get sealing covers for them - but Corrosion X is best.
 
The thing that annoys me with panels .... the cable connection to the panels.

The old panel I want to replace on my 38 .. the 'block' is on top and panel sits nicely onto the deck.... but all the replacements I can find - the cable block is UNDER the panel - causing it to not sit nicely on the deck.
 
The connectors Chris-S used are interesting, they are two pin wheras the MC-4 connectors are single pin and connect easily to the single core tails on most solar panels. How did you connect those to the single core panel tails to the connectors and get a waterproof joint. and are the connectors non-reversible?
David MH
 
davidmh said:
The connectors Chris-S used are interesting, they are two pin wheras the MC-4 connectors are single pin and connect easily to the single core tails on most solar panels. How did you connect those to the single core panel tails to the connectors and get a waterproof joint. and are the connectors non-reversible?
David MH
Click to expand...
I removed the fly leads from the little box on the back of the panel and fitted a new single twin core cable. I’ve only got a couple of 100w panels, wired separately back to the controller so don’t see an issue with this and they have been fine. They are very weather proof
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top