Good quality deck plugs for removable solar panels.

[davethedog]

Morning all,

Looking at adding some semi flex solar panels to the bimini and want to be able to remove them if we decide to roll back the bimini and therefore after some good quality deck plugs that are suitable for this purpose. Must be waterproof of course and also able to handle the electrical loads etc.

So, any recommendations please?

DTD

 

[fredrussell]

Bulgin connectors are the usual recommendation on here if memory serves.

 

[sarabande]

I am looking at waterproof Anderson connectors for a similar installation.

Top 10 Best Waterproof Anderson Plug Reviews Comparison 2022 (greatcometbroadway.com)

Electop SAE Power Socket Sidewall Port, Weatherproof SAE Quick Connect Solar Panel Mount Universal Flush-Mountable Connector, 12AWG SAE Cable with 8 Screws for Solar Generator Battery Charger (2 Pack) : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

 

[andyc352]

I used Bulgin plug and socket.

Index Marine Bulgin 2-Pin Plug and Low Flange Socket DP2

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Check the rating. Those Bulgin plugs can be rated as low as 2A although the ones linked are good to 12A.

 

[TSB240]

Most good solar panel installations will want 4mm cable minimum to the controller. There is no way you can fit 4mm cable into the bulgin bulkhead screw connector sockets that others are recommending.

I used a range of flexible panels on old boat and up to 60w they usually only have 2.5mm maximum cables. These will fit a bulgin plug.
I fitted a small ip67 junction box with a bulgin bulkhead fitting for each SP to provide an above deck marshaling point.
They were then interconnected with wago terminals inside the box. Terminals will accept up to 6mm cable for your run to the controller. I used short lengths of 2.5mm from the individual bulkhead sockets to the terminals.
Jumper bar to inter connect terminals in either series or parallel depending on controller type and panel shading.

Beware there have been reports of biminis catching fire in hotter climates when fitted with flexible panels.?

 

[bluerm166]

Use good quality MC4 connectors .Such as the SWA type ref MC4C from CEF.

 

[KompetentKrew]

I used Bulgin plug and socket.

Index Marine Bulgin 2-Pin Plug and Low Flange Socket DP2

I haven't tried them, but I think I would favour these over Bulgin for new installations: IP67 Waterproof Panel Mount Connectors (12V,20A) | 12 Volt Planet

These are made by a company called CNlinko, and are also available from eBay and AliExpress, who may be cheaper.

These CNlinko connectors are cheaper than Bulgin and also the Bulgin screws on with quite a fine thread which is prone to misthreading; whereas the CNlinko requires only about a full turn.