MC4 Solar cable connectors

[xeitosaphil]

Hi I have been trying to find a MC4 solar connector to convert two solar panel cables from the panel junction box, 1 x + cable and 1 x – cable to a single two core + and - supply cable to the charge controller, without any success. The panel came with two MC4 connectors fitted as standard.
Does anyone know if one is available or have a link. Is there a normal way of doing this or can suggest another acceptable waterproof alternative. I would have thought that this was a common occurrence but it seems not so.
I thought one two core cable would be a neater less cumbersome job, without the need to run two separate cables as most of the run will be on the surface.

Thanks for any links or suggestions.

 

[Hadenough]

Hi I have been trying to find a MC4 solar connector to convert two solar panel cables from the panel junction box, 1 x + cable and 1 x – cable to a single two core + and - supply cable to the charge controller, without any success. The panel came with two MC4 connectors fitted as standard.
Does anyone know if one is available or have a link. Is there a normal way of doing this or can suggest another acceptable waterproof alternative. I would have thought that this was a common occurrence but it seems not so.
I thought one two core cable would be a neater less cumbersome job, without the need to run two separate cables as most of the run will be on the surface.

Thanks for any links or suggestions.

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/MC4-Solar-Branch-Connectors-Pair.html

I've just orderd some with a big order for panels and controller. Really helpfull on the phone if needed.

 

[Cardo]

Get something like this -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MC4-PLUGS...20919842940?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item1c2762607c

Crimp them onto a length of two core cable on the solar panel end (very easily done), and connect the solar panel to those. The other end of the two core cable, well, do as you wish!

 

[xeitosaphil]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/MC4-Solar-Branch-Connectors-Pair.html

I've just orderd some with a big order for panels and controller. Really helpfull on the phone if needed.

Thanks for the link, but like I already said these are exactly the same as the ones I said I could find.They only allow you to join two cables of the same sort to another one of the same sort,and neither allow to join two single cables of different polarity + and - to a single 2 core cable - hense two seperate single cables into one twin core cable using MC4 connectors.

 

[VicMallows]

Why be so obsessed with using that particular connector - just because the solar industry seems to have adopted it? Surely a well made, waterproof connection is the only concern?

 

[Cardo]

Thanks for the link, but like I already said these are exactly the same as the ones I said I could find.They only allow you to join two cables of the same sort to another one of the same sort,and neither allow to join two single cables of different polarity + and - to a single 2 core cable - hense two seperate single cables into one twin core cable using MC4 connectors.

I have a two core cable connected to a solar panel using those connectors. Simply separate the two cores and put a connector on each core. Simples.

 

[[3889]]

I've bodged a similar connection with self-amalgamating tape but found the 4mm 2 core more cumbersome and expensive than the proper solar cable supplied with connectors fitted. I wish I'd stuck with the 2 cables now.
Standard 4mm conductors don't seal properly in the MC4 connectors.

 

[Hadenough]

I have a two core cable connected to a solar panel using those connectors. Simply separate the two cores and put a connector on each core. Simples.

Ditto. And just heat shrink where the two single cables exit the outer insulation. Neat job.

 

[xeitosaphil]

Thanks for all the tips, as there doesn’t seem to be a production type connector for the job, I will order a couple of MC4 connectors as Cardo suggests, and join them like he and Hadenough suggest.