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Subject Topic: Solar panel wiring help !!! Post Reply Post New Topic
Persondean1050
via mobile 25/3/2020 at 6:09am
 Location: South East
 Outfit: Outwell Cruiser 5A View dean1050's Profile View Profile   Reply to dean1050 Reply   Quote dean1050 Quote  
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Hi, as the sun has been out today and I have been isolated! I thought I would finally have a look at the solar panel set up on my day van. Without going into too much detail I have a renogy 100W solar suitcase panel with the built in 20Amp charge controller. This is portable as I think it's best to move the panel every couple of hours with the sun. Anyway, the battery and inverter stay in the van and I have a cable out through the roof that allows me to connect the panel when needed. These MC4 connections are a bit fiddly and I dont think are too robust so , My question is, can i remove the MC4 connectors and replace them with a single 16amp weatherproof socket ? As I think this is a much quicker and sturdier connection. Basically I would like the connections to be the same a the campsite hook up connections , but for my solar set up.



Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks,
Dean


PersonDaveS1
via mobile 25/3/2020 at 10:25am
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
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If I am reading you correctly then don't even think about it!
The whole idea of different types of plug and socket connectors is so that you cannot connect things that shouldn't be connected.
If you affix a 230v socket to a 12v system then it won't be long before someone puts 230v through with disastrous results.
If I have misunderstood your intentions then,sorry, otherwise leave things as they are.
DaveS1


PersonErnie DB
25/3/2020 at 1:28pm
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If the problem with the MC4 connector is the fact that it locks and needs a tool to unlock, then my first thought would be 'disable' the locking mechanism.


Something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/ETUKER-Trailer-Pinwaterproof-Connectors-Accessories/dp/B0........ might be suitable, though the listing does not give a current rating.

I fully agree with DaveS1's comment

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Never argue with fools........They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.


Personbirder99
25/3/2020 at 4:18pm
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Tin tent diddy tent BIG tent View birder99's Profile View Profile   Reply to birder99 Reply   Quote birder99 Quote  
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Try Anderson Connectors. They are waterproof and easy to connect and disconnect. Anderson have some videos on youtube.

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'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'


PersonOctavia4x4
25/3/2020 at 6:41pm
 Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482 View Octavia4x4's Profile View Profile   Reply to Octavia4x4 Reply   Quote Octavia4x4 Quote  
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Anderson connectors then you cannot get +/- mixed up. Fused link to battery, my 150w panel wiring comes in through the front underbed locker





Post last edited on 25/03/2020 18:45:15

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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)


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PersonPhishing
25/3/2020 at 7:38pm
 Location: Merseyside
 Outfit: Coachman 575 View Phishing's Profile View Profile   Reply to Phishing Reply   Quote Phishing Quote  
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Another vote for the Anderson. Also, oversolder the crimp connectors and reduce the cable length as far as you can, this reduces the volt drop in the system. Rotating the panel is not really required, face it south and you will get virtually all the benefit.


Personnavver
25/3/2020 at 8:10pm
 Location: West country
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Is there an issue with the solar panel still generating if you unplug it from the battery or load. Does this cause a dangerous voltage to build up. Solution: cover the panel before connecting or disconnecting.


PersonPhishing
25/3/2020 at 8:59pm
 Location: Merseyside
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No, the voltage is fixed, 18v i think from the panel and the regulator output is controlled. If it is not connected it is open circuit so does not function. If you dont use the solar energy the panel just gets hot, like any dark surface in the sun.


Persondean1050
via mobile 26/3/2020 at 7:55am
 Location: South East
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Great response . Many thanks for the help. DaveS1 - I understand that , however if I was to use a female connection with the weathered flap surely nothing can plug into it only the male socket ? No campsite or 240V would be set up where the male end of the connections are live ? ( just asking not doubting for one second that this could happen even though that would be utter madness)



Persondean1050
via mobile 26/3/2020 at 7:57am
 Location: South East
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I like the look of this, thanks. I'll try get a picture of what I have done on my set up. Previous comment from DaveS1 has me doubting what I have done so I will most probably change it as he has given a good point.


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PersonFrancais
27/3/2020 at 9:57pm
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Been doing some experiments with Anderson connectors, using my 25 watt Antex soldering did not work well for flood soldering, tried my gas blow torch but the flame was just to big, although did work well for flood soldering albeit a little over the top.

Have since bought a Dremel 2000 portable gas soldering iron, perfect for flood soldering Anderson connectors, £30 for the Dremel so not that expensive, and a definite good addition to my tool box, having never owned a gas soldering iron before.


PersonPhishing
27/3/2020 at 10:45pm
 Location: Merseyside
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Emergency purchase of the dual tip gas one, iron and flame, after trying and failing to solder the 13core cable with a standard iron, in the wind, when it was cold. I may have left the 13core a bit long when towing!
The flame tip is really good for high local heat for soldering bigger connectors.



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