MC4 Connectors - I think they are bad
So, I had another post going months ago, but it was about finding the issue. I am pretty sure now my issue is the MC4 connectors...
To review from before, I was having issues with no voltage registering on my charge controller. I am almost postive its a short of some sort between my junction box on the roof to the panels, which are connected with MC4 connectors. I get full voltage from both of my 100 W renogy panels if I take off the Y-connectors and measure at the pigtails of each panel.
My only hesitation, at times, if I put the connections all back, then sometimes i get full voltage all the way into the charge controller. So, i think its fine, but its not. then I go on a trip, it works for 1-2 days, then fails again. I get on the roof, unhook the mc4 connectors, measure, and it works now, then i put them all back together, and it works again. So.... My only conclusion is that me moving around the wires, disconnecting, reconnecting, moves them around enough to fix (temporarily) the bad connection.
I am guessing its the MC4 connectors, or the connection of the pigtail into the panels. I would really prefer to NOT take off the panels, as they are fastened with those Z brackets (yes I know that as a mistake).
So, my next quest is to remove the MC4 connectors. However, now the pigtails will not reach the junction box. So, I have 2 choices, create a new junction box, or somehow combine the wires on the roof outside of a junction box. I assume that is a bad idea and not recommended. Any thoughts? Or should I rip up the panels, and get to where they connect into the panels and attempt to wire from that point to my existing junction box. I don't even know if that is possible with these renogy panels. I can't see under it now, to tell.
Thoughts??? Would a butt splice work in the elements? How do I do join the 3 wires outside a junction box and in the weather? Or is that a bad idea?
To review from before, I was having issues with no voltage registering on my charge controller. I am almost postive its a short of some sort between my junction box on the roof to the panels, which are connected with MC4 connectors. I get full voltage from both of my 100 W renogy panels if I take off the Y-connectors and measure at the pigtails of each panel.
My only hesitation, at times, if I put the connections all back, then sometimes i get full voltage all the way into the charge controller. So, i think its fine, but its not. then I go on a trip, it works for 1-2 days, then fails again. I get on the roof, unhook the mc4 connectors, measure, and it works now, then i put them all back together, and it works again. So.... My only conclusion is that me moving around the wires, disconnecting, reconnecting, moves them around enough to fix (temporarily) the bad connection.
I am guessing its the MC4 connectors, or the connection of the pigtail into the panels. I would really prefer to NOT take off the panels, as they are fastened with those Z brackets (yes I know that as a mistake).
So, my next quest is to remove the MC4 connectors. However, now the pigtails will not reach the junction box. So, I have 2 choices, create a new junction box, or somehow combine the wires on the roof outside of a junction box. I assume that is a bad idea and not recommended. Any thoughts? Or should I rip up the panels, and get to where they connect into the panels and attempt to wire from that point to my existing junction box. I don't even know if that is possible with these renogy panels. I can't see under it now, to tell.
Thoughts??? Would a butt splice work in the elements? How do I do join the 3 wires outside a junction box and in the weather? Or is that a bad idea?
