I'm building a solar system on our TT. I am going to buy my own MC4 connectors, crimpers, etc, and build my own custom length cables for connecting the roof solar panels to the roof combiner box. I'm having trouble finding quality 10 gauge UV-resistant cooper (not copper clad aluminum) cable designed to attach MC4 connectors to, in say 50 ft lengths (or where it can be ordered by the foot). Anyone have good source(s) to recommend for this? Sometimes I find some cable that looks good initially, but then find one or more reviews that state that the cable they received was 12 gauge, not 10 gauge.Another question -- I'm finding both 19 strand and 7 strand cables -- what are the pros and cons of each (I presume that 19 strand is more flexible), and which is designed to work well with MC4 connectors? Thanks for any input!

14 years ago when I installed my panels I used marine grade 10 ga from West Marine. As I learned more over the years I would use 8 ga next installation.The store I used had all the tools and connectors for DIY build use in the store.

I did a lot of boat work before the depression and still do some. I have several regular suppliers for cable and both are less expensive than waste marine. http://www.genuinedealz.com/https://theelectricaldepot.com/https://www.delcity.net/Be sure to shop all three as copper prices are variable. Matt

I bought mine from these guys. They also sell on eBay. If you want two wire duplex solar cable that is round, check out AM Solar.

Here is a thread about the IQ test part of those MC4s in case you run into that. No second chances with the little internal grabbers. Can't pull it out again. The photos are gone with tinypic, sorry.There are a number of different MC4s on panels where some are one piece and some do unscrew, so first see what is on your panels.I thought my panel pigtails were cu-al, but after guys on here said to check, I scraped the strands and it was tinned cu. Hard to tell with the silky thin strands.I used #8 cu onto the panel pigtails. Yes, Amazon, etc have much better pricing that I paid for my MC4s, but I only needed a few so no problem. Don't know about wire sourcing.You have to start at page 1 after going herehttps://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29910358/gotomsg/29910840.cfm#29910840

Recommend this place for high quality solar materials:AM Solar

Need Good Sources for Quality Bulk Solar Cable | Good Sam Community

34 Replies

BFL13
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2019
Here is a thread about the IQ test part of those MC4s in case you run into that. No second chances with the little internal grabbers. Can't pull it out again. The photos are gone with tinypic, sorry.

There are a number of different MC4s on panels where some are one piece and some do unscrew, so first see what is on your panels.

I thought my panel pigtails were cu-al, but after guys on here said to check, I scraped the strands and it was tinned cu. Hard to tell with the silky thin strands.

I used #8 cu onto the panel pigtails. Yes, Amazon, etc have much better pricing that I paid for my MC4s, but I only needed a few so no problem. Don't know about wire sourcing.

You have to start at page 1 after going here

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29910358/gotomsg/29910840.cfm#29910840
pauldub
Explorer
Dec 06, 2019
I bought mine from these guys. They also sell on eBay. If you want two wire duplex solar cable that is round, check out AM Solar.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2019
I did a lot of boat work before the depression and still do some. I have several regular suppliers for cable and both are less expensive than waste marine.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/
https://theelectricaldepot.com/
https://www.delcity.net/

Be sure to shop all three as copper prices are variable.

Matt
rockylarson
Explorer
Dec 06, 2019
14 years ago when I installed my panels I used marine grade 10 ga from West Marine. As I learned more over the years I would use 8 ga next installation.
The store I used had all the tools and connectors for DIY build use in the store.

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Need Good Sources for Quality Bulk Solar Cable

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