Forum Discussion

TUCQUALA's avatar
TUCQUALA
Explorer
Mar 20, 2016

Parallel MC4 Connectors???

What is the consensus (big word!) on which style of parallel connector for mc4 solar is better?? Or all equal??

The solid one piece plastic unit or the y-style cabled unit???

Tanks ahead for comments!!!
  • I assume it is all the same. Just logistics on what works best for your install.

    RoyB, thanks had not seen the 4x & 5x
  • MC4 is a good system of connection, very weather resistant and mine appear very durable. They are using a good grade of UV resistant plastic, I'm guessing. That said, a metal connecting bus with good fastener retention is hard to beat. It mainly boils down to how you're connecting the MC4 cables and in what location.

    FWIW, I used a plastic conduit fitting on the roof and connected MC4 inside that. I have future plans for a parallel module addition, though, and a roof-top combiner box fit that use well.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    When i finally get going on solar will most likely use something like this knowing the the typical solar panels only produce 5-6AMPS DC current.

    After combining a bunch of panels then you will want some larger cable wise to prevent losses.

    The final cable going between the solar panel controller box and the battery terminals would have to be a pretty large size conductor I imagine depending how long it turns up being....

    Roy Ken