Solar wiring question
Currently I have 2 100 watt panels on top of the trailer (VOC 21.6 volts, ISC 6.34 amps, VPM 17.4 volts, IMP 5.75 amps) with a 30 foot run of 12ga wire to the charge controller. Last fall my system...
Forum Discussion
Muddydogs wrote:
I see I can get a 3 way MC4 connector, are all MC4 connectors the same?
No, they are not - not in terms of quality.
MC4 is actually a brand, though many suppliers use this term for knock-offs of the same configuration. Buy from reliable sources. I forgot the name of mine - plenty of #10 and #8 MC4 cables, all copper, all US made. Genuinedealz is a good place too, I bought custom length battery cables from them.
Wire #12 is rather odd, for this install. Panel pigtails are #12, but for MC4 extension cable most people use #10 (at least). There are also MC4 #8 cables available. I tried to run the Southwire V-drop calculator, but their newly (yesterday?) redesigned interface is missing the "Calculate" button :). No kidding. Hopefully they will fix this.
Plastic and o-rings don't last forever. Hide the panel pigtails with MC4 under the panel, leave only the cable exposed.
