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MC4 to SAE adapter cable

jackquontee
Explorer
Explorer
I have the 100 watt Renogy portable solar kit, which comes with the MC4 connectors. I just purchased an Aliner Expedition which is "solar ready" and has the SAE connection. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as an MC4 to SAE adapter cable and where it can be purchased? Appreciate any suggestions.
12 REPLIES 12

westend
Explorer
Explorer
You could also replace the SAE panel connector with MC4 bulkhead receptacles. Alternatively, terminate your module wires with SAE connector. IMO, the MC4 connection is a more durable and weather tight system than SAE.
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton

red31
Explorer
Explorer
Almot wrote:
Buy MC4 extension 2 times longer than the distance you need, and cut it in half so that you'll have 2 wires with one bare end and one MC4 connector each.


'solar wire' 10 gauge is fairly stiff and the two separate wires will kink with a portable. I used 12g landscape wire with MC4 installed on each end for an extension/60watt to find the sun.

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
smkettner wrote:
Actually I would prefer to pull new wire and avoid an extra connection.
New MC4 cable direct from panel to controller.

Good idea. Using the existing cable to pull a new one. Buy MC4 extension 2 times longer than the distance you need, and cut it in half so that you'll have 2 wires with one bare end and one MC4 connector each.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
Actually I would prefer to pull new wire and avoid an extra connection.
New MC4 cable direct from panel to controller.

red31
Explorer
Explorer
jackquontee wrote:
I'll have to make my own MC4 to SAE cable adapter. Thanks all.


open the box on the back of the panel and rewire how you'd like.

scrubjaysnest
Explorer
Explorer
Almot wrote:
Is it that dreaded 2-pin connector that they put on cheap 5W solar chargers? Cut it off and put MC4.


and +1 for this one. That two pin connector is a failure waiting to happen and will make you very dissatisfied with your solar.

Check this out: 20 Golden rules of solar
Axis 24.1 class A 500watts solar TS-45CC Trimetric
Very noisy generator :M
2016 Wrangler JK dinghy
โ€œThey who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.โ€ Benjamin Franklin

scrubjaysnest
Explorer
Explorer
smkettner wrote:
Sure, cut the SAE off and install MC4 ๐Ÿ˜‰


+1
Axis 24.1 class A 500watts solar TS-45CC Trimetric
Very noisy generator :M
2016 Wrangler JK dinghy
โ€œThey who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.โ€ Benjamin Franklin

jackquontee
Explorer
Explorer
Almot wrote:
Is it that dreaded 2-pin connector that they put on cheap 5W solar chargers? Cut it off and put MC4.


I actually need to include the dreaded 2-pin connector. As has been suggested, I'll have to make my own MC4 to SAE cable adapter. Thanks all.

Almot
Explorer III
Explorer III
Is it that dreaded 2-pin connector that they put on cheap 5W solar chargers? Cut it off and put MC4.

MrWizard
Moderator
Moderator
moved from technolgy
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

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1997 F53 Bounder 36s

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad

garry1p
Explorer
Explorer
Yes they exist easy to make your own but google to find one they will most likely ship from China
Garry1p


1990 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite XL
454 on P-30 Chassis
1999 Jeep Cherokee sport