Forum Discussion

SkiSmuggs's avatar
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Feb 10, 2016

Solar Quick Connect

I have 200w on the roof to a 30A charge control. I want to make some wiring changes in the controller compartment to 1) provide easy disconnect of solar panels from controller for when batteries need work, and 2) provide a "y" connection for my portable panels to bypass their 10A and use the 30A to allow for much longer cable for more versatility of portable panels.
MC4 connectors don't make very good quick connects and the Renogy suitcase came with Anderson SB50 connectors that I think might do a good job. Is this a good choice?
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2016
    scrubjaysnest wrote:
    Maybe Murphey's Law hasn't caught up with me yet; but on our two portables they get plugged/unplugged at least once a week over a 6 to 8 month period. They make a special tool but I don't use it. Pinch and wiggle.

    Okay, thanks! The Renogy suitcase came with SB50s for the cables and that is why I was considering that route. Since I will be replacing the cable that came with the portable with new, longer cable, I can use what I want and MC4 will be cheaper.
    I can buy pre-wired "Y" connectors also like I used to combine the roof panels.
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2016
    Maybe Murphey's Law hasn't caught up with me yet; but on our two portables they get plugged/unplugged at least once a week over a 6 to 8 month period. They make a special tool but I don't use it. Pinch and wiggle.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2016
    scrubjaysnest wrote:
    MrWizard wrote:
    I don't have any connector suggestions
    But I do have one piece of advice
    Disconnect panels from solar
    BEFORE disconnecting batteries
    All controller Mfg say to connect batteries first then connect panels
    And disconnect panels before....batteries
    Panels connected to a controller without batteries can damage controller

    + 1
    I use breakers to turn off the solar panels and CC. For disconnects MC4's have worked for me the last 3 or 4 years.

    I wasn't sure if the MC4 connectors were designed for the multiple connects and disconnects that the portable panels would be getting. I've been advised in the past they didn't stand up well to that.
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2016
    MrWizard wrote:
    I don't have any connector suggestions
    But I do have one piece of advice
    Disconnect panels from solar
    BEFORE disconnecting batteries
    All controller Mfg say to connect batteries first then connect panels
    And disconnect panels before....batteries
    Panels connected to a controller without batteries can damage controller

    + 1
    I use breakers to turn off the solar panels and CC. For disconnects MC4's have worked for me the last 3 or 4 years.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2016
    Tom_M wrote:
    smkettner wrote:
    I would use Anderson.
    The SB50 is an Anderson PowerPole connector. I use them for my panels and have no problem with them pulling apart. I have purchased some from PowerWorx and from eBay. Make sure you get all the same color because each color is keyed differently.

    Thanks. What I like other than being a standard, is that the Y cable should be easy to make by soldering both sets of input cables into a single SB50.
  • Tom_M1's avatar
    Tom_M1
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2016
    smkettner wrote:
    I would use Anderson.
    The SB50 is an Anderson PowerPole connector. I use them for my panels and have no problem with them pulling apart. I have purchased some from PowerWorx and from eBay. Make sure you get all the same color because each color is keyed differently.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2016
    RoyB wrote:
    I have used the SB50's here for some extension cord type applications for high current cable pairs...

    The problem I seem to keep having in a good way to keep them from pulling apart. I usually end up using tie wraps around both ends and then pull them together real tight. Of course doing this I have to snip the tie wraps when I want to disconnect the two connection pieces...

    I really haven't looked on the POWERWERX site to see what they have to keep the connections together - Just reporting in my case they are pretty easy to accidentally pull apart.

    They work great making cool to touch high current connections.

    Don't know if others have this problem or not...

    Roy Ken

    I used to live in Chesterfield County, but in Vermont now and getting the SB50s apart after plowing my driveway was often the problem, not keeping them together. LOL
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2016
    MrWizard wrote:
    I don't have any connector suggestions
    But I do have one piece of advice
    Disconnect panels from solar
    BEFORE disconnecting batteries
    All controller Mfg say to connect batteries first then connect panels
    And disconnect panels before....batteries
    Panels connected to a controller without batteries can damage controller

    Right! That is part of what I am trying to accomplish. I will even disconnect the solar panels prior to service at an RV place.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Feb 10, 2016
    I don't have any connector suggestions
    But I do have one piece of advice
    Disconnect panels from solar
    BEFORE disconnecting batteries
    All controller Mfg say to connect batteries first then connect panels
    And disconnect panels before....batteries
    Panels connected to a controller without batteries can damage controller

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,211 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 08, 2025