Swap male and female output connectors on solar panel?

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  • kneel999
    Junior Member
    • Jul 2012
    • 2

    #1

    Swap male and female output connectors on solar panel?

    I am installing my own system. It was a package deal so you would think it would be plug-n-play but after everything
    was installed I started to hook up the solar panels to the SolarEdge "power optimizers" and the output leads from the
    solar panel that need to connect to the input leads on the power optimizers are the same fittings i.e. male to male and
    female to female.
    Does anyone know if it is fairly easy or straightforward to swap the cables coming from the little j-box under the panel?
    Is there an adapter that can go from male to female and vice versa?
    Thanks

    Here is a picture of what I mean.

    DSCN2114.jpg
  • russ
    Solar Fanatic
    • Jul 2009
    • 10360

    #2
    Do you have the overall schematic for the system?
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    • kneel999
      Junior Member
      • Jul 2012
      • 2

      #3
      Schematic

      Originally posted by russ
      Do you have the overall schematic for the system?
      Yes, here is what it looks like.


      EPSON001.jpg

      Comment

      • andrewc
        Member
        • Jan 2012
        • 36

        #4
        The input to your power optimizer is correct. Homeruns and other inputs (like on your power optimizer) need to be able to connect with the panel, so they should have the opposite connector. A negative homerun gets a positive connector. So your power optimizer looks ok.

        I think the lead from your panel is weird. It has a positive MC4 style connector on it, and therefore should be a positive, yet that tag in the frame says "minus". Are you absolutely sure it is a negative lead? Is the little j-box on the back of the panel itself labeled where the leads exit?

        Short answer, yes, you can change leads if you have the proper training and tools. But I would never alter the leads on a panel (except in the case of extreme maintenance, like rodents chewing through the insulation). I would contact the organization you bought the system from and perhaps the panel manufacturer. I'm really hoping that the sticker on the panel lead is wrong, and that actually is a positive.

        Comment

        • andrewc
          Member
          • Jan 2012
          • 36

          #5
          That said, your schematic looks like it has the panel positive going into the SEPB's positive, and negative to negative. That might explain why the leads are backward from what I am used to. I'd contact the person who made the schematic/company you bought the system from for further clarification.

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