Connect Solar cell and charge controller without MC4 connectors.

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  • stanly
    Member
    • Apr 2011
    • 48
    #1

    Connect Solar cell and charge controller without MC4 connectors.

    Dear all,

    I am NEW in this Solar energy solution field.
    Recently I just received my 1st solar cell and charge controller of my life.

    After I unpack the box, I notice there a problem between my solar cell and the charge controller.
    **Please refer to my attachment for the photo.

    My question is can I cut off/disassembly the MC4 connectors? So I can connect with the charge controller?

    Please advise, thank you
    Attached Files
    Tags: None
    • Mike90250
      Moderator
      • May 2009
      • 16020
      #2
      Don't cut the connectors off, that will VOID the warranty on the panel. Buy a MC extension cable, cut that in half, strip the wires, and you have your connection.

      You may need to get a MC unlock tool, if you want to take the connector apart, they are a locking connector.

      Never mate/de-mate the connector with sun on the panel, they are not rated to work like a disconnect and the arc will damage the contacts.
      Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
      || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
      || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

      solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
      gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment

        • stanly
          Member
          • Apr 2011
          • 48
          #3
          Thank for your suggestion.

          Now I removed the MC4 connectors and I will assembly back the MC4 connectors when I need to send for warranty in the future. This work?

          Is this http://www.smartmarine.co.nz/images/...connectors.JPG
          can replace the MC4 connectors? I will tape them with this wiring tape http://imageups.com/files/82/first%2...20complete.JPG

            Comment

            • Mike90250
              Moderator
              • May 2009
              • 16020
              #4
              Your warranty is now toast. The factory can tell connectors were changed.
              Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
              || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
              || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

              solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
              gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                Comment

                • stanly
                  Member
                  • Apr 2011
                  • 48
                  #5
                  Just reply from the technical support.

                  -----------------------------
                  Hi,

                  This is John from the Technical Support. With regards to remove the MC4 connectors, you can do that provided the solar cable (4mm sq) cable is long enough for you to connected to the controller. You can't use other cable to connect the original 4mm sq solar cable. By doing so, you will not void the warranty.

                  Please also consider the email from our sales department.

                  Thanks!

                  Regards
                  John VW
                  ----------------------------------------

                  These mean I allow to remove the MC4 connector but I only allow to connect directly to my charge controller.

                    Comment

                    • Mike90250
                      Moderator
                      • May 2009
                      • 16020
                      #6
                      Lucky you. Generally, you mess with the wire, you void the warranty. Now how to get the PV wire directly to the controller??
                      Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                      || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                      || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                      solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                      gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                        Comment

                        • stanly
                          Member
                          • Apr 2011
                          • 48
                          #7
                          If you got notice my attached photo.

                          I just need to remove the MC4 connector and push the wire into the charge controller hole and screwed it will do.

                          Isn't it?

                            Comment

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