Recent content by UMWEE

Panels have adjustable tilt, and fold up and store into my pull behind trailer.

In all actuality to be fair the NEC (National Electrical Code) states the fuse should be the max fuse rating on the back of the panel. I use Bouge mc4 fuses they are TUV and UL listed, and alot cheaper than most brands. Mine were 25 dollars for 4 compared to 45-55+ for 4 other brands of fuse.

New camping stakes coming today. Will also put some 1inch pvc pipe on the bottom of panels and small L brackets on outside corners to stake panels down, and to hold together when closed in suitcase position.

Well unless you buy cheap fuses. Some have a very high resistance. Again look for certified fuses, from either UL, or Unless the fuses are cheap. Some fuses have high resistance. Look for TUV or UL listed fuses that are certified.

It is better to run the panels in series, the higher voltage will push the current better. Votage is what pushes the current and its the only job it has. With the length of the wire run at 35ft. I would go with 8 gauge wire so you can upgrade panels later. There also should be no mc4 connections...

No, None so ever.

A 20 amp fuse on each panels positive lead is good. The problem with parallel is if one panel short circuits the remaining panels feed the broken panel and may catch on fire.

Its really not the cable you are trying to protect in a parallel panel arrangement. Its a panel that shorts then the remaining panels stop sending power to the charger and starts sending it to the shorted panel. The panel may catch on fire then. Only a fuse or circuit breaker next to the charge...

I do use mc4 and will always use them, especially when my warranty is no good if I cut off my panels manufacturers mc4...LOL

Of course not, TUV is probably better than UL. Any mc4 connections that are not certified are cheap knockoffs and should not be used. I still wouldn't use a mc4 connections between branch connectors and charger, especially with a 4-6 panel 600-800 watt parallel panel configuration pushing...

Plus only original mc4 connectors are ul listed and can handle 43 amps, those cheap knock offs are not certified 30 amp by anyone.

Yes but you really dont have to have waterproof connections, unless you have high voltage. And many people run parallel configuration that exceeds 30 amps as is mine. Anderson plugs have been used for years in 12 volt systems in the outside environment. For his 2-200 watt panels Anderson or mc4...

I used a 30 amp circuit breaker before the mppt charger, mainly just to disconnect. The mc4's after the branch connectors going into the wire to the mppt should be changed out to an Anderson or better connection than the mc4. Mc4 doesn't handle amperage well at all above 25 amps. This is not...

Ready to go just waiting to build a couple batteries. 400 watt panels fold into 2 sets and store in pull behind trailer. Adjustable poles, ground staked, 2,000 pure sine inverter. 50 converter, DC-DC mppt controler, new auto transfer switch.

I would use a combiner box but my panels are ground mounted and need to quick connection. So I have a Anderson right after combiner, and one at junction box at rv for disconnect.