Harbor freight solar panels with SAE connector

[billynoah]

A friend of mine was given 6 x 25w / 18v harbor freight solar panels - probably the same as these: https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-amorphous-solar-panel-kit-63585.html

Neither of us have ever built a system but this seems like a fun way to learn some basics.

The panels presumably came as part of a kit but we don't have any cables, charge controller or any other equipment, so that brings up some questions.

It looks like the kit originally consists of some kind of combiner cable like this: https://www.amazon.com/ELFCULB-Splitter-Extension-Polarity-Motocycle/dp/B0BKPJYFMJ/?th=1 and a charge controller like this: https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Intelligent-Regulator-Paremeter-Adjustable/dp/B08L8TBCK6

As I understand it, that will result in max 150 Watts @ 18V.

I could potentially buy these components but there are 6 panels and I have not seen any 6 way connector. My initial question now is: what is the best way to connect these panels?

Can they be connected in serial and hooked up to a charge controller capable of taking 108V? I haven't been able to find anything online about serial connections for SAE connectors which is confusing since most other larger panels I've seen use MC4 connectors and are connected in series. Is this even a good idea? I figure at the most basic level, the wires could simply be brought together with wire nuts or something but I assume there is a more conventional way to wiring this array.

Alternately, is there a sensible way to connect all 6 panels in parallel? What kind of cabling should I be looking at? Can I buy two 3-to-1 combiners and then a 2-to-1 to run all 6 in parallel? Is there a simpler way?

Essentially, I'm looking for some input on best practices and components to consider for this small learning experiment.

 

[rodrick]

Get your hands on a good scc like a victron 75/15 smart controller or a 100/20 depending on your voltage ( you can never exceed max voltage ) then wire the panels in a 3s2p array that should give you about 11 amps at 12 volt

 

[Minimoose]

A friend of mine was given 6 x 25w / 18v harbor freight solar panels - probably the same as these: https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-amorphous-solar-panel-kit-63585.html

Neither of us have ever built a system but this seems like a fun way to learn some basics.

The panels presumably came as part of a kit but we don't have any cables, charge controller or any other equipment, so that brings up some questions.

It looks like the kit originally consists of some kind of combiner cable like this: https://www.amazon.com/ELFCULB-Splitter-Extension-Polarity-Motocycle/dp/B0BKPJYFMJ/?th=1 and a charge controller like this: https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Intelligent-Regulator-Paremeter-Adjustable/dp/B08L8TBCK6

As I understand it, that will result in max 150 Watts @ 18V.

I could potentially buy these components but there are 6 panels and I have not seen any 6 way connector. My initial question now is: what is the best way to connect these panels?

Can they be connected in serial and hooked up to a charge controller capable of taking 108V? I haven't been able to find anything online about serial connections for SAE connectors which is confusing since most other larger panels I've seen use MC4 connectors and are connected in series. Is this even a good idea? I figure at the most basic level, the wires could simply be brought together with wire nuts or something but I assume there is a more conventional way to wiring this array.

Alternately, is there a sensible way to connect all 6 panels in parallel? What kind of cabling should I be looking at? Can I buy two 3-to-1 combiners and then a 2-to-1 to run all 6 in parallel? Is there a simpler way?

Essentially, I'm looking for some input on best practices and components to consider for this small learning experiment.

Harbor Freight sells a 400 watt capable hub for their panels for $15

 

[billynoah]

Get your hands on a good scc like a victron 75/15 smart controller or a 100/20 depending on your voltage ( you can never exceed max voltage ) then wire the panels in a 3s2p array that should give you about 11 amps at 12 volt

Thanks - that looks far superior to the PWM charge controller that comes with their kit. Couple questions:

1. How exactly can I wire 3s2p with these SAE connectors? Is there an adaptor you recommend to make this work?
2. When you say 11amps at 12 volt, are you talking about batter input or something else? My understanding of 18v panels is that 3s2p would result in 36 volts of DC and approx 4A. What am I misunderstanding?

Harbor Freight sells a 400 watt capable hub for their panels for $15

Thanks!

 

[rodrick]

To wire them in series you will need to get some pig tail cables or cut the ends off and use butt connectors
As far as the hub I’m not sure how it’s wired maybe you can modify it
You have 150 watts/12volts=12.5amps

 

[billynoah]

To wire them in series you will need to get some pig tail cables or cut the ends off and use butt connectors
As far as the hub I’m not sure how it’s wired maybe you can modify it
You have 150 watts/12volts=12.5amps

Thanks Rodrick. These are 18 volt panels. You mentioned 3sp2 - which I understand to mean 2 parallel strings of 3 in series. If 3 are wired in series doesn't that make 2 parallel strings of 54 volts DC each?
150 watts / 54 volts = 2.77 amps

No? I'm new to this so just want to make sure I clearly understand .

Regarding the connector - I see - that makes sense. So if I pigtail them together, is a Wago lever nut appropriate?