littleharbor2
Solar Addict
After 75 posts It must've been brought up but why don't you cut off the MC-4's and crimp on new ones?
Panel shows voltage on its own but 0 in series.
- Thread starter diWhy
- Start date
That's correct but on both ends meaning, either positive or negative.
As soon as I connect another panel on either side, there is no more connectivity in the two panel string.
It's floating, zero, nothing
.
It just plain made no sense when I was wiring things up but that's what it is.
As I said, I'll check it again even though I've checked it multiple times.
As soon as I connect another panel on either side, there is no more connectivity in the two panel string.
It's floating, zero, nothing
.It just plain made no sense when I was wiring things up but that's what it is.
As I said, I'll check it again even though I've checked it multiple times.
Has he checked to see if the + and - reads correctly from the cable ends?
I'm going to try that but to me, it's a moot point. The fact that I can get voltage from the panel alone and even with extension cables connected means there's nothing wrong with the connectors. But, it's worth a try so I'll do that when I get out there again.
I definitely want to update this post once this is solved, if it is because it might help someone at some point as a seemingly rare, if ever, occurrence.
Did you make sure the male end from the panel is positive and the female connector is negative?That's correct but on both ends meaning, either positive or negative.
As soon as I connect another panel on either side, there is no more connectivity in the two panel string.
It's floating, zero, nothing
It just plain made no sense when I was wiring things up but that's what it is.
As I said, I'll check it again even though I've checked it multiple times.
That could TOTALLY explain the problem your having if they are reversed.
Yes, he has
. But he'll do it again because there's nothing wrong with checking more than 3, 4, 5, or more times when it comes to something that doesn't make sense.littleharbor2
Solar Addict
If the connectors are reversed you would need to crimp on new ends anyway.
I can't recall specifically now but I'll double check that too.
Female looking connectors looking like males and vise versa is an interesting thing they came up with
.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
The other way that could be unseen is if the connector is sliding back when it is inserted into the other panels - i.e. your patch cables may have different size slightly metal bits inside so they don't mate properly with similar size.
Do you have a DC clamp meter? I wonder what the result would be if you just plugged the panel connectors together and put a clamp meter across it in full sun. It should be Isc or close, but if the runs on the front have issues or it can't mate with itself you would get a lot less.
Do you have a DC clamp meter? I wonder what the result would be if you just plugged the panel connectors together and put a clamp meter across it in full sun. It should be Isc or close, but if the runs on the front have issues or it can't mate with itself you would get a lot less.
Yes, I took that into consideration also but all of the connectors for the extensions are the same.
I've been meaning to order a DC clamp meter but don't have one at the moment.
Another thing I noticed on all of my panels is that the male connector which is the positive lead has a red oring on it which I took as meaning positive too.I can't recall specifically now but I'll double check that too.
Female looking connectors looking like males and vise versa is an interesting thing they came up with
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
I just added a new one under tool the answer thread in my sig line - it is very cheap import off amazon so I can't promise accuracy - think cheaper than harbor freight. but I expect it would give some indication
Yes, I know about the O rings but never noticed if they are different colors. I'm sure some fall for that unfortunately.
This is the one I plan on getting. Just have to try to put some things on hold as I've been spending like a crazy man lately.
Based on my understanding of what the OP has said, this is what is happening:
Panel 0 is the one in question. But I think there is still some information that I don't know about.
Maybe post pictures of the setup and exactly where the voltages are being measured.
Panel 0 is the one in question. But I think there is still some information that I don't know about.
Maybe post pictures of the setup and exactly where the voltages are being measured.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
That looks like a great meter for the price and you can't go wrong with Klein most of the time.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
I think O-ring color is random. I checked inside an the cable rubber for both ends matched the o-ring color.
Left to right - Staubli, Temco, BN (came with my panels to use on the wires as the mate to what was already present)
But the OP said there is no load.
Also he did not clarify which two connectors he is measuring from.
That is why he should show exactly his setup and where he is measuring.
Close, the weird panel is #2 in your image. There are 7 total per string. At the moment, that panel is bypassed.
So total VOC reading is 180vdc? And the panel string has no load?
"per string" - how many strings?
... from my diagram in post #75 the voltage of AB should remain the same, whatever is connected to it, if no current is flowing.this ^^^.
The explanations don't match basic galvanic principles.
This is driving me nuts...
From my diagram in post #75, measure AB, then CD, then connect B to C and measure AB, then CD, then AD with attention to polarity.
Then come back and tell us what each of those 5 readings are.
Are you saying you like this one over the Klein or just that it's cheaper? Have you used both? The one you're showing looks interesting.
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