Solar Connector Crimp Crossover?

[Coydon]

I'm looking to extend my run from the panels to the charge controller and using 8AWG for the new wires. I have two issues regarding my solar connectors;

Do I have the correct MC4s to match my panels? I've been using wires from iGreely. The connectors for these have worked for the last 2+ years, but I don't have a specific tool to dis/reconnect them and have been using pliers- I've had difficulty and broken one already. I'm not sure if this is because they are not exact manufacture matches or because I was working in freezing temperatures with gloves on. The data sheets for these Sunpower panels are no longer showing up in searches for me, is there a way to tell whose MC4s they use by looking at the physical connectors or is there someplace that lists that type of info for various panels?

Also, the crimpers I bought only seem to have a dedicated solar connector die for 10+ AWG. Is the shape of the solar connector crimp unique to those connectors, could a die for regular ferrules or some other connector be used effectively?

 

[MikeInKingman]

Is this the spec sheet you are looking for:

 

[Coydon]

Is this the spec sheet you are looking for:

Yes and no. From what I gather looking at literature from associated businesses, mine are the T5 roof tile model with the -LAM suffix, not covered by that sheet. It looks like Sunpower has scrubbed their own documents related to this model or something.

I'm not sure how safe the assumption would be that Sunpower used the same connectors for all panels and frame variations throughout their production history. The sheet you link states:

Currently approved compatible connectors found on SunPower modules are:
Tyco Solarlok PV4 and PV4S, Yukita (YS‐254/YS‐255) and Multicontact MC4
(PVKBT4/6II, PVKST4/6II).

 

[MikeInKingman]

Yeah, I wouldn't assume a connector type without verifying.
Easiest way is just cut off the connectors and replace with MC4.
Done and done.

Stay safe.

 

[dopeassjackson]

I wouldnt put a MC4 connector mid PV wire to extend it. I would use a heat shrink butt connector with the solder in them.

 

[Coydon]

I'm replacing my shorter 10AWG run with a longer 8AWG run. If I get raw cable, I'd like to know if the connectors I buy for it are compatible with the panels for sure. Same if I buy precrimped cable.

I'm not sure what the potential problem is though. I read here a while back that MC4s from different manufacturers were slightly different. Are there some that won't provide a full electrical connection, some that won't be water proof, some that won't mechanically lock correctly, or is it just entirely blown out of proportion?

 

[SolarReaper]

The problem is there is no defined standard for 'MC4' style connectors, each manufacturer can make them how they see fit.
The problems occur when using different manufacturers connectors to complete a joint, the insides of a Staubli connector may not fit snugly in a SWA or a V-Tac, or the retention clips on a Chinese 'No Name' connector may not be secure in another makes other half. Then you get loose or high resistance connections and heat build up that results in burned out joints.
If in doubt, chop off the existing connector and replace both halves with those from a known source you can trust.
I think most reputable panel producers use original Staubli connectors for the pigtails off their panels, newer ones may use the Evo version but they are compatible with older Staubli MC4 connectors.