solar connector options

[doc3g]

To connect my PV cable, I started with an Eco Worthy kit that came with connectors + spanners + crimper. Then I realized that Eco-Worthy doesn't seem to sell additional connectors, so I got the BougeRV kit. Then the YouTube algorithm plunks down a video about using genuine Staubli MC4 connectors, or your house burns down . I took a step back and looked at the price of the Staubli connectors at Del City (usually reasonable prices), which are about $3.50 per connector (need 2 per connection), along with the $900 tool kit, of course.

Realizing this was not a viable option, I thought maybe I could at least find some reasonably priced UL-listed connectors. I noticed TE has a couple of UL-listed product lines, Solarlok and Solarlok 2.0. I've had good success running TE stuff in harsh off-road environments in the past. It seems that Solarlok is just their version of the MC4, while Solarlok 2.0 is a different technology using "insulation displacement contact" and some gel backfilling.

Questions I have are:
1. Has anyone used the TE stuff, and if so, what has been your experience?
2. Is the safety profile of the Staubli connectors markedly superior to other UL connectors, or is this more of a case of "use common sense" and not buying junk and not mixing manufacturers?

 

[robbob2112]

This is the official store for Staubli connectors

MC4 Connectors | MC4 Mating | PV Connectors | Solar Wire & Plugs

Original MC4 Solar Connectors from Staubli Electrical Connectors, quality materials for PV installation. The best quality connectors in the industry.

www.ecs-ecart.com

Unless it is a solar farm or professional thing nobody buys the offical crimper.... There are many others that work fine.

The deal with MC4 connectors is to buy quality and to make sure the mating connectors match. You don't have to use the same brand at every junction so long as the ones that actually plug together match.

Some folks just wrap, solder, and shrinkwrap instead of using a connector. I am not in favor of this.

Good brands - Staubli, Temco, Amphenol, and a few others I can't remember -

If you look in the datasheet for your panels it should say what brand/style of connectors are used on them so you can just buy the ones that match.

Here is a link for the crimp-free version -

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Weidmuller/1422030000?qs=juCpvWVDeytypaqimvNEug%3D%3D&mgh=1&utm_id=17222215321&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoae5BhCNARIsADVLzZcvSqn6uZ0y2IsMK5rHIUwXeYkE6PczkCmrTXFKVqf3-0s_5pcrMVUaArrjEALw_wcB

I've bought them from amazon (before i was wiser), the official store, Mouser electronics, and Stellavolta. Just depended on where they were cheap

Resources - get part numbers from here then google...

Resource icon

Staubli MC connector specs

Jul 12, 2024

PDF for the different types of MC4 by Staubli (the MC4 creator)

• robbob2112
• Product Manuals

This is the crimp tool I am using - it works well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BFT3B4V

 

[doc3g]

Thanks for the info. My panels are Sunpower SPR-U405-BLK and the spec sheet says the connectors are, in fact, Staubli. So, from what I'm hearing is that I should buy the staublis but I don't need their specific tool (which looks a lot like my delphi connector dies). I have the iwiss crimpers for my deutch connectors and those connections have been holding up strong for years on my truck, so I'll go ahead and pick up their solar kit as well.

 

[HarryN]

Just buy pre-made solar wires and skip trying to crimp them yourself unless you are a pro - IMHO.

The original MC-4s were rated at 20 amps and then a small design change and "very careful crimping" resulted in a re-rating of 30 amps, but I wouldn't do that unless they are auto machine crimped.

 

[dopeassjackson]

I work on 32v-700v DC at my job and you wouldnt believe how reliable a simple eyelet connector is with a nut and bolt to hold them together is. We do solder 400mcm on 1500a circuits but also crimp it. For refrence 400mcm is about 1in thick copper.

So dont think theres only one way to skin a cat. I dont worry about useing the name brand crimper much I want a good tight crimp. Also the fewest junctions possible as every junction can be a failure point.