Wiring help

[SaveEnergy]

I need to cut cables on my sunbridge microinverters and wire-in a new adapter/connector. Confused on how to do this.
Would connectors like these work? I believe current wire is 12awg.

Amazon.com

Then do I use 10 awg to make home run wire?

https://www.zoro.com/southwire-thhn-building-wire-copper-10-awg-1c-black-stranded-500-ft-22973201/i/G0209413/

 

[rodrick]

Heat shrink butt connectors with heat shrink sleeve over that is cheap and bulletproof make sure you get the type with glue in it they seal water tight

 

[doc3g]

Do you need to wire from the panel to the microinverter or from the microinverter to your load center? If from the microinverter to load center, the best bet is to use the appropriate connector for the microinverter. That THHN you listed is meant to be run in conduit or inside somewhere that it is protected. It isn't rated to be outdoors on its own and exposed to the elements.

The wire you need (if you are going to have that wire exposed) is something like traditional tray cable, which will have two hots and a ground inside of a UV protected jacket. That cable typically terminates into a junction box and from there it depends on where the cable is going afterwards (into an attic, direct buried, etc).

 

[SaveEnergy]

This is the connector I can't find that goes between solar panels. I have 97 panels. Planning to cut this and wire-in new waterproof adapter. I was told L1, L2, ground.

 

[doc3g]

If you can add a picture of the microinverter, I might be able to dig up some more info. The best I can figure is that Sunpower sourced both Enphase and SolarBridge microinverters for these panel/microinverter combinations. I suspect your panels might be using the Pantheon II. If so, they are about 12 years old and you are unlikely to find OEM-style connectors.

So, you surely will want to maintain the original panel-level serviceability of the system, which means you will need to replace the OEM plug with another plug system. I believe you are correct that you need L1/L2/ground. This is my suggestion:

1. Figure out the specific microinverter on these panels (post pictures, numbers on the units, etc. and the community can try to help).
   1. This is required because the wire gauge used will depend on amps/voltage rating of the microinverters
2. Decide on a logistics configuration
   1. Are you going to roof mount? Ground mount? etc.
   2. At the end of the day, you are going to want to combine some specific multiple of panels per branch in a way that is pragmatic and that makes logistical sense.
3. Pick a connector set.
   1. I'm probably biased, but I love Deutch connectors because I have used them in my off-road rig for years, and they stand up to extreme conditions. You would need the DTP or DTHD series for 10 ga wire, which could get pricey very quick. Amphenol makes similar ATP series that are a big less expensive. Another option would be metri-pack 280's, which are also automotive grade and should hold up to years of harsh elements.
   2. The cheapest, as noted above, is going to be simple butt splices and heatshrink, but those are permanent connections which means you would have to disconnect the panel from a junction box to service it and if that junction box is live, I'm not sure how you could do it safely, so, at the end of the day, you need some way to disconnect individual panels from the system.

It's also worth mentioning that replacing the microinverters with a string inverter or newer 4-into-1 microinverters would likely make the setup more efficient and safer, as the technology has come a long way in 12 yrs. I'm not sure those old microinverters comply with rapid shutdown, so, if you had to add rapid shutdown devices plus wire all new connectors, it definitely would be reasonable to consider simply replacing the microinverters.

Del City is where I buy all my connectors, but you can look on ebay, mouser, etc.

Wire Connectors, Electrical Connectors, & Quick Splices

Del City offers a wide selection of wire connectors including Weather Pack, Deutsch, Metri Pack, and Packard 56 series connectors. Find quick splices, tap connectors, wire terminals, and everything you need for reliable electrical connections in automotive and industrial applications.

www.delcity.net

 

[SaveEnergy]

Enphase will monitor these inverters as a way to service sunpower customers. These are ground mounted. Solarbridge generation 3 inverters. Will double check but pretty sure its 12AWG wire.