Joining solar panels.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Its only 6 amps,, but 1000 volts:eek: ( x2!)
The original solar panel was put in place (on the caravan roof) as a one off,, no thought given to extending the array,, so I have to unbolt the panel from the roof and see what sort of connections I can undo/make up. The new panel will have tiny wiring whereas the old one has good 6mm cable,,
is there any benefit to replacing the new cable with a similar size?, (if nothing else it will make joining them easier) the cable run will be all of around 1.5m,,

any good ideas on joining the 3 cables ends together?

solder joints or bolted crimps? BP connectors?
I have these-- but,,,,

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/850.jpg
dont forget this will be done on a caravan roof,
at night.

[Judo]

Personally I think soldered connections are the best.

I would also make all the cable the same, but I guess it depends how thin the old cable is....??

[jboot51]

How big is this solar array ?
1000v x 6 amps = 6000 watts.

My grid connected house solar is 3kw and is 6mx3m.

Better wait for a solar expert to chime in before you do anything.

[Judo]

That's an interesting point. Caravan roof? 6kva? :confused:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

No,, thats just some max figure they put on all the panels..

if Watts = V x A then its just 72 watts;)

[Judo]

72....6000. Very similar. :p

I'm sticking to my original post.

[jboot51]

Thats better then. 12v/80w panel
There should be a junction box on the underside of both panels, with a terminal strip connector.
Just join red-red, black-black.
Leave the small wire on the new panel, It'll be fine.

That's assuming you haven't acquired a panel from somebody's house roof, I think they are 36v panels.

[bee utey]

Whatever makes your connections water and vibration proof. Solder and heat shrink is excellent, water proof junction boxes with screw terminals are good too. Uninsulated double adaptor thingies, not so much. The 1000V probably refers to either the maximun voltage in a series connected string (like when used for grid connected systems) or the insulation strength relative to the ally frame.

[Blknight.aus]

1000v is the breakdown voltage of the insulation.

Throw a blanket over the panels and work on them during the day.

[rovercare]

...

[rovercare]

Mc4 plugs, can get branches

Marsol MC4 Multi-connect Solar Connector (http://www.solarenergyproducts.com.au/ecommerce/marsol-mc4-multi-connect-solar-connector.php)

[Judo]

Mc4 plugs, can get branches

Marsol MC4 Multi-connect Solar Connector (http://www.solarenergyproducts.com.au/ecommerce/marsol-mc4-multi-connect-solar-connector.php)

Solder joints are less than ideal, although solar stuff generally has tinned copper cable
Why do you say solder joints are less than ideal?

[rovercare]

Why do you say solder joints are less than ideal?

Bugger, I tried to delete that to save me the effort:D

Because of human intervention, a bad solder joint will fatigue in numerous possible ways and with dc can cause a fire, connection need to be sound, although with such a small voc it's not as great a risk

Excellent joints if they are done correctly and protected from vibration, stress and the elements

[JDNSW]

Solder joints are sometimes considered less than ideal in situations exposed to vibration, especially with fine strand cables, because the solder is likely to migrate a few millimetres along the cable from the supported part of the joint, and the join of the solder cemented part of the cable to the flexible part represents a stress riser - all movement is concentrated at this point, leading to failure. The problem is removed if support such as shrink rap extends beyond the end of the solder, but the issue is that you never know how far back under the insulation it has gone.

In my view, if done competently, it is not a significant issue, mainly a problem where it is wire joined into the middle of another wire.

John

[Lily21]

Hey I am new to this forum, found some link-backs in my site index to this post. I am the web content developer for Marsol Solar. I love my job and have spent a lot of time creating some great tools for people looking at putting solar on their van or 4Wd's including:


A full Video Tutorial on DIY Solar Panel Installation on vehicles
Wiring Diagrams
Energy Usage Calculator for vans & RV's.

Would love your feedback, you can find this information and links to the above tools at Solar for Caravan 4WD RV Motorhome Boat | Using solar power on caravans | Solar Energy Products Australia | Marsol Ind Solar Online Store (http://www.solarenergyproducts.com.au/using_solar_on_caravans.php)
PS. We are excited as we are putting together a company 4WD so the Marsol Team can use it for weekends and promote autonomous power!