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Post by wolferich on Oct 21, 2022 14:17:37 GMT
I have recently bought a mobile solar panel with 180 Wp. I want to use it as an addition to the existing 200Wp which are mount on the bimini of my SO 439. The mobile solar panel should be mainly used when I am anchoring.
Now I want to install a conventient system to easily connect the new solar panels. I intend to install a (to be defined) connector that should be installed somewhere not to far from the batteries in the cockpit. The cable from the solar panel ends at an Anderson plug. On my camper I use an adapter cable Anderson-12V car connector. For the usage on the boat I can freely decide upon another adapter cable.
Does someone have a recommandation regarding the best connector and the place where it should be mounted?
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Post by zaphod on Oct 21, 2022 20:12:32 GMT
The 12v lighter plug is probably the worst possible connection! You should fix that on your camper! Anderson connectors are a good choice for higher amps. MC4 connectors are the industry standard for solar, and they offer a good weatherproof connection. As for where to make the connection, that is very specific. I made my solar panels removeable and I put the connectors at the transom where the wires enter the boat. When the panels are not installed there is just short pigtails left behind. That way I don't have to disturb the waterproof penetration into the boat.   |
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Post by wolferich on Oct 22, 2022 7:05:22 GMT
The connection gor the camper is mounted inside of the garage in a dry environment. I think that should be OK, isn’t it?
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Oct 22, 2022 7:15:38 GMT
Lighter sockets are just horrible , not fit for much, and certainly not in any way good in a marine environment, I class them in the same line as crocodile clips …. yes they work, but not for long , and should be cast overboard (IMHO) .
MC-4 connectors as suggested are the way to go, plus you can get caps to go onto the exposed connector for when the panel is not connected , ….. what’s not to like?
CB
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Post by wolferich on Oct 22, 2022 8:24:16 GMT
The lighter connector might be replaced after what I read here. It was the recommendation a camper company nearby. The MC4 version for the boat looks like a cable with a plug that is stored somewhere outside. Do I understand that correctly? Until now I was thinking about a firm waterproof plug close to the companionway and an adaptor cable connected to the Anderson plug of the panel. example: www.bulgin.com/products/pub/media/import/attachments/Standard_power.pdf |
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Oct 22, 2022 10:17:56 GMT
The Bulgin connectors are going to be a great improvement on the lighter socket, but they look a little lightweight on the amperage, and their bulkhead fittings seem to max out at about 5mm panel thickness , your companionway might be thicker.
Anderson plugs are used for many high amp connections in industry, I haven’t googled them, but if they are waterproof they might be fine, aesthetically they are usually quite big and boxy ……
The MC-4 range is the solar industry standard, they take the heavy cable sizes ,are weather proof, and easy to connect and quite slim in size. A range of bulkhead / panel sockets and plugs are available, which could avoid the pig tail arrangement, but I haven’t actually used the MC panel fittings so can’t vouch for their waterproofing qualities as a through deck arrangement.
Many connector systems to choose from out there, and many will make the connections ok, but MC are the real deal, and won’t give you dodgy connections in the future, and also don’t seem to add to voltage drops which is always an issue with low voltage cabling.
Whilst installing, one should use the male and female components to make it impossible to plug them in with reverse polarity, …. obvious but thought to mention it.
CB
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