We have a renogy solar panel and a wonderer control. When we hook it up, we have to remove the battery and put the connectors on. This is a huge pain. How can we connect the panels so that we just leave something like a pigtail connected to the battery? Can we use MC4 connectors?
4 replies to this topic
#1
gingerpod
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Posted 16 July 2020 - 10:41 AM
#2
Meadowlark
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Posted 16 July 2020 - 06:12 PM
We use a pigtail with an automotive, standard two plug connector. But after looking up what an MC4 looks like, I have to believe it would work. Just make sure you label the solar panel plug to differentiate it from the pigtail for the battery itself. I learned that when I hooked up our 90 watt and it wasn't charging...because I'd hooked up the wrong plug!
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#3
Linda & Bob, K4TAX
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Posted 18 July 2020 - 06:21 PM
My suggestion is Power Pole connectors. These are very adequately current rated, and are polarized which prevents improper connection. I would not use MC4 connectors.
See the following link for further information. There are several sources for these connectors.
https://powerwerx.co...AiABEgJyGfD_BwE
Bob
#4
vermilye
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Posted 19 July 2020 - 06:42 AM
My suggestion is Power Pole connectors. These are very adequately current rated, and are polarized which prevents improper connection. I would not use MC4 connectors.
See the following link for further information. There are several sources for these connectors.
https://powerwerx.co...AiABEgJyGfD_BwE
Bob
2X.
MC 4 connectors are really designed for one shot use. While they can be plugged & unplugged, you will likely need a tool to unlock them. Either SAE (ZAMP) connectors or powerwerx connectors make more sense for portable systems. I found that the SAE connectors became intermittent after a few years of use & switched to the Powerwerx / Anderson connectors.
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#5
Puffe
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Posted 01 September 2020 - 01:54 PM
I connected the charge controller output to a 7-pin trailer hitch so that the power went in the same pin as when the car's alternator is powering the trailer. This charges the battery. So I just unhook the trailer from the car, and then plug my solar panel into the trailer's cable that was attached to the car. It works fine and charges the battery well. I did not have to drill any holes, or run any wires. And I can relocate my portable solar panel (Renogy) where up to almost 20 feet from my trailer's hitch.
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