Solar PV connectors

[Ian]

It looks like solar PV is coming of age and a good number of panels and inverters are now shipping with a standard electrical connector to make "stringing" and connection generally easier. It looks to me that the industry is standardising on "MultiContact" conectors (it also looks like 4mm to me).

Does anyone know a good source of these connectors - either singly or in bulk ?

Regards,
Ian

[Antman]

Hi Ian

If the connectors you refer to are the standard 4mm type look at http://www.farnellinone.co.uk

They are distributors for MultiContact and will sell to anyone - by that I mean you don't need a trade account...

Antman

[Ian]

Many thanks for that Antman.

But I still cannot find the plugs and sockets required. They look like the attached picture.

[Mickey]

Is this the type?  http://www.multi-contact.com/   look for PV-Male cable coupler
PV-KST4...    If so it is completely different than the Navitron panel connectors.    They are a rubber moulded male/female  that push together  Mickey

[Ian]

Yes - Mickey - many thanks. These are the ones.

Now I need to find a UK supplier !

Thanks,
Ian

[Mickey]

Try: http://www.kompass.com/en/GB81075135 - good luck Mickey

[Antman]

Ian

Aahh - a picture says...  Your best bet is to ring MC on  01908-265544  and ask who their UK distributor is for small quantities. They would doubtless supply direct - providing your order an MOQ - which may well be 100+ each part on these.

It is possible that Farnell could be persuaded to stock these in the next catalogue if it could be shown that there is sufficient demand. They will also sometimes obtain 'Not in catalogue' items as a special order, though I have only done so as an account holder.

Antman

[Ian]

Gents - many thanks for your help.

Regards
Ian

[Mickey]

Hi Ian - did you locate a plug & socket retailer?   If so please advise as I've ordered a Gridfit 250 that I believe has the same connectors?

Thanks  Mickey

[Ian]

Mickey - there are a couple of different MC connectors..

The Gridfit 250 is fitted with 3mm "pushfit" connectors.
Inverters such as the Soladin 600 are supplied with 4 mm "positive fit" connectors.

I have managed to find a UK small quantity source of 4mm plugs and sockets (I think it was you who suggested Compass) and I have these OK.

However, I have yet to find a UK stockist of 3mm MC connectors in small volumes.

I was lucky enough to negotiate a male and female line pair at the time of purchase of my Gridfit 250 and I have wired this up to a chocolate block for my testing - but I would prefer to use the proper things.

*****This is a note for ANYONE fiddling around with solar panels.... Putting PV panels in series can generate high DC voltages. Anything over 50 volts should be considered LETHAL (much more dangerous than the equivalent AC volatge and currents). You only need a few hundred milliamps across your chest and you can say goodbye to the world. DC currents tend to force a muscle to contract and grip the voltage source even harder - and even if you WANT to let go, your muscle may not allow you to do so. Think long and hard before messing about with any DC voltage above 50 volts. If you are not confident, get a professional to do that bit for you.**************

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Ian

[Mickey]

Hi Ian - my GF250 has just arrived and the connectors are a rubber moulded  male/female push in type.    They are identical as the Chinese Nav PV panel ones  I already have.   Rgds Mickey