How many branch connectors will I need to install 4 panels in parallel?
1590281
Zero. I think these branch connectors are too crappy to use piling up like legos like that. The connection between the panels and battery needs to be very low resistance, which means robust connectors and fat wire with a short wire path. Stacking these is going to add resistance, wasting the money you spent on panels, and adding problems - when I first tried using these, one of them didn't connect well and I got zero from one panel, requiring a complex diagnostic procedure of checking each connection to find the bad one. If you need flexible wire and portability, instead of using these toys, I suggest buying fat wire and heavy lug connectors at home depot or lowes to make 4-way pigtails. I used doubled-up heavy landscaping wire for three 50w panels. For four bigger panels, I'd use four strands per channel. I take mine on the road. I only use the single MC4 connectors at the end of 3-branch lug pigtails to connect to the 3 panels themselves, as they are the only thing that ever needs to be quick-disconnected. With a permanent installation, I'd probably use heavy hard wire, wire nuts and junction boxes, just like it was 220v AC, and cut out the MC4's altogether. MC4's are just the same crummy stamped and bent metal bullet connectors that usually have thin pastel casings with fancy water resistant casings instead.
1590282
you should be able to use three. two panels on two connectors and then connect those connectors to a third one. Much like the branches of a tree.
1590283
You will need two pairs of the female to one male connector for four panels.
1999556
It depends if your breaker boxes are independent or if some of them are sub panels off the main breaker. If the other panels are subs or tied to the main then you only need one Owl setup. If the panels are independent like some of the larger homes then you would need 1 EA Owl per panel.
426996
Yes you can hook them up together in parallel and the voltage will remain the same but the amperage will be 4 times that of one panel. You will definitely need a charge controller with what is going to amount to 80 watts of panel input to the battery. It might be helpful to know more specifics about what you plan to do. If you want to just keep a battery up this is far more panel than you need. If you plan to use the battery daily to power things than 80 watts may or may not be sufficient depending on the size of the battery, the wattage/amperage draw of the loads, and how much daily sun you anticipate. There are a lot of variables. You will also definitely need fuses for fire safety. Hope this helps. BTW, it might be cheaper to buy a singe 80 watt panel as opposed to four 20 watt panels.
930322
it would be difficult, you would have to use a different connection system and the last panel would possibly overheat depending on how many you run.
1616610
Yes!For Parallel - you need a pair of MC4 'Y' connectorsFor Series - just wire them together Here is a helpful link: http://www.solar-electric.com/how-to-use-mc4-connectors-cables.html/
593229
Sure, you can parallel the panels to get more fuse space. Both primaries are ring terminals with a nut to secure. Just make sure your primay wires and fuse from the power supply is large enough for the combined load.Or depending on how far apart the panels are, you can run the primary for the entire load to a distribution block, then run smaller wire and fuses to each panel.BTW - They do make a larger fuse panel too.
306604
If there are only 2 (12 Volt) panels; you could put both wires in the "solar panel" connectors. For more panels I would suggest you get wire nuts. Wire nuts allow you to connect many panels together (in parallel) without any wires slipping out. The kind of wire nut is the bolt kind, a slotted screw with a nut to crimp a few wires together for a tight electrical bond. Have a thicker gage wire going from the wire nuts (+ & -) to the controller.
1056070
Dear customer, you will need a branch connector if you want connect two panels in parallel. You can find the product here:http://www.amazon.com/Branch-Connectors-Connector-Solar-Panel/dp/B00BCWRB48/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376241228&sr=8-2&keywords=MC4+Branch+connector You will also a Adaptor cable from the MC4 branch connector/MC4 connector to the charge controller. The length is to be decided by you. Thanks.
1318824
You only need 1 of them in the panel that is directly fed from the street...if both are fed directly from the street then you don't technically need one in each panel but you should do it. We have a 200 amp panel fed from the street, a 100 amp feeder panel on the second floor and a 60 amp feeder panel in the garage so we only needed on in the 200 amp panel.
331437
I would not try to "tirial" fit it too many times before your ready. I installed all five swithces and built a d-box with all my wiring then put the panel in place. The two tabs at the bottom have to be fully locked in and then the stock "orange" pins will lock in good. It takes a little finese to get it in but mine has stayed put for over a year with no problems.
1771179
yes - each panel can be removed from the rest - so you can add as many as you want.
1074720
You don't need another 30 amp controller. 2 more panels would only put you at 28 amps, and I've never seen a panel that puts out its advertised amperage anyway.
1358542
yes, you can use as many as you want..Its very versible Or you can just use 1 panel
995685
Yes. Each connector has four slots so you can connect them any way you want. I have used the panels alone without the connectors to make a fenced in cat porch and just connected them with zip ties. It has been out in the weather for three years now. I have bought several sets of these to use as book cases and shelf units for crafts also.
1500655
Yes you would plug you solar panels into these branch connectors if you plan to put two 12 Volt solar panels in parallel. If you plan only a single 12 volt solar panel, you would not need the branch connectors. Do an Amazon search for solar panel wiring and you will find cable pairs with the MC4 connectors to whatever lengths you need.
1464590
Absolutely, it is no problem. You can easily link together as many panels as you wish.
377807
Hello, yes! You sure do! Saitek Also sells an extra power ac, I'm using it and works perfect. I have 5 panels connected