What are the various types of Solar PV Connectors?

Author: Elmex Industry

Solar panel connectors are critical components in the installation of solar power systems. The connector expedites and simplifies installation by ensuring continuity between the wires that connect the modules in the solar array. This allows current to flow from the solar panel to the solar charge controller, and finally to the solar inverter, which powers all of the home's appliances.

The solar connector installed at the end of each wire is the main component responsible for simplifying modular solar system installations. A solar installer can use these connectors to reconfigure the modules, placing modules in parallel or series to achieve the desired array size when expanding the size of the system.

When connecting photovoltaic (PV) modules to other system components, it's critical to choose the proper solar connector, especially when using a combiner box for bigger systems.

Elmex Controls Pvt. Ltd. is one of the most distinguished and reputed Solar PV connector manufacturers in Vadodara.

Various types of Solar Connectors:
  • MC3
  • MC4
  • Helios H4
  • SolarLok
  • Radox

In the last 20 years, the designs for these connectors have been steadily improving, making them more secure and assuring correct solar array wiring. Let's take a closer look at each connector type.

  • MC3:
Previously, the MC3 connector was the most commonly used solar panel connector. Male connectors have a single-contact cylindrical plug with a diameter of 3 mm, whereas female connectors have a socket shell design.

This connector's female and male leads serve as positive and negative leads, respectively, but they are mostly used as a reference for a solar installer to know where the cable is coming from and where it should go. The MC3 connector has been replaced by the MC4, which is actually a better version.

If you are looking for the best quality PVC Tape Insulated Rectangular, Elmex Controls Pvt. Ltd. is the right choice for you.

  • MC4:
The MC4 female connector is a single-contact cylindrical plug that fits snugly into the socket shell. The IP68 Ingress Protection (IP) index, a safety class II system, UV protection, an impedance of less than 0.5, and a safety class II system are also features of the MC4.

The MC4 simplifies solar installation by having such a simple yet secure connector. This connector is ideal for crimping solar wires of any length in small, medium, or large installations that may include a combiner box and a high-capacity battery bank.

  • Helios H4:
The Helios H4 connector is designed to be compatible with the MC4, allowing homeowners to install one or the other without worrying about compatibility.

Elmex Controls Pvt. Ltd. is one of the excellent and distinct MC manufacturers in India.

  • SolarLok:
In older installations, the SolarLok connector can still be seen. Depending on the required configuration of the solar array, the SolarLok connector for solar cables was used to connect one module to the next in a series or parallel installation.

Elmex Controls Pvt. Ltd. is the recognised and prominent electrical panel manufacturer in Vadodara.

  • Radox:
To ensure proper current passage through the wires, the Radox connectors use copper-beryllium contacts with a lamella design.