Panel Connectors

[MikePower]

What type of connectors is everyone soldering onto their panels? I would like some easy disconnect connectors that will last in the weather.

[Sampson77]

I use neutral lugs. One mounted on top and the other on bottom of the panel. This allows me to keep the positive and negative wires seperated and can easily connect panels in series / parallel by simple screwing.

warning though if you use them. when you torque down the wires to much force will twist the lugs on the frame.

[MikePower]

Thanks Sampson-

Do you have a link to an example of a nuetral lug. Also, can you damage your solar cells if you touch the positive and negative together?

MIke

[MikePower]

I just found nuetral lug on google so nevermind, I would still like to know if there ae any negative consequnces to touching the + and - together.

[Sampson77]

you probably could if there was enough current flowing. But realistically all you would be doing is creating a short. On a small current no big deal. Large current its a big deal.

[MarineLiner]

I just found nuetral lug on google so nevermind, ...

[MikePower]

http://www.amazon.com/Siemens-Neutral-Lug-Kit/dp/B000NCTKZQ

Here is a link to one posted on amazon. I think they may be available at local hardware or auto stores.

[MarineLiner]

Neutral Lug Kit

Thank you very much. Now i know. To whom want to see it can click:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4144r2WNt3L.jpg

[netttech]

Thanks for the link to the connectors. I actually was looking at those at my local Lowes today. They are only $2 but I did pass on them. I was hoping to maybe find something waterproof. I was thinking later I could buy a shallow water-proof box & maybe mount the lugs inside.

I finished my 1st panel late yesterday, but it's been cloudy/rainy/icy all weekend. I want to check the voltage before I seal the plexi-glass.
Thanks again.

[DeltaFox 25]

I went to homedepot and bought two grounding bars and put them in a box away from each other and use one for + and the other for - ,this keeps them apart from each other and you can add leads into the fuse boxes also.

[Mike90250]

I prefer to use Anderson Connectors :http://www.andersonpower.com/ & http://store.solar-electric.com/anhicupoco.html
widely used by many industries, the connectors are rugged, and nearly idiot-proof.