Connecting panels in a string with different PV connectors.

[Sgtnarc1]

We ordered 44 JASolar 370W panels for a ground mount system consisting of (2) arrays of 20 panels and 24 panels. We inspected each one for damage and everything was ok. After installing the 20 panel array we noticed that the next set of panels have different connectors. We inspected the remaining 24 panels and found that (18) of them had QC4.10 PV connectors and all the rest have Amphenol UTX PV connectors.

As we proceed along with the installation we will have a compatibility issue where we have to connect a panel with QC4 connectors to a panel with Amphenol UTX connectors. We don't want to cut the panels factory installed whip leads as this might void the manufacturers warranty.

The option we see is to make a jumper lead with a QC4 connector on one end and a Amphenol connector on the other end making sure we have the proper (+) and (-). If I layout the panels correctly I should only need one of these jumpers.

Does anyone see any problem with this setup or offer other solutions?

[Mike90250]

You may need 3 adapters
1 between panels
1 at the origin panel in the string
1 at the final panel in the string,

[Sgtnarc1]

That would be correct. The first and last panels in the string would need connectors on a home run wire back to inverter. But, the question is does cutting the manufacture whip lead void the warranty and if so does making a short jumper lead with the proper connectors for each panel cause any problems.

[SunEagle]

I would think that using approved connectors would be acceptable to the manufacturer. Have you contacted JASolar to see what they would use as adapters for those specific connectors?

[Sgtnarc1]

Have not contacted JASolar but emailed the distributor of panels and waiting for a rely.

[SunEagle]

Have not contacted JASolar but emailed the distributor of panels and waiting for a rely.

You may be better off contacting the company that made the panels and included those different connectors

[Sgtnarc1]

I tried calling their US office in Calif. But only get voice mail and I have emailed them 2 weeks ago with no response. Maybe because of COVID-19 things are on hold.

[SunEagle]

Maybe you can contact Newark electronics to find the correct adapters.

[Sgtnarc1]

SunEagle,

I am a beginner here in this solar stuff so excuse me for not understanding your response of "find the correct adapters". When you say adapters are you referring to the PV connectors on the whip leads of the panels? All I want to do is connect 2 panels with different connectors. Can I not take a 12" length of PV wire and put a QC4 connector on one end and an Amphenol UTX connector on the the other end, assuming the correct (+) and (-) and plug them into the panel that has the same type of plug. Would this fabricated "lead or jumper" be an issue in the system?

I just received an email from where I purchased the panels and in part it asks if I want to change out the connectors on those Modules that I own to the more common MC4’s. So it sounds like they want me to cut the connectors on the modules and install MC4's. I will be calling them for further info but wanted to reply back to your post.

[bcroe]

That is what I would do. Connect up everything you can, cut off the mismatch situations
with some spare length and install MC4s. Then take those mismatch cut off ends and
put MC4s on the cut off end, and you have adapters for another spot. Do be very
careful not to mix up the polarities or you will create a new problem. Bruce Roe

[Sgtnarc1]

bcroe,

In my string of 11 panels I would have 7 panels with QC4 connectors and 4 panels with Amphenol UTX connectors. The string starts with a QC4 (minus) connector that goes to inverter. As I connect the 7 panels with the QC4 connectors in series, I will come to the seventh panel which will end up with a (+ plus) going to the next panel. Next panel will have a (- minus) Amphenol UTX connector. So do I just cut off the (+ plus) QC4 connector, install a (- minus) Amphenol UTX connector and proceed along with the string to the inverter. Am I missing something.

[bcroe]

You need a supply of connectors and tools to work with them. If you can cheaply and quickly
get your original types, adding extension adapters works. Here MC4s are the cheap/available
parts, dozens of sources on Evil Bay and others, get some stocked in the same country.

I would connect as many of the same type panels together as possible, then cut off ends needing
to connect and install the connector type of your choice (MC4s here). That might happen in the
middle of a string, or at the ends. Add MC4s to the leads you cut off, and you have half a set
of adapters to avoid more cutting. Reverse the order of the 2 types of panels in another string,
and use the adapters you just made to connect them. good luck, Bruce Roe

[Mike90250]

Isn't there something about the factory connector being a requirement for any warranty claims ?

[bcroe]

Isn't there something about the factory connector being a requirement for any warranty claims ?

Probably, so this might put the warranty at risk for a panel or 2. Here warranties
never stand in the way of getting things done, they are typically of little value.
Bruce Roe

[Sgtnarc1]

I have ordered and received extra QC4 and Amphenol UTX connectors. Reading and understanding all of this is a tough for this old guy doing this for the first time.

With everything that has been written when you refer to an "adapter" is it the same as a length of PV wire having a QC4 connector on one end and a Amphenol UTX connector on the other end allowing me to connect to the 2 panels that have those connectors.

I also agree that it might void the warranty and have emailed the company to get an addendum to the warranty but with COVID19 who knows when I might get a reply.I

f I missed or don't understand something let me know and thanks for being patient.