Connecting the Wires to the Panels
Step 1
Cut the wire for the lengths you think you will need between panels. Always add a couple of inches in case of length errors or termination errors.
Step 2
Strip ΒΌ inch of insulation from wire end that connects to panel.
Step 3
Crimp connector onto wire if using a screw-on contact or a multiconnector, or MC, contact. MC contacts look like the RCA plugs (red, white and yellow) used on your stereo equipment.
Step 4
Apply solder to terminal plates on all panels if a soldering method is used, by touching plate with the iron, then touching the solder to the plate, not the iron. You should only leave a small ball of solder on the terminal plate.
Do this for all panels in the array at the same time.
Step 5
Either solder bare wire to solar panel terminal plates on all panels or crimp contact onto wire if a screw-on connector is used. Plug MC contacts together if MC contacts already are installed on panel.
Series Wiring
Step 1
Connect the positive (+) lead of the first panel to the negative (-) lead on the next panel in the array. Repeat throughout the array.
Step 2
Connect the negative (-) lead of the first panel to the positive (+) lead on the next panel in the array. Repeat throughout the entire array.
Step 3
Keep wires from the end of the series run separate or terminate into a two-position plug to avoid shorting.
Parallel Wiring
Step 1
Connect the positive (+) lead on the first panel to the positive (+) lead on the next panel in the array. Continue throughout the entire array.
Step 2
Connect the negative (-) lead on the first panel to the negative (-) lead on the next panel in the array. Continue throughout the entire array.
Step 3
Bundle all wires in the system together and run them through a conduit. Using zip-ties or electrical lacing tape to bundle them together will help prevent any wiring damage caused by snagging or tripping.
