Small Scale Offgrid Solar PV: Installation Manual
6.1 Splices in the Solar Cable
It‟s better to splice/ extend the solar cable before the Panel is fixed down on the roof.
Chose the cable gauge according to the Quetsol technical guide: Cable Selection in small Off
Grid Solar Energy Installations. Make sure it‟s long enough to reach the Charge Controller.
It‟s best to make the connection with MC4 terminals as the Solar Panel cables come with these
connectors. It‟s the best way to minimize the possibility of water ingress and to reduce voltage
drop. Alternatively, a cable join using crimp terminals offers better mechanical strength and
less voltage drop than simply splicing the wires (Appendix A1.2.).
Afterwards this cable can be run to the area planned for the Charge Controller (leave it long
until the Controller is in place.)
Once connected to the solar panel, the positive and negative cables should never be in
contact. Therefore, when the distance to the charge controller has been determined, it‟s
advisable to cut one cable and then the other, rather than the two together.
Seperate cuts in twin cable with exterior insulation e.g. cable TSJ2).
Cut the exterior insulation all the way around (without scratching the cables.)
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