Module connectors

Positive, negative and joined MC4 connectors depicted with wiring.

PV modules are installed outdoor and exposed to the elements, therefore any connections made with PV modules should be water-tight. PV modules are typically connected to one another, or to a wire that goes to a combiner box, with specialty connectors designed for use with PV modules exposed to water and sun. These connectors are designed to be crimped onto wires using a specialty crimper. They can then be easily snapped together, but typically require a tool to separate them once connector to avoid accidents.

Modules can come with different types of connectors - MC4 (the most common type of connector which is produced by Staubli), Amphenol, Tyco - which are not compatible with one another. So it is important to make sure that you have the correct type of connector to be able to make a connection with the PV module. Otherwise a high resistance connection can be created that might lead to a failure or a fire. It is also important that a crimping tool designed for use with the specific type of connector is used.