Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Connectors

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	1302440202 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ML COUPL HSG MINUS 10-12AWG	0
	1302440201 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FMALE COUPLR HSG PLUS	0
	1302441202 Woodhead - Molex	CONN MALE COUPLER MINUS 10-12AWG	0
	1302440204 Woodhead - Molex	CONN MALE COUPLR HSG MINUS 14AWG	0
	1302441201 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FMALE COUPLR HSG PLUS	0
	1302441203 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FMALE COUPLER PLUS 14AWG	0
	1302441204 Woodhead - Molex	CONN MALE COUPLER MINUS 14AWG	0
	1302440203 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FMALE COUPLR HSG PLUS 14AWG	0
	0933010201 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ML COUPL HSG MINUS 10-14AWG	0
	0933010101 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FMALE COUPLR HSG PLUS	0

Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Connectors

1. Overview

Photovoltaic (PV) connectors are specialized electrical components designed to safely and efficiently interconnect solar panels and associated power systems. These connectors enable rapid, reliable connections in photovoltaic arrays while meeting stringent requirements for environmental resistance, electrical performance, and mechanical durability. As critical elements in solar energy systems, PV connectors ensure optimal power transmission and system longevity in residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
MC3 Connector	3-pin design, IP65 rating, 1500V DC compatibility	Legacy residential systems
MC4 Connector	Single-contact design, IP67 rating, anti-arcing technology	Modern rooftop/grid-tied systems
T4 Connector	Tool-free locking mechanism, 30A rating	Large-scale solar farms
Hybrid Connectors	Integrated monitoring sensors, smart grid compatibility	Smart energy systems

3. Structure & Components

Typical PV connector assemblies consist of: - Contact Elements: Electrolytic copper with silver-plated surface for low resistance - Insulation: High-temperature resistant thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) - Housing: UV-stabilized polycarbonate with IP67+ protection - Cable Gland: Strain relief mechanism with 50N pull-out resistance - Locking System: Push-pull or screw-type mechanical interlock

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value Range	Importance
Rated Current	10-40A DC	Determines power throughput capacity
Voltage Range	600-1500V DC	Affects system design voltage
Contact Resistance	<0.3m	Impacts energy efficiency
Operating Temp	-40 C to +120 C	Ensures environmental reliability
Insertion Loss	<0.5dB	Measures connection quality
Cycle Life	5000+ mating cycles	Determines maintenance intervals

5. Application Fields

Utility-scale solar power plants
Residential rooftop systems
Commercial building-integrated PV
Off-grid solar charging stations
Agricultural solar pumping systems
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Feature
St ubli (Multi-Contact)	MC4-Evo 2	0.1m contact resistance
Amphenol Solar	Helios H4	Fire-resistant housing
TE Connectivity	Solarlok	Double-locking mechanism
Yazaki	Y4 Connectors	1500V system compatibility

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Match current/voltage ratings with system specifications
Evaluate environmental conditions (temperature, UV exposure)
Verify compliance with IEC 62852/UL 6703 standards
Assess cable compatibility (cross-section, insulation type)
Consider maintenance requirements and tooling needs
Check for arc-fault protection features

Application Case Studies

Case 1: 200MW desert solar farm using MC4 connectors with integrated temperature sensors reduced maintenance costs by 30%.
Case 2: Urban rooftop installation with space constraints utilized hybrid T4 connectors achieving 25% faster deployment.

Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

Development of 2000V DC connectors for high-voltage systems
Integration of IoT-enabled monitoring capabilities
Adoption of recyclable polymer materials
Standardization under IEC 62852 Ed.2
Miniaturization while maintaining 30A+ capacity