Solar panel connectors

[Minxy]

Just use a big one. It's not there to protect the cable, but to be a means of isolation. So 20+ amps

IMV it's there to protect the controller as well as being able to isolate the panel so I wouldn't go as big as 20+ amps.

 

[Silver-Fox]

@Minxy Girl it should of read chunky fittings ie the fuse fittings as the cable looks a reasonable size 4mm2?

 

[Richard n Ann]

IMV it's there to protect the controller as well as being able to isolate the panel so I wouldn't go as big as 20+ amps.

Think about it though.. You want the solar panel to produce as many amps as possible. But you know it can't possibly produce more than about 8 amps. So what are you protecting with a fuse if the controller can handle many more amps?

The controller and output cabling needs protecting from the battery's potential to deliver a massive current, so that's a different matter altogether.

 

[Manic]

If going with using MC4 connectors you may need some a decent gripping tool.
I bought this when I did mine.

 

[Silver-Fox]

If going with using MC4 connectors you may need some a decent gripping tool.
I bought this when I did mine.

I’ve got some of those
I’d make of at the panel end and leave the mc4 in place.

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[Minxy]

Think about it though.. You want the solar panel to produce as many amps as possible. But you know it can't possibly produce more than about 8 amps. So what are you protecting with a fuse if the controller can handle many more amps?

The controller and output cabling needs protecting from the battery's potential to deliver a massive current, so that's a different matter altogether.

I'd rather put a fuse in closer to the 8 amp than 20+ ... why use a bigger one when there's no need???

 

[Minxy]

If going with using MC4 connectors you may need some a decent gripping tool.
I bought this when I did mine.

I just used some pliers and and electric crimpers:

 

[Richard n Ann]

I'd rather put a fuse in closer to the 8 amp than 20+ ... why use a bigger one when there's no need???

A small fuse will get warm. And if if gets warm enough to blow you'll have to replace it. If it gets to say 150°c without melting the fuse it might melt the fuse holder .
It's your van so do as you want.