Solar Discovery

Most 12 Volt solar modules come with a Junction Box (JBox) to make easy connections. A JBox is shown to the right. MC Connectors are the next generation connector and are used most often in high voltage residential and commercial applications. MC Connectors are shown below to the left. But some manufacturers are now using MC Connectors in place of Junction Boxes.

If you have a 12 Volt system and a low voltage module with an MC Connector and you want to connect your module in parallet, just cut the MC Connectors off. Before you cut the ends, make note of which connector is postive and which is negative. We usually mark with a piece of tape (red for positive). To verify, or if you cut the ends before marking the cables, use your volt meter. Set the meter to "Volts." The meter will tell you the polarity of the cable (either positive or negative). Once you've cut the cables, use a butt connector to hook the panels in parallel for a 12 Volt system.