MC4 connectors

[tom baker]

My solar experience is very limited.
I have a 2018 ford transit I bought used, it has 2 100 watt flex solar panels on the roof. The cables are wired with MC4 connectors.
-is this a standard connector for solar panels?
I need to replace a panel and change out connectors. I found crimp tool and connector at Amazon for $35, for a few connections will that inexpensive tool be ok?
Any recommended mfg of MC4 connectors

 

[ggunn]

My solar experience is very limited.
I have a 2018 ford transit I bought used, it has 2 100 watt flex solar panels on the roof. The cables are wired with MC4 connectors.
-is this a standard connector for solar panels?
I need to replace a panel and change out connectors. I found crimp tool and connector at Amazon for $35, for a few connections will that inexpensive tool be ok?
Any recommended mfg of MC4 connectors

This may not be a consideration for you, but if you cut the connectors off the module wiring you will void any warranty for the module.

 

[tom baker]

panels have long leads I will need to cut and install new connectors

 

[jaggedben]

I found crimp tool and connector at Amazon for $35, for a few connections will that inexpensive tool be ok?
Any recommended mfg of MC4 connectors

Yes, that will be okay.
You could also probably find PV wire extension cords online.

I don't know why you would cut off the manufacturer's connectors instead of just making up connectors on whatever wires you are connecting to them.

 

[tom baker]

Yes, that will be okay.
You could also probably find PV wire extension cords online.

I don't know why you would cut off the manufacturer's connectors instead of just making up connectors on whatever wires you are connecting to them.

I may have a bad connector/ cold solder joint. One panel of two has no current output. I had driven on very rough washboard road when the panel stopped working

 

[jaggedben]

I may have a bad connector/ cold solder joint. One panel of two has no current output. I had driven on very rough washboard road when the panel stopped working

I would check in the junction box where the leads join the panel. That's a more likely failure point than the MC4 connector in my experience.