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Old 11-29-2020, 08:35 AM   #1
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Thermolite 100w Solar Panel Cable extension

i have a Thermo King Thermolite 100w Solar panel which I am attempting to connect to my mppt solar charger. However I do not have an extension cable sufficient to reach the MPPT. I purchased what I believed to be the correct cable
Renogy “10 ft. 12 AWG Solar Panel and Charge Controller Connector Adaptor Kit”
This apparently was the incorrect cable. I am at a loss as to the correct cable. Any suggestion is appreciated.
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Old 11-29-2020, 08:53 AM   #2
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On my last van I just ran 10 Gauge wire and used environmental crimp connections with shrink trubing over the connections.
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Old 11-29-2020, 08:58 AM   #3
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I agree with the 10 Gauge wire, but looks like you'll also need to install MP4 connectors to hook up your panel...try this (they are easy to attach to the cable end)
https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Crimpi...665347&sr=8-13
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Old 11-29-2020, 09:12 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twoxentrix View Post
I agree with the 10 Gauge wire, but looks like you'll also need to install MP4 connectors to hook up your panel...try this (they are easy to attach to the cable end)
https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Crimpi...665347&sr=8-13
It was my understanding that the Renogy 10 ft. 12 AWG Solar Panel and Charge Controller Connector Adaptor Kit Cables had MP4 connectors. They were incompatible.
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Old 11-29-2020, 09:27 AM   #5
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Maybe I'm misreading your first post - Do you have wires attached to the Thermo King Thermolite 100w Solar panel already? If you do, and those ends do not fit the MP4 connections on the Renogy, then I'd just cut the Thermo King ends and replace with the MP4's.
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Old 11-29-2020, 09:52 AM   #6
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The pictures are of the connectors attached to panel. I was hoping someone might recognize and identify them.
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Old 11-29-2020, 10:09 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooligans01 View Post
The pictures are of the connectors attached to panel. I was hoping someone might recognize and identify them.

They are standard solar MC4 connectors.



Renogy sells just those connectors so you can mate to that panel easily...you'll need to buy their crimper too but it's cheap.


Can you post a pic of the Renogy adapter cable's connectors?


The Amazon link that Twoxentrix posted above will also work to mate to the connectors in the OPs photo.
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Old 11-29-2020, 10:20 AM   #8
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I no longer have them. i returned them to Home Depot.
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Old 11-29-2020, 10:47 AM   #9
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There's no need to purchase expensive extension cables. I've been using 10 gauge outdoor landscaping wire from Home Depot for years. It's two conductor similar to a large gauge lamp cord, is UV/weather resistant, etc. Will Prowse gives it a thumbs up as well.



You can connect to your panels via MC4 connectors or you can use marine grade weather proof butt connectors with UV resistant shrink tubing. For extra protection, I covered mine with corrugated wire protective tubing. From a brochure I found online, it appears that Thermo King/Thermolite uses a form of "residential solar connector". There's no magic in using these but you can probably find them for sale online once you're sure of the type. Personally, I'd cut them off and go the MC4 route.
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