A female connector and a male connector are provided with your solar inverter. They allow a simple connection between your grid and essential loads and your solar inverter. Using male and female connectors makes it difficult to reverse connection between the electrical network and the backup output while also allowing for an easy bypass of the inverter if necessary.

The grid connector is a circular connector that has an IP68 environmental protection rating. It can withstand a current of 25A per phase for a cable section of 4mm².

The plastic shell encloses the pins of the connector which protects against direct contact with the conducting elements when handling the connector.

The connector has a latch that keeps it firmly in place once plugged into the socket of your solar inverter.

A female connector and a male connector are provided with your solar inverter. They allow a simple connection between your grid and essential loads and your solar inverter. Using male and female connectors makes it difficult to reverse connection between the electrical network and the backup output while also allowing for an easy bypass of the inverter if necessary.

The grid connector is a circular connector that has an IP68 environmental protection rating. It can withstand a current of 25A per phase for a cable section of 4mm².

The plastic shell encloses the pins of the connector which protects against direct contact with the conducting elements when handling the connector.

The connector has a latch that keeps it firmly in place once plugged into the socket of your solar inverter.

The SA350 type battery connector is genderless, there is no male – female equivalent, which allows to assemble the connectors without worrying about whether one mates with the other.

The SA350 battery connector is foolproof to ensure that the connection is correct even in case of poor visibility conditions. Their distinctive shape allows you to connect your solar batteries without the risk of connecting another power source. It’s foreseen for cables ranging from 53.5mm² to 152mm² which allows to connect a solar battery of high capacity.

The SA350 battery connector is designed for maximum safety. It has a dielectric strength 2200V AC. The spring that is used inside keeps a firm connection between the two contact points, preventing the connector from slipping once the battery and inverter are coupled. The SA350 battery connector is made of fire-resistant plastic, classified according to the UL-94 standard at V-0. The internal design of the battery connector allows to disperse, in a controlled way, any arcs formed during the separation of the solar battery park from your inverter. Even though the connector supports disconnection during charging up to 100A current, the use of a battery breaker is still mandatory for safety as well as to avoid premature aging of the connector.

MC4 connectors are single-contact electrical connectors commonly used to connect the elements in a solar installation. The acronym MC4 stands for Multi-Contact 4mm diameter connector.

The MC4 connectors serve to effortlessly and safely connect the solar panels to your solar inverter. They allow for a fast assembly, by simply matching the male and female connectors, and keep it secure since they require a tool to separate them.  MC4 connectors are waterproof and UV resistant. They are used by the majority of solar panels and solar inverters manufacturers.

Description

The MC4 connectors supplied with your IMEON solar inverter are the original MC4 connectors and comply with TÜV, GOST-R, UL, CSA and CQC certifications.

The MC4 connector set consists of male and female components. One should note that due to construction of the plastic housing of the connectors, identification of male and female components is not necessarily straightforward.  For example, the male plug actually sits within a cylindrical shell which suggests a female type.

For optimum sealing, MC4 connectors require the use of a cable with a diameter corresponding to manufacturer recommendation. It is necessary to use a cable intended for solar installations which must have a dual insulation layer and specific treatment to resist UV rays. The MC4 connector is assembled using a dedicated crimping tool.

Use and security

MC4 connectors are rated for use under voltage up to 1500V which provides greater flexibility regarding the distance between your panels and your solar inverter. The current rating depends on the cable diameter and varies between 17 and 50A.

The MC4 connector uses the “MC Multilam Technology”, which relies on application of multiple spring loaded contact points used to decrease the resistance between the coupled elements which reduces the fire hazard.

Certification and insurance organizations strongly advise against combining MC4 connectors from different manufacturers.

MC4 connectors are supplied with your solar inverter to assure a lasting, secure and stable connection.

The three-phase Smart Meter connected to the IMEON solar inverters and installed at the building’s electricity entry point, measures the total electricity consumption of the building. This electricity consumption information is then transmitted to the photovoltaic inverter which, in return, will control in real time the renewable energy injected to the local electrical network (building electrical network downstream of the three-phase Smart Meter). The inverter will aim to keep the power measured by the three-phase Smart Meter at 0W at all times, which means that the power consumed from the public electricity network should be offset as much as possible. The self-production rate will therefore approach 100 %.
In case of public electricity grid loss, the essential loads (such as lighting, refrigerator, freezer, shutters) which are coupled to the “AC Output” will remain powered. All other loads in the building will remain without supply and will be powered by the hybrid inverter when the grid becomes available, thanks to the three-phase Smart Meter.
The loads connected to the secured AC Output as well as those connected downstream of the three-phase Smart Meter will be powered primarily by the power generated by the solar array, then – in case of an insufficient solar production – by the battery, then – in case the battery is discharged or charging – by the public network.
The three-phase Smart Meter for solar inverters can significantly increase self-production and get the house further autonomous. It also reduces the possibility of an inverter failure caused by incorrect estimation of loads connected onto the secured “AC Output”.