Overview

Understanding Y Connections

KT Solar Y-Lead Connectors are available in Male and Female Connections and are commonly used to connect other solar panels in ‘Parallel’. Y-Leads have many benefits, starting with the ‘Y’ Design. They feature 1 lead with a male or female MC4 Connector on the end. About half way through the lead, it splits into 2 leads which feature a connector on each end (which is usually 2 of the opposite to the other end.

For example:

Model No. KT70770 Y-Lead features 1 Male MC4 Connector, running to 2 female MC4 Connectors.

Model No. KT70771 Y-Lead features 1 Female MC4 Connector, running to 2 Male MC4 Connectors.

Another benefit of Y-Leads is that the connection is basically all done for you to make installation and changing your solar panel over, very simple! All that is required is to connect your Y-Lead to the ‘Fly Leads’ from your solar panels.As we have mentioned in the first paragraph, Y-Leads are ideal for connecting solar panels in Parallel.

Definitions of Solar Series and Parallel Connections

There are two main ways in which you can connect multiple panels for higher power output. These wiring configurations are known as Parallel and Series.

Parallel wiring configuration doubles the Wattage and Amperage but keeps the voltage nominal at 12V. It is very advantageous in Auto/Marine applications particularly to use multiple panels. Parallel Is the most commonly used wiring configuration because when you put two panels together you double the amps when you put 3, you triple and on a large caravan motor home you can place 4 Solar panels and quadruple your amperage but maintain the voltage. This is an exceptionally very good way to keep voltage nominal and increase amperage.

When wiring two panels in series, the Voltage and Wattage Double. (When using two panels of the same Voltage) and Amperage rating remains unchanged.

Connecting Multiple Solar Panels in Parallel refers to 2 or more Solar Panels of the same Wattage being connected Positive to Positive, Negative to Negative.

Simply put, Parallel is the same as when you are trying to jump-start a car – positive to positive, negative to negative. That is a parallel connection. The nominal voltage remains at 12V.

Connecting Solar Panels in Series refers to 2 Solar Panels of the same Wattage being connected Negative to Positive, Negative to Positive.

A great way to think about Series is the common household torch. The torch has up to 6 x 1.5V batteries all sitting on top of each other but it’s connected negative to positive, negative to positive all the way through then you end up with a load at 9V. (6 x 1.5V = 9V). This is an example of a series connection.

What Will I Require to Install Y-Leads?

You will require the following to proceed with your installation:

Seeing as Y-Leads are designed for Parallel Connections, You will require 2 x Y-Leads. (1 x KT70770 & KT70771) to form a complete parallel solar connection.