Missing from Renogy kit?! I paid for the extras but I'm about to start soldering.

[TMG51]

Okay, I ordered this 200w Renogy kit from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCRG22A

I went with that because it supposedly had everything I needed except the battery. I got looking at the parts when they arrived though, and it didn't make sense. Two cables, each with a male and female plug, one charge controller, two cables (one male one female)..... how was I to wire up two panels using only two cables? I went looking online for a diagram from them (because it was not included in the package!) and found the following.

Clearly those female branch splitters are needed when wiring up more than one panel! How could they leave them out and call this a complete kit? Anyway I don't want to wait for more parts so my plan is simply to plug positive and negative into one panel, and then cut the connector ends off the 2nd panel and solder them into the positive/negative leads. I'll get that done this afternoon.

 

[wagoneer]

I use those connectors but not a big fan. Cut in half they will be 4 cables. Junction boxes are not what they used to be. Manufacturers are all opting out on
installing nuts and bolts The old ARCO panels are so easy to wire with copper the reason I still have a pair been 20 years, Oh my gosh.

 

[AuricTech]

Since the branch connectors are supposed to be included in the kit (they're shown in the illustration from your link), I would contact Renogy customer service, rather than void the material-and-workmanship warranty on your panel.

Can you run your system with only one panel connected, while you wait for the branch connectors? You'll need a tool to disconnect the MC4 connectors when the branch connectors arrive; perhaps Renogy customer service will include the tool without, since it's their company's fault that you would need it.

 

[TMG51]

I use those connectors but not a big fan. Cut in half they will be 4 cables. Junction boxes are not what they used to be. Manufacturers are all opting out on
installing nuts and bolts The old ARCO panels are so easy to wire with copper the reason I still have a pair been 20 years, Oh my gosh.

I'm not opposed to soldering, I just thought this was actually a complete kit! I also thought their wire was 10awg but it is 12. Slightly disappointed as I thought they were a reputable vendor. If I'm going to solder I would rather they just send me cable with no connectors and not charge me for their proprietary cable ends.

 

[TMG51]

Since the branch connectors are supposed to be included in the kit (they're shown in the illustration from your link), I would contact Renogy customer service, rather than void the material-and-workmanship warranty on your panel.

Can you run your system with only one panel connected, while you wait for the branch connectors?  You'll need a tool to disconnect the MC4 connectors when the branch connectors arrive; perhaps Renogy customer service will include the tool without, since it's their company's fault that you would need it.

That illustration wasn't included with my kit. I had to find it online, and it was a generic manual, not one relating to my purchased kit.

I can find no documentation referencing those parts either on Amazon, where I bought the kit, or in the sparse paperwork that arrived with the kit.

They might still send the connectors if I called. But there's a pretty good chance I'm not going to wait.

 

[AuricTech]

If you purchased your kit from the link you posted, they're listed as part of the kit.

Is it worth voiding the materials-and-workmanship warranty to get your system running right away?

 

[TMG51]

Whoops - you're right of course, they are listed on the Amazon link.

But to answer your question, solder makes a better connection and I'm all about voiding warranties.

 

[GotSmart]

Contact Renogy. 909-517-3598.

Customer Service: [email protected]
Technical Support Inquiry: [email protected]

 

[Renogy]

Okay, I ordered this 200w Renogy kit from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCRG22A

TMG51,

We're very sorry that something like this has happened. As AuricTech and GotSmart have mentioned, we'd really recommend calling our customer service to get your missing part, or to email them at [email protected] so that you do not void your warranties. Soldering does not make a better connection. Also, you can find our manual here: http://renogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/off-grid-general-manual.pdf.


All the best,
The Renogy Team

 

[TMG51]

Okay, I emailed your customer service address and decided to connect just one panel for now. Thanks for your presence on this forum.

 

[TMG51]

Renogy customer service sent me a reply back within 35 minutes including a shipping confirmation for the replacement parts.... so I do have to give credit where credit is due.

I wired up the system with one panel and the charge controller reports it is functioning.

 

[highdesertranger]

good to hear Renogy took care of the mix up quickly and to your satisfaction. good for you for posting this so we get an idea of the type of company they are. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

I had a problem several months ago with my controler.  Since I am color blind, I could not tell what color the indicator lights were.  After talking with Charlie, I was sent a return label by email.  I sent off the package the next day, and within 5 days I had a new digital unit installed.

I was so impressed I talked myself into a job with Renogy.  I have been in training all this week, and signing the contract next week.  It is nice to work for a company that has customer service put first.

 

[Seraphim]

I'm not opposed to soldering, I just thought this was actually a complete kit! I also thought their wire was 10awg but it is 12. Slightly disappointed as I thought they were a reputable vendor. If I'm going to solder I would rather they just send me cable with no connectors and not charge me for their proprietary cable ends.

Mistakes happen. The connectors should be in the kit. Call Renogy and they'll ship them right out.

Oops. Never mind. See you got it resolved

 

[highdesertranger]

got smart are you in Chino? the reason I ask is I am close by. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

got smart are you in Chino?  the reason I ask is I am close by.  highdesertranger

No.  I am in Missouri. They are opening up the world for sales reps.  Their are only a few outside sales representatives, so I am helping write the book.  I will be concentrating (by choice) on large projects, corporations, hospitals, and government entities.  I will also be looking to set up people as Renogy factory approved installation reps.  Estimated pay for setting up a system is $1 a watt.  

 They are about to move the warehouse from Chino.  Where to I have not asked... Yet.  

 

[TMG51]

The parts arrived today and I hooked the other panel up in a couple minutes.

The battery indicator on the charge controller, which has been mostly steady green with light use and the 100w panel, began blinking green ("battery full") within a half hour after adding the second panel.

 

[GotSmart]

Glad to hear that.

 

[Renogy]

The parts arrived today and I hooked the other panel up in a couple minutes.

The battery indicator on the charge controller, which has been mostly steady green with light use and the 100w panel, began blinking green ("battery full") within a half hour after adding the second panel.

Hey TMG51,

We're glad to hear that everything arrived and is working well for you. Please let us know if you need anymore assistance.

All the best,
The Renogy Team