Abstract: A junction box is affixed to, and electrically coupled with, a solar panel. The junction box is configured to releaseably engage and disengage accessory modules, thereby allowing accessory modules to be replaced or exchanged easily. Accessory modules are electrically coupled with other accessory modules in the solar panel string. The furthest downstream accessory module is connected to a wire harness, which is connected to a central combiner box.

Abstract: A cylindrical guard is used for protecting the electrical junction between connectors. The guard is essentially two split cylindrical sections oriented end-to-end with breakaway tabs therebetween. The split cylindrical pieces are hinged, and substantially irreversibly lock together in a “clamshell” like fashion. The resulting guarded junction is less likely to be accidentally disengaged, thereby protecting both property and life. The guard can be removed by cutting, or broken and moved to expose the underlying junction by severing the breakaway tabs.

Abstract: A cylindrical guard is used for protecting the electrical junction between connectors. The guard is essentially two split cylindrical sections oriented end-to-end with breakaway tabs therebetween. The split cylindrical pieces are hinged, and substantially irreversibly lock together in a “clamshell” like fashion. The resulting guarded junction is less likely to be accidentally disengaged, thereby protecting both property and life. The guard can be removed by cutting, or broken and moved to expose the underlying junction by severing the breakaway tabs.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and wirelessly transmitting solar array parameters such as current, voltage and temperature in real time is primarily housed within a recombiner box. The system lends itself to retrofitting within some commercially available recombiner boxes. Signals emitted from the RF controller component of the system are received by a central processor, which includes a dashboard interface. Multiple systems in proximity can be linked to form a mesh network with one central processor.

Abstract: A wire harness connects multiple solar panel junction boxes to a recombiner box. The wire harness includes in-line fuse assemblies, with optional blocking diodes, so each string of solar panels is associated with one fuse. In the event of a blown fuse, only one upstream solar panel string is affected. Entire wire harnesses and/or individual in-line fuse assemblies can be easily swapped out, thereby decreasing the time and expense of troubleshooting and repairing.

Abstract: Low leakage electrical joints and wire harnesses for simplifying the electrical infrastructure associated with solar energy utilities are disclosed. The low leakage electrical joints include fused wires that have been sealed, encased and configured to plug into other joints to form wire harnesses. The wire harnesses are particularly well suited for coupling a plurality of solar collector junction boxes to a combiner box.