I have a solar panel I bought for a diy project and it has a small plug on the end of it, but I need to remove this plug to expose the positive and return wires so I can solder a bunch of stuff together. How do I cut off the plug without shorting out the solar panel when I make the cut? Can I just leave it in the dark a while before cutting? I don't think I can remove the wires from the solar panel end before cutting.
Just cover the panel and cut the wire the voltage will be so low it would be like shorting out a battery
A solar panel doesn't store energy. As soon as the light stops, the current stops instantly. If it's a 200-watt panel or more, it won't be harmed by a short circuit, but it might be good to turn the panel over or cover it with cardboard before working on it. The spark can slightly mar the contacts. Doing the work indoors is enough to cut down the current, too. For a 60-watt panel or less, I wouldn't even worry about the spark, the power output is too low to do any damage.
