Solar Panel Fitting Problem (1 Viewer)

scek

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Jan 12, 2011
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Couple of years or so.
I am in the process of fitting a solar panel to our 2011 Kon Tiki but have hit a problem on the roof!

Everything was going well until I put the Solar Panel in place, the leads from the solar panel are too short to reach the access panel for the connectors.

The only way I can see this being fixed is to use weather proof cable connectors on each lead and add an 8" extension.

...unless anyone has any better ideas?


Photo attached.


Cheers
Steve
 

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pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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a pair of MC4 extension leads will do the job and they are IP64 rated (fully water proof) and plug straight in.

If they are too long any excess can be LOOSELY coiled and secured under the panel.

DO NOT tightly coil an electrical cable...it will overheat.

But Techno's advice is sound as its one less joint to cause trouble

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Last edited:
Aug 6, 2013
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Replace the leads with custom length ones from the jb on the panel

............... or if easier extend the ones sticking out of the roof. If they are accessible in a locker it might be the easier option. If you are unreasonably lucky there might even be some slack on the inside ::bigsmile:
 
Last edited:

Tramperinatruck

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I'm thinking of fitting a solar panel to the roof of our Autotrail Chieftain. I haven't been on the roof yet but looking at your photo, it appears that the socket with the two connectors was factory fitted, is that so?
Also, how are panels secured to the roof, is it a combination of double-sided tape and self-tappers?
Cheers,
Daz
 

cmcardle75

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I am in the process of fitting a solar panel to our 2011 Kon Tiki but have hit a problem on the roof!

Everything was going well until I put the Solar Panel in place, the leads from the solar panel are too short to reach the access panel for the connectors.

The only way I can see this being fixed is to use weather proof cable connectors on each lead and add an 8" extension.

...unless anyone has any better ideas?


Photo attached.


Cheers
Steve

I never bothered with those expensive solar connectors. I just ran thick cable direct from the panel to the solar controller with no joins or connectors at all. Now that is a better IP rating than any waterproof connector!

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pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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I'm thinking of fitting a solar panel to the roof of our Autotrail Chieftain. I haven't been on the roof yet but looking at your photo, it appears that the socket with the two connectors was factory fitted, is that so?
Also, how are panels secured to the roof, is it a combination of double-sided tape and self-tappers?
Cheers,
Daz

The panel fixings are simply 'glued" down with Sikaflex adhesive sealer.

You could also use stainless screws but once the sikaflex has cured it, and anything secured with it, is practically impossible to remove.

A cheesewire is often the only way to get something unstuck.
 

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