Solar Panel: Cutting Hole in Roof !!!

[Base1388]

im going fit a solar panel

I’ve made sure all cables and connections are under the panel. As I hate to see them.

Until it arrives I don’t know how high the connections make the panel sit off the roof !
It’s a HiLow roof. Inside is unfinished.
I’ve got to drill cable holes anyway.
So considering cutting a hole for the whole box to sit in. Silkafex it to death !
Definitely don’t want any leaks !

May fibreglass it inside too. Just to make sure sure.

Anyone done anything similar??

Thanks
Romany

 

[Base1388]

Connection box it 25mm thick.
Don’t know how raised the ribs of the roof are !

 

[Phil_G]

im going fit a solar panel... So considering cutting a hole for the whole box to sit in. Silkafex it to death !

Thats exactly what Hillside Leisure do. The whole terminal housing is let into the fibreglass poptop roof, so externally the panel is entirely flush and no visible connections.
Cheers
Phil

 

[Base1388]

@Phil_G
many thanks

 

[Alby42]

I’m planning to do the same. Any ideas out there for the best way to run the cable back down to the van and to manage the cable to prevent it getting trapped or kinked. Thanks.

 

[Davenjo]

I’m planning to do the same. Any ideas out there for the best way to run the cable back down to the van and to manage the cable to prevent it getting trapped or kinked. Thanks.

See this thread which shows the cable management on mine How've You Installed Your Solar Panel?

 

[Alby42]

Quick reply. Thanks. Note to self...... use search

 

[Alby42]

Thanks but search didn’t help.... I’m looking to deal with the cable with a Hilo roof. It goes up a lot further meaning a lot more cable.. I’m hoping to use duel core wiring.

 

[Davenjo]

Thanks but search didn’t help.... I’m looking to deal with the cable with a Hilo roof. It goes up a lot further meaning a lot more cable.. I’m hoping to use duel core wiring.

I didn't think the HiLo was that much taller at the back than the SCA? Also, there is a comment from @DaveyB in the thread I linked above - he has a HiLo.

 

[Alby42]

Again thanks. I didn’t realise from the pic it was Hilo. I’m looking at a similar position so it doesn’t appear to be a problem... I’m waiting for new van with Hilo ...1 month to go .... my T5.1 with austop roof doesn’t rise as far.

 

[Gazaman]

This is what i did with mine, the gland is IP68

 

[Dellmassive]

This is what i did with mine, the gland is IP68

View attachment 32814

View attachment 32815

View attachment 32816

what size/wattage panel is that?

and where did you get the bung from?


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Roof wrap for solar panel- whole roof or panel coverage?​

if you are going to stick a panel to the roof then its a good idea to vinyl wrap that section of roof first . .

the stick, bond, velco et c etc to that . . .

that will save a you world of grief when you need to remove it !!!

Roof wrap for solar panel- whole roof or panel coverage?

Hi All, I'm going to fit a flexi solar panel in the next few weeks. For those in the know, will an oversize panel of wrap on the roof hold down a glued panel or would I need to have the whole roof wrapped?

www.t6forum.com

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[Gazaman]

Its a 130w
https://www.travelvolts.net/product-page/130-watt-semi-flex-solar-panel

We can supply the glands, cost is £21 + Vat each, I used 2, one for the pop top the other the van roof under the pop top

 

[Dellmassive]

Its a 130w
https://www.travelvolts.net/product-page/130-watt-semi-flex-solar-panel

We can supply the glands, cost is £21 + Vat each, I used 2, one for the pop top the other the van roof under the pop top

Awsome. Got any pics of one fitted to a panel van with wing doors using the rear tailgate entry glands?

 

[Gazaman]

I went straight in to the roof, I didn't use the door entry, not got any pictures but could take some

 

[Dellmassive]

Its a 130w
https://www.travelvolts.net/product-page/130-watt-semi-flex-solar-panel

We can supply the glands, cost is £21 + Vat each, I used 2, one for the pop top the other the van roof under the pop top

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is that panel mounted onto a frame? The edges on yours look sloped and different to the pic on the website?

any chance of posting some more pics of that panel?

 

[Gazaman]

Yes thats the one but mine is the 130w, speak to Martyn at travel volts

really helpful and knows his stuff

 

[Taff7996]

I didn't want to drill into roof, didnt want to affect warranty, so threaded the solar panel cable through the rubber grommet in tail lift

View attachment 35821 View attachment 35821

 

[Vinci]

May I ask how the panel is secured, and does the curly wire bounce around on the roof.
Tidy install, like it

 

[Taff7996]

May I ask how the panel is secured, and does the curly wire bounce around on the roof.
Tidy install, like it

Solar panel is bolted to roof rail with tamper proof bolts
I've not noticed the curly cable bounce about,

Solar Camper Solutions - VW California (T5 & T6) Solar Panel Kit