External connection point to plug a portable solar panel into.

[Skyliner33]

Just been thinking if this is possible or has been done. I can't find anything.

At the moment if I want to plug in a portable solar panel I have to put the cables from the panel to the MPPT through the drivers door window, so the van lacks a bit of security.

So I was wondering if there is a way to have a socket under the bonnet or rear bumper with cable to the MPPT. The I could put a plug on the end of the cables from the solar panel making it easy to plug the solar panel in.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Just been thinking if this is possible or has been done. I can't find anything.

At the moment if I want to plug in a portable solar panel I have to put the cables from the panel to the MPPT through the drivers door window, so the van lacks a bit of security.

So I was wondering if there is a way to have a socket under the bonnet or rear bumper with cable to the MPPT. The I could put a plug on the end of the cables from the solar panel making it easy to plug the solar panel in.

A small Anderson plug would be my choice

Anderson PP75 Powerpole Connector Housing (6, 10 & 16mm² cable)

Anderson PP75 Powerpole connectors for quick & easy connection of cables. Modular housings interlock & can be 'keyed' to prevent errors. 6, 10 & 16mm2 cable.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Or an SB 50, a bit overkill, but you can get dust caps for them.

 

[Skyliner33]

A small Anderson plug would be my choice

Anderson PP75 Powerpole Connector Housing (6, 10 & 16mm² cable)

Anderson PP75 Powerpole connectors for quick & easy connection of cables. Modular housings interlock & can be 'keyed' to prevent errors. 6, 10 & 16mm2 cable.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Or an SB 50, a bit overkill, but you can get dust caps for them.

Thanks, I use an SB50 now to plug in. Didnt think the dust caps would be weather proof enough.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Thanks, I use an SB50 now to plug in. Didnt think the dust caps would be weather proof enough.

I use them on my 250A socket on the rear bumper for my electric boat winch. 7 years on, no issues.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Thanks, I use an SB50 now to plug in. Didnt think the dust caps would be weather proof enough.

Anderson IP64 Rubber Environmental Boot For SB50 Connector - Load side

Rugged environmental boots providing IP64 protection for Anderson Power Products' SB50 connectors. Ideal for outside applications & harsh environments.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[Ricardo T]

I’ve been pondering this too. At the moment my Anderson connections are in a small cupboard right at the back so through the boot is my method atm so have to leave the tailgate ajar slightly. Underneath somewhere appeals as it’s out of the way but have yet to get round to it.
Watching with interest to see other people’s ideas.

 

[Samiguel]

I ran cables from the back of the battery, alongside my DC-DC charger cable through the grommet in the bulkhead, through the cable cover under the central column to come up under the driver's side seat. I used MC4 connectors under the bonnet as they are waterproof, but I was doing it again, I'd use Anderson connectors with the rubber boot/shroud as the MC4 are a bit fiddly to take apart. You'd need to make up a short set of leads with MC4 at one end (assuming that is what your panel connectors are) and Anderson at the other.

Worked like a charm.

 

[ginkster]

If you fancy an external surface mount connector Scanstrut do a few in their Ventura range. About £30.