Solar Panel: Cutting Hole in Roof !!!

About to start replacing my 150W solar panel that has died after 4 years of use.

Just wondering how many tubes of Sikaflex people are using to fit their panels?
 
assuming one? , if that, per 100w panel?

so for a 150w id look at two tubes.?

or double sided 3m,

or 3m HD Velcro.

+++++++

got some pics of the old one?

you sticking new one over? or removing old one?

you used vinyl wrap to make removing easier?
 
Removing old one first.

No vinyl wrap used by the previous installer.

Looks to have a bead down each ridge and then another down each edge of the panel where it is raised off the roof.
 
Cheese wire. . . . Aka. fishing line, cotton thread, string will cut through that.

Then see what's left.

Plastic scraper, wd40, etc etc on what's left.
 
Yeah, that was the plan. :thumbsup:

Just looking at Sikaflex 221, 522, Tigerseal etc. etc. to see which one is best and how much I'll need.
 
Can anyone recommend an IP68 gland that I can put solar CONNECTORS through?

Using this one below would mean I'd need to butcher the connectors and re-attach after passing the cables through the gland.

PXL_20230817_163102739.webp
 
Can anyone recommend an IP68 gland that I can put solar CONNECTORS through?

Using this one below would mean I'd need to butcher the connectors and re-attach after passing the cables through the gland.

View attachment 210073
You should be able to release the pins out of the shells on the MC4 connectors, pass them through the glands & put the shells back on.
 
You should be able to release the pins out of the shells on the MC4 connectors, pass them through the glands & put the shells back on.
Ye I saw a YouTube video of someone taking one apart. Looks easy with the cheaper cables, like the one in my first picture. But it seems the sleeve is buried a bit deeper inside the Renogy connectors, see below.

Nervous about hacking away at it, especially now that the panel is bonded to my roof for the next million years.

PXL_20230818_153042859.webp

PXL_20230818_153507572.webp
 
Ye I saw a YouTube video of someone taking one apart. Looks easy with the cheaper cables, like the one in my first picture. But it seems the sleeve is buried a bit deeper inside the Renogy connectors, see below.

Nervous about hacking away at it, especially now that the panel is bonded to my roof for the next million years.

View attachment 210081

View attachment 210080
@T6Bob32 Did you ever get the MC4 connectors off or did you find another solution?
 
Finally had a pop top fitted...

This is the photonic universe 180w black, with rear gland .....

Cabled to the seat base with 4mm2 singles.


.

View attachment 279179View attachment 279180View attachment 279181View attachment 279182View attachment 279183View attachment 279184View attachment 279185
So I'm about to fit my panel and am happy to cut the roof and fit the top gland on the outside of the van. But as we both have the same low profile pop top fitted. How did you get the wires through the roof of the van under the pop top as a gland will be too high to fit under the canopy. The roof installer said to have the wire enter the van off to the side and just sikaflex in a bung. I dont want to botch it !!!
 
So I'm about to fit my panel and am happy to cut the roof and fit the top gland on the outside of the van. But as we both have the same low profile pop top fitted. How did you get the wires through the roof of the van under the pop top as a gland will be too high to fit under the canopy. The roof installer said to have the wire enter the van off to the side and just sikaflex in a bung. I dont want to botch it !!!
The gap is very tight on the HCC low roof.

So the gland was cut back on the panel.

And the van side entry was offset.

With a nice loop of cable.

The cable entry to the van was then sickflaxed up.


But TBH I wasn't happy with the way it was done... So that panel was removed after a few months. And replaced be me with a bigger better one.

 
We went for a 530w panel.. see wires here.








.

Screenshot_20251119_070639_Chrome.webp
 
Actually....

I think that one that I removed.

I'm going to fit on the other van.

I'll Velcro it on again..

And use vinyl wrap on the painted parts of the van.

But I'll wait for better weather. Spring next year maybe.....

The Chief advisor is moaning about having the solar panel loafing around in the front room... :mexican wave:
 
  • Haha
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