Solar Panel Wiring Access Point

[DieselLSE]

I'm going to mount one or two lightweight solar panels onto the (ProSpeed) roof rack. The cable connection point will be to the Traxide cabling (via an MPPT charger via a marine fuse box) in the rear right hand access panel where the jack used to be.
I'm looking for suggestions as to the best way to run the cable from the roof. Is it possible to use the satnav cover as an entry point? This would be a brilliant solution as once inside the roof, running it down to the connection point would be easy.
I've seen cabling running down the gap along the upper tailgate but not sure where it would enter the car.
Any ideas appreciated.

[Mungus]

That is the entry point I am considering for same, as well as a lighting circuit using something similar to the below marine gland.
https://d347awuzx0kdse.cloudfront.net/aquavolt2/product-download/290032.pdf?v=1f3f6e1436537398c507d459b1c801821d91a aa0

There is a company up here that does specialist vehicle modifications (like disabled modifications, mine spec etc). I’ve been meaning to touch base with them to see what they can offer. I’ll make time next week.

[matti4556]

Hi DieselLSE - According to the workshop manual, the shark fin antenna is for Telephone and/or SDARS - Satellite Digital Audio Radio Stations reception. (not fitted in our market, hence it only has a cover at the roof aperture)
There is no references in the manual about removing the cover or how its kept in place. I can only assume it will be very good adhesive and not a simple remove and refit. It will need a hole or two drilled through it.
If you remove the cover from underneath in the rear load space you might have room to take a gander from underneath to see if its feasible to screw in a suitable weatherproof cable entry gland straight into the roof blanking cover.
Hopefully someone will come along who has actually done this. Maybe during a roof lining/repair removal. I also would be interested in whether its a goer.
Cheers - Matti

[DieselLSE]

That is the entry point I am considering for same, as well as a lighting circuit using something similar to the below marine gland.
https://d347awuzx0kdse.cloudfront.net/aquavolt2/product-download/290032.pdf?v=1f3f6e1436537398c507d459b1c801821d91a aa0

There is a company up here that does specialist vehicle modifications (like disabled modifications, mine spec etc). I’ve been meaning to touch base with them to see what they can offer. I’ll make time next week.
Great link. Thanks Mungus.

[Mungus]

Another site and style. Still in Aus. They may have black as well as not all listed on the net.
Cable entry cover 1 gland white lightweight low profile with with Grommet & Plug (https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/cable-entry-cover-1-gland-white-lightweight~18144)

[DieselLSE]

Another site and style. Still in Aus. They may have black as well as not all listed on the net.
Cable entry cover 1 gland white lightweight low profile with with Grommet & Plug (https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/cable-entry-cover-1-gland-white-lightweight~18144)
That's where I'm getting the panels!
I like the look of this, though.
https://d1mv2b9v99cq0i.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZWItbmluamEtaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiYX F1YXZvbHQyXC9pbWFnZXNcL3Byb2RpbWdcLzQ0MDM5NV8xLmpw ZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDgwLCJoZW lnaHQiOjQ4MCwiZml0IjoiaW5zaWRlIiwid2l0aG91dEVubGFy Z2VtZW50Ijp0cnVlfX0sInZlcnNpb24iOiI1ZmUyMGFmYTA3Nz A5ZWVhODYwYjkxMDE2OTc4NDdlODM1MTQxNmZiIn0=

Sydney company. Glands (https://www.aquavolt.com.au/category/5267-glands)

[letherm]

Hi DieselLSE - According to the workshop manual, the shark fin antenna is for Telephone and/or SDARS - Satellite Digital Audio Radio Stations reception. (not fitted in our market, hence it only has a cover at the roof aperture)
i

I've got one on my 2013 HSE with DAB radio

Martin

[LRD414]

I've seen cabling running down the gap along the upper tailgate but not sure where it would enter the car.
Less elegant but the cable entry is very simple if it's run down the outside of the tailgate .... there's two grommets behind the taillight assembly.
Requires a cable that can fit along edge of taillight.

Cheers,
Scott

[matti4556]

I've got one on my 2013 HSE with DAB radio

Martin

Thanks for letting me know Martin (I was quoting from the workshop manual, but good to know the DAB radio uses that aerial point also) - Matti

[DieselLSE]

Turns out the blanking plate looks like a perfect entry point for the solar cabling. The above mentioned gland will sit over it perfectly. The blanking plate comprises two parts, with the top (outside) plate having two studs which the lower (inside) plate fastens up to. To access it you need to lower the rear section of the roof lining, which means moving aside both rear lower side panels, both rear end panels and both c panels. And the third row grab handles in the roof (which I don't have as I've fitted a Xanadu basket there).
I'm taking pics so I'll write it all up when I'm finished.

[DieselLSE]

Just finished the install and the entry point worked OK, although I probably could have used a j connector on the roof so only two cables needed to be run inside.

[XXVDisco]

Just finished the install and the entry point worked OK, although I probably could have used a j connector on the roof so only two cables needed to be run inside.

Hi Diesel
I'm using your idea but can I ask how you fixed the gland to the blanking plate?

Did you use a mastic amd leave out the rubber gasket that came with the gland?

I've tried the screws but they don't grip.

Regards
John

[Tombie]

Interesting. I’m doing a set up at the moment.
I only have the floors on the 2/3 of the rack and will be putting a set up on the front 1/3 in the next few weeks (still waiting on panels and laser cutting).

[DieselLSE]

Hi Diesel
I'm using your idea but can I ask how you fixed the gland to the blanking plate?

Did you use a mastic amd leave out the rubber gasket that came with the gland?

I've tried the screws but they don't grip.

Regards
John
I think I used the supplied screws and screwed them through the top plastic cover and into the roof. I carefully measured it all out and made sure each hole went into the roof panel. I painted each opening with anti-rust paint for protection.
I think I may have discarded the supplied gasket. From memory I used a commercial grade roof sealant as I had run out of marine silastic.

[DieselLSE]

Interesting. I’m doing a set up at the moment.
I only have the floors on the 2/3 of the rack and will be putting a set up on the front 1/3 in the next few weeks (still waiting on panels and laser cutting).
FYI, I replaced the domed ProSpeed fasteners with slightly longer (10mm I think) countersunk ones under the solar panels. The panels now sit flatter than in the above pic. I also drilled holes in the ProSpeed roof panels under the solar panels to drain water and provide some heat dissipation.

[Tombie]

FYI, I replaced the domed ProSpeed fasteners with slightly longer (10mm I think) countersunk ones under the solar panels. The panels now sit flatter than in the above pic. I also drilled holes in the ProSpeed roof panels under the solar panels to drain water and provide some heat dissipation.

Cool.

I’m only fitting 90w of solar on mine, good for a max of 4.6a, as this will be sufficient to maintain the vehicle when not in use and when camped a couple of days will top it up.

I have a piece of Black Check Plate being profiled with 2 openings to allow 2 45w Poly panels to be flush mounted and then the whole lot bolted where the front floors would go.

Power runs down the P/S A trim and into the Controller up front (currently being wired).

Pics to come once I get this done - currently changing jobs and working on buying another house, so a little distracted.