Solar Panel Wiring Access Point

**DieselLSE** · 16th September 2020, 02:45 PM

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** · 16th September 2020, 05:20 PM

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.ne...c801821d91aaa0

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** · 16th September 2020, 05:28 PM

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** · 16th September 2020, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by 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.ne...c801821d91aaa0

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** · 16th September 2020, 07:09 PM

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

**DieselLSE** · 16th September 2020, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by 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

That's where I'm getting the panels!
I like the look of this, though.

Sydney company. Glands

**letherm** · 16th September 2020, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by 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)
i

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

Martin

**LRD414** · 17th September 2020, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

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** · 18th September 2020, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by letherm

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** · 18th September 2020, 09:50 PM

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.

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