Show Me Your Solar Roof Penetration

[kstarrr]

Thread title could probably go wrong, but I'm interested in seeing how y'all got your wiring inside the van from your solar panels.
Extra points if you ran them through your third brake light or plastic trim above your brake lights without drilling a hole through your roof.

[bemerritt]

No extra points for me, but Idrilled and used these.

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Stainl...ds=cable+gland



no issues

[TeleSteve]

I am really close to getting my rack going and have solar panels waiting to go on so I am curious to see what people are using. I was originally looking at coming out with the 3rd brake light. I have Chevy van and there is a large trim panel around the light so plenty of space to send wires through. But I just came across these Go-power cable entry plates the other day:

They allow a sealed roof penetration and hold two MC4 connectors so the panels can be disconnected easily.
Still deciding what to do.

[rallypanam]

Originally Posted by TeleSteve

cable entry plates

I have this. So far so good.

[bemerritt]

Does it come with a sealing gasket? One of the comments mentions that it doesn't.

[kstarrr]

Bemerritt, I was thinking of using something similar and if there was room, in conjunction with this entry gland that came with my kit.



I have a Savana too and know of people routing the wires through the third brake light and/or also the trim piece that has been talked about above the brake lights, but wasn't sure it was worth it.

I know guys are cutting and drilling into their roofs all the time, but I just haven't come to grips with it yet.

[kstarrr]

Bemerritt, I was thinking of using something similar and in conjunction with a similar entry gland that came with my kit like TeleSteve posted. There might not be room for both given the heights though.

I also have a Savana and have heard of people routing the wires through the two options I mentioned above, but just wasn't sure if it was worth it. I just haven't come to grips with drilling a hole in my van yet.

[kstarrr]

Originally Posted by bemerritt

Does it come with a sealing gasket? One of the comments mentions that it doesn't.

My kit came with Dicor lap sealant and some puddy like gasket material for the panel feet and entry housing.

[LenS]

Ran the wiring in via the roof vent wood frame.

[Dirk Mitchell]

I am in the same boat I just got my rack and I am going to look at what solar panels to get. I already have an LED light I am going to put on the back of the rack and a backup camera, I think some of that wiring may go through the 3rd brake light but it isnt all going to fit especially when it comes to solar.
I am planning on using these LINKSOLAR Weatherproof ABS Solar Double Cable Entry Gland. They come in a single variety as well, and probably some good quality GE Silicone as well to make sure everything is good and watertight.