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I want to fit my solar panel on the roof of our Swift Freestyle (Suntor) I have looked at the threads about installation but am not sure about where to drill the cable hole in the roof, ( thought about using the tv aerial tube) & when applying the Silkaflex adhesive do u need to scrape away the paint down to bare metal. I already have the controller fitted in the wardrobe. Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
Tel
I would drill the hole near to where you have your regulator or batteries, somewhere that can be hidden. Don't scrape away the paint but use acetone to clean the area beforehand.
No don't scrape the paint off! You ideally need a Sikaflex cleaner primer for all applications
Sikaflex 205 most likely
The hole needs to go into the best place that provides a route to your batteries or distribution panel.
As you say the controller is in the wardrobe then what better place to come through the roof?
If your solar is a big distance from the hole to be? use some minitrunking either self adhesive backed or use sikaflex for that too
Yes, thanks the thing that was worrying me was would I be drilling thro a support. Is the roof supported by battens, is the grommet a special or do u glue that in as well?
Hi Tel
Sikaflex will stick to most surfaces, (clean it off your hands quickly) no need to clean to bare metal just the grime and wax. When you drill the hole put some Sikaflex on the cable and pull it through to make a good seal too.
When working out your cable run, try to get the shortest route to your leisure battery and controller. Make sure that you use the heavy cable (3mm I think). That handy plastic conduit is great for keeping it tidy and don't shorten the cable until you have checked that you have a good connection. Before doing anything check your measurements at least twice.
Yes, thanks the thing that was worrying me was would I be drilling thro a support. Is the roof supported by battens, is the grommet a special or do u glue that in as well?
I had mine fitted proffesionaly and he did not remove any paint. He fitted a waterproof gland onto the roof for the cable to go through and stuck the gland and the two end brackets holding the solar panel down with Sikaflex. We were not to move the van for 12 hours for the stuff to set.
The cable came down into my wardrobe which also contains the tv equipment. He fitted the solar panel cable to the back of the general switch and isolator unit after passing through a new regulator box.
It works perfectly.
The cables were hidden in some square self-adhesive trunking that finished off the job.
Good luck!
Alan
Thanks all for the advice I feel v.confident now & my wife as well though she wonders if it might be better to wait until we get on 1 of these rallies to get the professionals in! Am I a man or a mouse?
Thanks again
Tel
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France
& when applying the Silkaflex adhesive do u need to scrape away the paint down to bare metal. I already have the controller fitted in the wardrobe. Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.
& my wife as well though she wonders if it might be better to wait until we get on 1 of these rallies to get the professionals in! Am I a man or a mouse?
