Connecting Solar Panels.

Submitted: Saturday, Oct 27, 2012 at 20:10

ThreadID: 98753 Views:3661 Replies:2 FollowUps:4

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This article covers every aspect of solar and its design and installation in RVs (camper trailers, caravans and motor homes). It shows how much power solar panels really produce,

2517

Hi what is the best way to join Solar panels on a caravan roof? Anderson Plugs or Junction Box.

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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Saturday, Oct 27, 2012 at 22:18

Saturday, Oct 27, 2012 at 22:18

For a permanent connection I'd be using a junction box to keep the joins out of the weather. There are also special solar connectors that have O rings to keep the contacts dry. Maybe Jaycar has them?

FrankP

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Follow Up By: 2517 - Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 07:23

Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 07:23

Ok thank you.

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Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 09:59

Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 09:59

Hi 2517,

A name would be a nice 2517.

I used an electricians waterproof junction box.

In this way I was able to bring in the leads from each panel on different sides.
Also I was able to drill a hole in the bottom of the junction box to pass the cables through the roof and maintain a good seal with sikaflexsealing the underside of the junction box.

I used electricians BB connectors inside the J box to connect everything up.
See this pic

Weatherproof Installation

These junction boxes have a rubber gasket set into their lid and have stainless screws so are perfect for the job.

Cheers, Bruce.

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restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 10:03

Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 10:03

I should have added that, if you use electricians ribbed flexible conduit you can get connectors which connect the ribbed conduit to the J. box with a special waterproof seal as well. Ask at your local electrical supplier.

Not sure if Bunnings have them or not.

Cheers.

At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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Follow Up By: 2517 - Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 10:46

Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 at 10:46

Hi thanks Bruce,that is a truck no I drive a work.My name is John I wil change it on the profile.

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Follow Up By: Geoff in SA - Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 12:45

Monday, Oct 29, 2012 at 12:45

Hi John 2517
I think Bruce has the right idea for connections.
When you do the connections bring all the leads from the panel down as separate to the controller.
Less fuss to fault find at a later date.

More of a concern is how are you going to mount the panels and keep the roof free from holes and stress???

I used an Ally Tee bar that was pop rivited to the roof and sealed with one of the many glues available.
Left a 4 mm space either side of the panel and then used silicone sealant to mount the panel to the tee bar. also left 15 - 20 mm space under the panel.
Any expansion is taken in the glue and any vibration is absorbed in the silicone.

And easy to remove if ever needed.

Geoff

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