badtoytrd
Senior Member
Last year we used a flexible 100W panel as a portable panel but it was kind of a pain to get out and setup everytime I wanted to use it so I decided to put a panel on the roof. I knew I wanted a 180W panel because it wanted as much as I could get but still install between the 2 roof fans. I went with a Grape Solar US unit that I bought from Home Depot. I also knew that I did not want an SAE plug on the roof because of the poor weather resistance of them. I settled on a Go Power Entry Plate. This connection is an MC4 solar connection that would allow plug and play of panels. I did, however, have to order new cable pass-throughs from Mouser because I wanted to run a more flexible wire for the junction box. Once I had everything I removed the cross-board that covers the junction box and drilled a hole. After I had a hole I mounted the entry plate, ran the wires and made my connections. To mount the panel I used the AM Solar 35mm rocker foot mount set. upon completion of the mounting everything was sealed with Dicor Self Leveling lap sealant. Everything is working great and I am seeing (when I check) ~9 amps at the Victron controller.
Here are a few pics:
Here are a few pics: