Solar combiner box.
Anyone have some pics or links to a DIY solar panel roof mounted combiner box? My solar is acting up and not charging, I think its the quick connects coming off the panels to the main line on the r...
Forum Discussion
Spridle wrote:
In your case, a combiner box is nothing more than a water tight box with terminal strips inside. You will have to secure the box to the roof. Assuming you have two panels you will need 6 entry glands to keep the cable entry points water tight. A quality box is expensive.
Combiner Box Hyperlink
You could replace your MC-4 connectors because yours are either damaged, cracked or never tightened and water got inside. MC-4 connectors dont leak if they are not damaged and installed correctly. They are used on every commercial solar installation I have seen. Also tiewrap the connectors so they are not setting on the roof in a puddle of water or snow.
Crimp Tool Hyperlink
and the connectors, get the correct size for your wire gauge.
MC-4 Connectors hyperlink
You should replace your two "Y" combiners, water probably got inside.
I would say the problem is the connectors have set for 3 years in water or snow all winter long as my trailer is stored outside, some years I have a couple feet on the roof almost to the point where I start thinking about removing some. I'm sure the Wyoming wind hasn't helped when towing either.
I'm sure everything was tight when I installed it but who knows now? I haven't checked the connectors myself as it was all we could do to get the smallest guy in hunting camp on the roof when I noticed the problem. Once home I pulled the battery's and put the trailer up for the winter figuring I would deal with it in the spring. I'm just trying to get a plan now, pick up supplies and decide if I want to add one or two more panels to the system.
