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A cautionary tale & question, anyone had issues with the SAE Solar roof outlet?


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#1 Stokeme

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Posted 03 July 2020 - 03:27 PM

When I removed my roof panels & frame I had to of course unplug the SAE connector from the SAE roof outlet. The pigtail & the POS metal prong on the plug looked pretty aged, but Ok. I tested the panel’s V in the side yard & then moved to the backyard for my “formal” panel comparison testing. I setup & tested again, it registered on the multimeter, & then all of a sudden, the meter went to zero. I first thought I had to reset the meter tips into the plug, but as I went to do that, I could see the POS prong had broken off the plug. Too old & brittle I guess. It probably would have held up plugged in place on the roof for a while, but at some point, it would have lost contact leaving the system w/o any incoming Current. I had made a new pigtail, with Mc4 connectors, so I had an immediate replacement. I’ll have to make another. I now have a greater concern about the roof outlet. Has anyone had any issues with their Solar SAE roof outlet due to age? A broken roof outlet prong is something I can not easily, or at all, replace. Really problematic.

Edited by Stokeme, 03 July 2020 - 03:55 PM.

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#2 Machinebuilder

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Posted 04 July 2020 - 12:13 PM

I replaced the roof connection with one of these

 

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

It let me eliminate one connection point, and I had bumped the SAE connector with the result being it disconnected. the MC4 connectors are MUCH more secure.


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#3 Stokeme

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Posted 04 July 2020 - 02:03 PM

I completely agree. Thanks for the link. I have definitely thought about such a roof outlet. Can you offer any tips about how you handled the install, re interior/exterior? Would appreciate any insight, especially, that might prevent collateral damage.
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#4 ckent323

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Posted 04 July 2020 - 07:05 PM

I used a Go Power Solar Entry Plate.  It has worked well for 2 years so far.  Installed with 3M 4200 around and under the perimeter edges.

https://www.amazon.c...tomotive&sr=1-2


Edited by ckent323, 04 July 2020 - 07:06 PM.

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#5 Vic Harder

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Posted 05 July 2020 - 04:56 AM

I completely agree. Thanks for the link. I have definitely thought about such a roof outlet. Can you offer any tips about how you handled the install, re interior/exterior? Would appreciate any insight, especially, that might prevent collateral damage.

 

Remove the old SAE plug.  You will likely find a connection between the plug and the camper hard-wiring just under the roof's sheet metal.  Cut this off at a length that is usable for you to make new connections to.

 

Buy one of the suggested roof solar entry plates.  I used one like this

https://www.amazon.c...WCN5BWR4C7CWWT4

 

Like Ckent says above, seal with 3m 4200 or Dicor Lapseal.


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#6 Machinebuilder

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Posted 05 July 2020 - 12:09 PM

As I recall, I took the screws out, carefully cut the sealant to get the SAE plug out and there was connections right there.

 

to install the new one I used Waco Lever Locks for the wires, Rtv and screws to mount it and Eternabond tape over the mounting flange.

 

I used what I had laying around.


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2021 F350 SCLB

FWC Grandby,

EBY Big Country Flatbed, Buckstop Outback front Bumper

Gabby (GSP), Sox (GSP/American Bulldog)

2011 F150 SCLB HDPP


#7 Stokeme

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Posted 07 July 2020 - 03:43 PM

Appreciate the feedback as I don’t have these supplies in stock. I am definitely going to swap out my roof outlet,
from SAE to MC4.

Edited by Stokeme, 07 July 2020 - 03:45 PM.

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#8 craig333

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Posted 07 July 2020 - 04:08 PM

I don't like SAE or MC4 connectors. No connectors one mine. I figure the likelihood of my needing to remove the panels is slim and it won't be that big a deal to cut the wires and reconnect if I ever do.


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