Solar Install 2018 Reflection 337RLS

[Mr. & Mrs. G]

Finally got around to starting my solar install. Phase one has successfully been completed. First step, build combiner box. Something in my psyche would not allow me to utilize the vent pipe. Plus, since this was going to be somewhat invasive I also wanted to run a pair of coax cables for a possible future satellite dish install and a pair of 12 volt wires in case said satellite dish requires them.

I was going to use the pre-made combiner box from AM Solar but to include everything I want it to do, I need more space. Cantex junction box, 1 1/2" conduit coupler, wire glands and mini buss bars from Arizona Wind Add sun. First problem, the threaded portion of the wire glands weren't long enough to go through the thicker walls of the Cantex box. Solution, drill and tap holes, a little silicone on the threads and screw them in.....

[Mr. & Mrs. G]

Phase 2. After thorough investigation the only clear path I found suitable was down the inside of the bathroom wall behind the toilet. So, remove toilet, remove towel bar, remove light fixture above toilet, remove linen cabinet door, remove trim pieces around edges of wall and finally remove wall panel. This gave me total access to run wires/cables. Removing the inner shroud from the vent fan allowed me to reach into the attic space to run wires to the hole I made in the roof. About that hole. The outside diameter of the conduit coupler is 1 5/8". I used a 1 5/8" hole saw so the conduit coupler would fit snugly into the hole.......

[Uncleboom]

Planning to do the same with Satellite and Solar on our 2018 337RLS. How did you ever get all of the staples from the bathroom wall panel in order to facilitate removal?

[Mr. & Mrs. G]

Planning to do the same with Satellite and Solar on our 2018 337RLS. How did you ever get all of the staples from the bathroom wall panel in order to facilitate removal?

Most of the staples came out with the wall panel. I used a 1" putty knife (maybe 1 1/2", can't remember) super heated the edge and bent about 1/8" of the edge at a right angle. This allowed me to get the bent edge behind the edge of the wall panel. Slowly and carefully began to pry the wall panel off and away. Did I mention slow and careful. In case I didn't, go very slow and careful. Removing the wall panel without damaging it also requires removing the fan shroud, ceiling light, towel bar, linen cabinet door and toilet. Before reinstalling the panel I removed any remaining staples/nails, also from the trim pieces. Re-installed using a quality 18 gauge nailer. Good luck with your install.......

Erick

[Mr. & Mrs. G]

A few more photos....



More to follow........

[Turnings]

Looks good. Thanks for the photos.
Wondering if this type of installation would void any warranties?

[N6ZCM1]

X2 keep the install pics coming!!!

Turnings
I am sure this voids the roof warranty... but if you are willing to spend this kind of time and money, then I guess, you would be responsible for any repairs to the roof!!

[J&G garage]

I wouldn't think the roof warranty would be affected unless somehow the new hole drilled in the roof caused the roof membrane to fail. That junction box sure provides a lot room for wires. I was going to go down the vent but this looks like a better solution to me.

[Mr. & Mrs. G]

I wouldn't think the roof warranty would be affected unless somehow the new hole drilled in the roof caused the roof membrane to fail. That junction box sure provides a lot room for wires. I was going to go down the vent but this looks like a better solution to me.

Exactly right. If any of the work I am doing causes a roof failure then yes, I have voided the warranty. If there is a failure not caused by my work then the manufacturer can not void the warranty, tho they may try. There are laws protecting consumers in situations liked this......

[treeofliberty]

As someone who went down the vent tube, I truly respect the discipline and elegance of your choices. You have taken the path less traveled. For our solar, battery bank, and inverter installation (done in many phases), I found this step the most stressful.