Roof leak at solar cable entry point (i think)

[Sue26]

Hi folks
The last couple of times we've used our moho following rain, there has been water in the cupboard where the cable for the solar panel comes through the ceiling to get to the controller.
Water/rain does not come into the cupboard when the van is parked up, just after being driven. I've pushed some coloured tissue into the hole where the solar cable comes through the ceiling and also through another gap where some cables run and the only wet tissue is where the cables come into the cupboard.
Now- I realise that water can be getting in anywhere and running to this solar cable hole but rather than taking it straight to a workshop to investigate/repair, is there anything a non technical, non DIY person can try before having to dig deep into my pockets?
We have considered just getting the solar panel upgraded ( the existing one is only 60w I think) in the hope that the new installation solves the problem which would kill two birds with one stone.
Can anyone offer any suggestions which is the best route to take with this problem.
I will try and attach some photos that might explain what/where the issue is.
The moho is now back in storage so can't get more pictures fir a few days.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Jewellbags]

Are you sure it’s not condensation forming on some of the metal parts ? I had similar after a decent trip last year but leaving the cupboard open that contains the sat controller and cables resolved it

 

[Raul]

You can test with a water hose, looks like the panel mounting support has been used as a cable entry. I suspect under that mount the cables comes in. If that’s the case, panel needs removing and re seal the mount. Also those glands may be loose. Worth checking.

 

[Sue26]

Are you sure it’s not condensation forming on some of the metal parts ? I had similar after a decent trip last year but leaving the cupboard open that contains the sat controller and cables resolved it

Hi
Definitely not condensation, it's like someone has chucked a pint of water in there. Thanks for the suggestions tho.

 

[Sue26]

You can test with a water hose, looks like the panel mounting support has been used as a cable entry. I suspect under that mount the cables comes in. If that’s the case, panel needs removing and re seal the mount. Also those glands may be loose. Worth checking.

Thanks for the reply I had suspected something along those lines. Due to the limited output we get from this small panel, we had considered getting a larger one anyway. I'm now even more convinced that getting a new larger panel fitted by someone who knows what they are doing is the way forward. I'm not sure we would be confident enough to remove the panel ourselves and do any remedial work due to the height of the moho. Hopefully getting a larger panel fitted properly will resolve the issue. Thank you so much for your help.

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[stevewagner]

Looks like they haven’t used a plastic enclosure to thread the cables through.

 

[tonka]

Looks like they tried to cut corners and put the cable in under the solar panel support.
The panel does look small. So as you say, maybe time to upgrade to a larger panel and get a proper cable entry cover fitted.

 

[Just smiffy]

Yes, it’s probably coming in through the mount, if your after a new panel anyway then get it done and it should sort it, let everybody know roughly where your based and you’ll get some recommendations on where to go to get it done…

 

[Sue26]

Looks like they haven’t used a plastic enclosure to thread the cables through.

We've had it since 2017 and this has only happened in the last month. We've never had need to look closely at it as everything has seemed fine up to just recently. I wouldn't know if it needed a plastic enclosure or not I'm afraid. Hopefully whoever we get to replace the panel will do a proper job

 

[Sue26]

Looks like they tried to cut corners and put the cable in under the solar panel support.
The panel does look small. So as you say, maybe time to upgrade to a larger panel and get a proper cable entry cover fitted.

View attachment 802410

Thank you. Yes I think that's going to be the best way forward.

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[Sue26]

Yes, it’s probably coming in through the mount, if your after a new panel anyway then get it done and it should sort it, let everybody know roughly we’re your based and you’ll get some recommendations on where to go to get it done…

Hi.
Yes it seems that as a new panel was already on the cards, now is the time to do it rather than us trying to fix it especially due to the height we would be working at.
Any recommendations for someone to supply and fit new panel etc around the m27 area of Manchester?

 

[Just smiffy]

Hi.
Yes it seems that as a new panel was already on the cards, now is the time to do it rather than us trying to fix it especially due to the height we would be working at.
Any recommendations for someone to supply and fit new panel etc around the m27 area of Manchester?

Might be wise to start a new thread asking for “Solar installations in Manchester”…

 

[Sue26]

Might be wise to start a new thread asking for “Solar installations in Manchester”…

Thanks for the tip! I will get on that in the morning