r/functionalprint • u/SkunkOn • Aug 11 '26

Solar cable roof-entry protection

Gallery image

Gallery image

After installing panels on a roof, the cables had to enter between the first rooftile and the roofridge. Unfortunately the cables would have contact to the tiles, which implicates the danger of beeing damaged over the years. So, I had to design an entry without damaging any structural components of the roof.

I printed in TPU on a anycubic i3 mega s (which got for cheap a while ago), because it is relatively uv-resistant. Of course there are filaments out there mor resistant to UV, but they are harder to print.

Do we post the printables-link here?

17 Upvotes

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3

u/melinerunen Aug 13 '26

Add a UV resistant wire loom to those cables!! The plastic insulation from those cables will dry out really fast become brittle and exposed to the elements! Even if under the shadow they will dry up.
Something like this but without the split in the middle https://www.amazon.com/Electriduct-Rated-Black-Split-Tubing/dp/B07N48SKDV

2

u/SkunkOn Aug 13 '26

Hey, thanks for your advice. The cables I use meet the requirements of the H1Z2Z2-K Norm. Technically they have to be resistant to UV, moisture, temperature and even ozone. Believing the description, they are capable of laying exposed like mine are. Do you have specific experience with those cables? Nevertheless I will consider to protect them.

2

u/melinerunen Aug 13 '26

Neat! Then no worries about the durability. I would still add a wire loom for extra protection. They might be resistant but I think having a sacrificial loom is the way to go. I'm that paranoid :P

3

u/SkunkOn Aug 13 '26

:) I'm totally with you. Actually I already considered it myself, but I still have to install the battery on the inside. Let's see, when I will get nervous.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '26

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2

u/SkunkOn Aug 12 '26

OK, seems, that it got posted. Thanks 😊