Junction box for solar panel

[scheek]

I've seen some cheap J boxes that handle up to 30 watt panels ($2.50) on Ebay. Mine is 60 watts, however. I sure wish the cheap one boxes would work. I would love to avoid paying over $19.00 for each J box. I will need 4.

Does anyone know an alternative for me? What is really required?

I need something less than 1-1/4" deep.

Thanks.

[Mike90250]

Please define what you are calling a J-box
Is that the box over the contacts on the back of your PV panel ?
Is it the combiner box, where severa panels tie together ?

J-boxes are usually rated as 2", 3", 4" deep. Do these need weathertight covers ?

[scheek]

Yep. The one behind the panel where the leds come from the cells. I thought about finding a polyurethene box from Allied Electronics and placing a 2 position terminal block inside it. I'm not sure what plugs to use or wire size to run to the connector box (box where all panel tie to).

By the way, I tried the straw trick between my glass. I will let the silicone dry for a few days and even blow some canned cpu air into them to push fumes out before sealing.

[Mike90250]

By the way, I tried the straw trick between my glass. I will let the silicone dry for a few days and even blow some canned cpu air into them to push fumes out before sealing.

Lots of surface area, don't let the pressure build, or you will crack the glass or blow your seals out

[Mike90250]

Yep. The one behind the panel where the leds come from the cells. I thought about finding a polyurethene box from Allied Electronics and placing a 2 position terminal block inside it. I'm not sure what plugs to use or wire size to run to the connector box (box where all panel tie to)..

Check some of the "big Box" home centers, they may have weather proof boxes too

[scheek]

I have about six straws around the perimeter. I will just airate the area and hope to blow some fumes out. Might try to use a vacumn pump in my last straw.

[Mike90250]

I have about six straws around the perimeter. I will just airate the area and hope to blow some fumes out. Might try to use a vacumn pump in my last straw.

FUMES ? Fumes from what ? That Vinegar (acetic acid) smell from cured silicone sealer ?

that's not good. let it bake a couple days in the sun, and bring inside at night, to dry the thing out before you seal it.