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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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 Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 8:46 am Post subject: |
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I wouldn't cut just for a solar panel. While searching for a panel for myself, I was intrigued by these DIY solar panel kits on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/40-Mono-6x6-Solar-Cells-DI...1c1eb9b633
It didn't work for me because of my Country Homes top flexes too much to directly mount PV cells, and I don't have a fiberglass luggage rack.
I think it could work pretty awesome to install the PV cells in the bottom of your luggage rack and put a layer of protective epoxy or acrylic (I forget what's used) over it. The key would just be to find the best dimension cell to fit.
Just a thought....[/url]
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 8:50 am Post subject: |
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Another idea is you could take the frame off your panel and dremel off the corners enough to fit in there. The downside of having any panel in the bottom of your luggage rack is you'll frequently have one row of cells partially shaded. I like the other suggestions of a flush mount, with a hinged mount to access the storage space below.
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volkmar
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Joined: November 02, 2012
Posts: 39
Location: stuttgart.de
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almo
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2011
Posts: 174
Location: In the back sleepin
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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| syncromike wrote: |
| Another idea is you could take the frame off your panel and dremel off the corners enough to fit in there. The downside of having any panel in the bottom of your luggage rack is you'll frequently have one row of cells partially shaded. I like the other suggestions of a flush mount, with a hinged mount to access the storage space below. |
Uhhhh!!! I never thought if taking of the frame of the panel!! Ill have I check that out. Thank u for the suggestion.
I don't think im gonna cut the rack for now, I am gettin the whole van painted next week and was considerng doin it b4 the paint went on.
If I remove the frame of tge SP I wonder will it make the panel feel weak?? Ill keep u guys posted! But for now I think no cut!!!
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San Francisco/Mayo Ireland
1986 2.1L Westy 2wd 4-spd Sold!!!!
1987 2.1L Westy syncro
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madspaniard
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Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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| almo wrote: |
| If I remove the frame of tge SP I wonder will it make the panel feel weak?? |
It might void the warranty, read the small print
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"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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ripvanagonwinkle
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Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 10:04 am Post subject: |
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Cut it. It's a tiny amount, that as nice big panel, and the luggage top is made of fiberglass, so you can easily fix it from the back to be better than new, just fitting your panel perfectly.
Fiberglass cloth and 2 part marine epoxy will be stronger than the original if you make it just as thick.
Flush or a 1/8" below and you will have good aero (sound and MPG benefits), plus a decent space below for less heat trapped and more solar efficiency. |
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randywebb
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Joined: February 15, 2005
Posts: 3815
Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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| Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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are the flexible PV panels too expensive?
I wonder why no one uses those...
I also why a vendor does not make a complete kit system with the panel, charger/interface, etc.
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Phishman068
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Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 1868
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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squeegee_boy
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Joined: April 27, 2008
Posts: 762
Location: Langley, BC, Canada
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| Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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| randywebb wrote: |
are the flexible PV panels too expensive?
I wonder why no one uses those...
I also why a vendor does not make a complete kit system with the panel, charger/interface, etc. |
The efficiency was lousy for the cost, although in a few years that may change:
http://www.eetimes.com/design/smart-energy-design/...efficiency
As for vendor availability, GW had had this kit for awhile:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4287&category_id=&category_parent_id=
It's not exactly cheap for a 50W system, but it's complete. I got a 190W mppt system locally in Vancouver for about $750 all in.
Robyn
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Jamos
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Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 762
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 12:38 pm Post subject: |
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So for those of you who installed the panels IN the luggage rack, what kind of real-world charging #'s are you seeing?
How many amps @ ~13v do your panel(s) put out in full sun?
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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| Jamos wrote: |
So for those of you who installed the panels IN the luggage rack, what kind of real-world charging #'s are you seeing?
How many amps @ ~13v do your panel(s) put out in full sun? |
Using 3 Solarblvd 20 watt panels my mppt controllers says various outputs depending on what part of the cycle it is on.
Frequently volts x amps is around 30 to 55+ watts depending on how much sun and what it thinks the batteries need. Lots of times it is just loafing along maintaining the batteries.
I NEVER drop my batteries down too less then 50% charge, also.
I am using a pair of Costco GC2s that are rated at 220Ah. They are 10 months old now. When charged they are always North of 12.8 volts floating with no charge applied.
Further note, I always charge my batteries via a smart charger after a weekend outing or hook to shore power, if available.
The luggage rack system is just a small setup to float the batteries and not let them get too far down.
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Jamos
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Joined: July 08, 2005
Posts: 762
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
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| Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 6:45 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I'll post what my set up has been doing...
I have the 40w panel and 20w panel wired in parallel, and the most I've seen them put out is about 3 amps. This is in full sun, about 75º ambient temps, and with the connected 12v 115ah battery at about 3/4 full.
That's the only way I've found to judge maximum output, since as r39o says, the controller will put out less amps when just float charging a full battery.
I did do what I think is a decent test of the system though...
With my Truckfridge TF41 set to 36º, I left it running in the van for about a week. The van was parked in a spot where it got about 5 hours of full sun per day...so not a ton, but maybe close to an average situation.
The TF41 seemed to pull about 3 amps on startup and then about 2-2.5amps while running. At night, the battery always read 12.6 or 12.7v.
After 7 or 8 days I pulled the fridge and brought it inside the house. Within 3-4 hours or solar charging, the battery was full.
So I'd say the 60w panel setup will just about keep up with a TF and other minor draws (stereo, lighting, etc). And if I were parked somewhere with 7 or 8 hours of full sun/day, I bet it would have topped off the battery every day.
I'd feel comfortable running the fridge 24/7 for a couple weeks at a pop, as long as the panels get decent sun exposure each day.
Anyway, those are my real-world findings! Nice when the "real-world" is pretty close to what things say they should be on paper.
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ripvanagonwinkle
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Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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Jbeverly1
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Joined: February 02, 2013
Posts: 53
Location: Portland
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singler3360
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Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 1191
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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| Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 1:23 pm Post subject: |
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JBeverly1,
Thanks for the post. Looks like a clean install, although I could not bring myself to drill a hole in the metal roof. I am curious how you fixed the rear of the panel to the side of the luggage rack. Is it held in place by the upward pressure against the loops? |
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Jbeverly1
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Joined: February 02, 2013
Posts: 53
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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| singler3360 wrote: |
JBeverly1,
Thanks for the post. Looks like a clean install, although I could not bring myself to drill a hole in the metal roof. I am curious how you fixed the rear of the panel to the side of the luggage rack. Is it held in place by the upward pressure against the loops? |
Haha, it sure wasn't easy deciding to drill that hole in the roof but the pros outweighed the cons. I also wanted to minimize anymore holes in the luggage rack so you're correct....the back is simply wedged under the existing hooks. Had it installed for almost six months and hasn't budged at all. I use the original propane fridge when I don't have hook-ups so the 80W panel is more than enough for my needs. |
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luVWagn
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Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 1340
Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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| Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 2:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Jbeverly1 wrote: |
| Haha, it sure wasn't easy deciding to drill that hole in the roof but the pros outweighed the cons. I also wanted to minimize anymore holes in the luggage rack so you're correct....the back is simply wedged under the existing hooks. Had it installed for almost six months and hasn't budged at all. I use the original propane fridge when I don't have hook-ups so the 80W panel is more than enough for my needs. |
Would this fit just by stuffing foam underneath it and having it friction fit up against the tie-downs (loops)? In other words, would there be four tie-downs making contact with the frame, and keeping the panel in-place?
As an added bonus, depending on the foam you used, you might get some sound reduction as well.
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yycwesty
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Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 403
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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Jbeverly
I really like your install..Went to your link but unfortunately they have sold out. I see they have a 100 watt but for the life of me I can't see the dimensions of the 100 watt and if it would fit the luggage spot..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100W-12V-Solar-Panel-full-...337ef445d5
cheers
Al |
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noganav
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Joined: January 06, 2006
Posts: 1236
Location: San Diego CA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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Ya, that install is very slick. Nice work!
Unfortunately, the 100w is a little too big (26.5 inches wide).
From the eBay ad - Module Size: 670*975*30(mm)
It looks like the company (lensun) still sells the 80w panels, but none in the US currently. Might be worth trying to arrange something with them? |
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Jbeverly1
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Joined: February 02, 2013
Posts: 53
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2013 11:35 am Post subject: |
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| Yes, I made sure to e-mail them before I bought - it was the 505mm width that was important for the proper fit. I looked for quite some time on eBay to find this one. Might be worth a shot to contact the seller - the exact dimensions for my 80W panel "1005*505*35mm" |
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