TheSamba.com :: View topic - Westy High Top Install

Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:08 am

J Charlton wrote: These folks http://www.sunwindproducts.com/ or http://www.sunwindproducts.com/Products/SolarandWindKits/80wattRVkitJuta1500.html have a reasonably priced 80watt solar panel kit that fits the flat area at the rear of the top. They also have all sorts of tilting mounts etc etc etc.
For how to mount everything on a top, contact me directly.

John, I don't see dimensions on that panel - I looked around for a long time and the highest rated panel I could find that fit that area (albeit with a couple inches to spare) was the ramsond 50watt. Do you have any specs on that panel? The link was to a kit with an 85 watt panel but it did not provide dimensions and they didn't have an 80 watt or 85 watt on their main product links.

Thanks,

-B

Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:04 pm

The space in the rear on the roof is a little bit larger then 2 ft by 3 ft. I think that this panel will fit but I have to measure exactly to be sure.

http://www.solar-electric.com/so85wa12voso.html

My friends and I have used northern Arizona multiple times and they are great. Very knowledgeable and help full.

Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:39 pm

I _think_ I came up with a useable space of about 30x28 - My panel is 24.6x21 - I actually ended up mounting it with the 24.6 from side to side - It has about an inch and a half on either side of that left over - and from front to back I have about 2-3 inches forward and rear of the panel. I suppose if you put it on a tilted rack or something you might be able to put the upper edge partway up the slope in front of the flat spot. I like how mine came out - good and centered - heck you can barely see it from below. I am thinking of installing a second of the same on the front upper angle as well so that would get me 100+ watts. I will get some pics of it on here soon - I used marine expoxy to glue aluminum angle to the roof (to avoid any penetrations) and then drilled through to the panel on the sides - it has held up well and I drive ~8 miles of unimproved forest road a day (rattle rattle bump!) - no gaps or shifting at all. :D

-Brian

Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:48 am

The panel to which I referred is on their website somewhere - the dimensions of that panel are on their website somewhere - but the colour of the font makes it almost invisible. Give them a call - the panel dimensions are almost perfect for the space and the output is good.
Just went and found it - the dimensions are 34.4 x 26 x 1.38 ( in )
hope this helps.

Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:41 am

Hmmm, $500 for a "kit" seems like a decent buy for 85watts.

Anyone see the flexable PV panels? Kinda spendy but you could maximize alot of space. Solar is a must for me, the cobra inverter loooks like its a solid unit for my needs, I have a half pint micro and everything else is DC.

Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:07 am

Dimensions are in an odd color that doesn't show up well,
34.4 x 26 x 1.38

Looks like a great kit!

Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:22 am

That would probably fit just to the edge - dang - anyone know how to get expoxy unglued from fiberglass? :x

I am going to look up that exact model - I only paid $130 or so for my 50 watt , $23 for my charge controller (morningstar sunguard) and $12 or so for the rack and epoxy... Oh and $5 for the wire.

-Brian

Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:25 am

Hmmmm - Several links for solartech 80 watt all show over 39 inches - Thats not going to fit. I wonder if they got their dimensions wrong.

edit - Ah found it - heres the panel, a UL solar model - looks like it will fit..
http://www.ul-solar.com/UL_SOLAR_80_WATT_12VOLT_SOLAR_MODULE_p/stp080p-tss.htm

Looks like there is an 85 watt for 10 bucks more as well!

-B

Now about that epoxy.....

Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:54 am

I better get working on the hightop before this becomes a solar thread. :P

Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:54 pm

Sorry, that was my fault for starting the solar talk! The odd shape with limited flat space for solar panels is a bummer. I'd like to put 130 watts or so on the roof.

Mon Aug 20, 2012 8:57 pm