Solar Panel Selection/Fit Help - Page 6

BillPa1 · 05-06-2017, 05:47 PM

Do you know if anybody has mounted a solar panel on the driver side of their vans? I was thinking of a portable panel, but store it on the side of the van so it generates some juice, but more just as a place to store a portable panel. Thanks, BillPa1

rob_gendreau · 05-07-2017, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillPa1

Do you know if anybody has mounted a solar panel on the driver side of their vans? I was thinking of a portable panel, but store it on the side of the van so it generates some juice, but more just as a place to store a portable panel. Thanks, BillPa1

Driver side roof? over the cockpit? you don't mean hanging off the side, do you?

BillPa1 · 05-07-2017, 04:48 PM

Yes, on the broad driver side of the van. I have one panel on top already, but am looking for a place to store a portable panel that I can easily remove to place directly in the sun early or late in the day or if I am parked in the shade and can run the portable panel out to the sunshine. I have a pop top and there is no room to store a panel inside. The idea would be to store it on the side of the van in a secure enough mount to drive with it that way. B

rob_gendreau · 05-08-2017, 07:42 AM

I have a small portable panel that folds up, and I hang it from my van at times. Not when moving, obviously. They have them up to at least 60W. So really easy to stow. Not the most efficient, but easy to deploy. My 100W rigid panel is portable too, but I found a place inside for it (I have a pop top too). No way I'd hang it off the side or mount it there; way too vulnerable, and in any case where I live it would get stolen pretty quickly.

BillPa1 · 05-08-2017, 09:53 AM

Thanks. Kindly advise where/how you store the panel inside?

rob_gendreau · 05-08-2017, 10:02 AM

I have tall cabinets that line the driver's side but they stop about 10" short of the rear doors. That left a space there as tall the van interior with the top down, and so I place the panel against that surface and bungee it in place. It's 48" tall, forgot how wide. It does protrude a bit into the center of the van (I have the layout with the walkway the length of the van). Sorry; don't have any pictures.