Thule tracks/solar setup need help finding post/photos

Otter · 06-08-2019, 01:08 PM

I take screen shots of just about every component install I like, so I can reference it again. Wouldn’t you know I didn’t take one of this?

I recently saw photos of a rooftop solar install where they attached a line of solar panels to two Thule tracks and then had another set of tracks outboard of the panels for attaching cross bars. It allowed for loading boats, etc, across the top several inches above the panels. I’m sure it was on a poptop because it didn’t involve rail clamps.

Anybody remember this one? It might have even been on this forum but I’ll be darned if I can find it.

keytothestone · 06-08-2019, 06:30 PM

I think I have mine setup like what your describing? I did it this way on my FWC. I got the idea on FWC forum of some kind awhile back. Whenever I might get my Nightmare out of the shop I'll be happy to take some closer pics and try to give some more info. Its really is to set it up like this. The panels could even rest lower on mine. I have it for putting surfboards up there. Would have to be a little more careful with boats I would think

Otter · 06-08-2019, 10:59 PM

Keytothestone, hard to tell from this pic... are there four tracks or did you mount all of it on two?

keytothestone · 06-09-2019, 10:38 AM

Sorry about the pic best I could find with out having the van. It's on 2 crossbars and 2 tracks. On my FWC camper I had 4 tracks and 4 crossbars using two of them for the panels. I wanted to do this setup on the poptop but the fan is kinda in the way. Wish I never got the fan. Never use it ,and it rattles around a lot.

Otter · 06-10-2019, 01:58 AM

Thanks for clarifying. It looks like some folks use two tracks and some four. Though I still can’t find the build I was looking for. The Solar’s panels ran the length of the top and there were, I think, four crossbars over the top of them.

Twoxentrix · 06-10-2019, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter

... The Solar’s panels ran the length of the top and there were, I think, four crossbars over the top of them.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, I would not suggest placing the panels under the cross bars, this would create shadows and directly impact the effectiveness.

Otter · 06-10-2019, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

Unless I'm reading this wrong, I would not suggest placing the panels under the cross bars, this would create shadows and directly impact the effectiveness.

Twoxentrix, you read it right. I think the idea was a compromise between the need to carry kayaks, etc and wanting to incorporate solar. Less solar effectiveness, more carrying ability.

Twoxentrix · 06-10-2019, 06:04 PM

Consider auxiliary suitcase panels then - couple good Threads on the options. Only suggesting this since it sounds like you're going to be taking watercraft with you, so no real benefit in having the roof units until you park and remove them...and then you'll still be at diminished capacity because of the cross bars.