Kyocera panels - length of KC130 vs KD135

mjeffrey · 07-11-2009, 11:24 AM

Just a quick note as I'm working to install my solar panel... the KC130 that SMB uses is 56.1" long, and its successor, the KD135, is 59.1".

If you're mounting it perpendicular to the length of the van, the KD135's length brings it right to the outside edge of the PH top, making it difficult to mount them in the 'traditional' manner of a strip of angle aluminum down the side of the top. The KC130 is better suited for this mounting.

I'll post pictures by the end of the weekend, once I'm done.

Cheers!
Mike.

(actual model #s for future searches: KD135GX-LP KC130TM KC130GT)

msponer · 07-29-2009, 11:43 AM

Hi,
I just ordered two of the KC130's... Would you mind posting pictures of your installation? I have not yet figured out how to mount them to the pop top.

Thanks.

Matt.

mjeffrey · 07-29-2009, 12:30 PM

There are pictures from others on the site that would be more applicable - as I mentioned, my KD135 was longer than the KC130 by a few inches, which meant I couldn't use the standard method of a length of aluminum down each edge of the top. But I did promise to add pictures in my first post!

I ended up attaching brackets a few inches inboard of the edge, and used 3M VHB double-sided tape to attach those to the roof.

I learned later that you're not supposed to drill through the frame on the long edge of the panel.

Cheers,
Mike.

**daveb** · 07-29-2009, 01:31 PM

Mike, I really like that power plug you put in. Is it for a sealed version for a boat? I hate the way SMB did mine. I was looking for a through the hull 90 degree version that looks similar to yours.

mjeffrey · 07-29-2009, 01:39 PM

It is - I got it from West Marine for about $25. It's a nice fitting, sits snugly and seals up well. It does require drilling a 3/4" inch hole in the top, but it's much easier to seal this fitting than it would be to seal wires threaded through.

I'm pretty sure it's the same as the one SMB uses - I was camped across from a Sportsmobile with the solar prewire at the NW String Summit a couple of weekends ago, and their plug at the rear of the van was also a Perko, like mine.

Link.

msponer · 07-29-2009, 01:53 PM

Yes, that's the same connector SMB Texas used when they prewired our van for solar.

msponer · 07-29-2009, 02:09 PM

I've never used the futuristic 3M tape-- you aren't concerned that it will pull the paint off? Or is the paint strong enough to hold the panels on?

**daveb** · 07-29-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjeffrey

I'm pretty sure it's the same as the one SMB uses

Maybe nowdays. When my van was built I asked why they didn't use a marine type plug. You would laugh at how mine is done.

mjeffrey · 07-29-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msponer

I've never used the futuristic 3M tape-- you aren't concerned that it will pull the paint off? Or is the paint strong enough to hold the panels on?

I wasn't, until you mentioned it

It should be strong - the white top is gelcoat, but I'm sure a good coat of paint would be the same. I'll keep an eye out for any cracks developing up there. I contacted AM Solar, an RV outfitter who've been using the stuff for ten years plus, and they've never lost a panel, apparently! Including something like 6 on the owner's RV!

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

When my van was built I asked why they didn't use a marine type plug. You would laugh at how mine is done.

Pics?!

**daveb** · 07-29-2009, 08:58 PM

Before or after the leak