300watt Sliding Solar Install Space Saver

[ebflow]

Been working on the solar setup for the EB van. With not much prime real estate on the roof of the CCV top (AC and Fantastic Fan) It had me thinking of ways I could mount my already purchased Kyocera 150w Solar Panels.

Initially I was going to mount both side by side, then once everything came together I realized I had way less space to work with. SOOOO!!!

I rigged up a sliding system to mount two panels one on top of another then mounting them using L-Track to the top. Each panel is around 50" long and 26" wide. So now the panels only take up the sq ft of one panel!!! When Stopped you just pull out the top panel and BOOM! 150w(space) to 300w SOLAR! With the hinges it allows the panels to tilt either way to allow them to be at the correct angle with the sun. I am still working on this and probably will involve some sort of gas shock for lifting.

Setup involves
2x Kyocera 150w Solar Panels(or your favorite)
2x 180lb Cabinet Sliders.Full Extension.
4x Gate Hinges
2x 4ft L-Track(or similar)
8x Mounting Bolts for L-Track
-misc. nuts and bolts

[ebflow]

Here is process

Riveting to Slider and Aluminum Angle Iron.

[ebflow]

This Locks both panels together then closed, and driving.

Hinges Attached For L-Track

[ebflow]

Mounting to L-Track on Roof





Tilt UP



Lock

[ebflow]

Of Course I had to scratch my new paint job......These weren't the easiest to get up by myself. lol

[ebflow]

Final

[boywonder]

Very nice! excellent innovation....Are your panels wired in series or parallel?

[ebflow]

Originally Posted by boywonder

Very nice! excellent innovation....Are your panels wired in series or parallel?

Parallel. Just running a 12v system.

[BroncoHauler]

Very innovative, and nicely executed. Be careful in high winds though, that rear panel could make quite a sail.


Herb

[Wirehead]

Very nice. As the new owner of a CCV high top I would love to hear how this works out for you. What is your L track mounted to? Is that Unistrut below the L track?