Roof mounted solar options

[PhillH]

Hi all, I am thinking of mounting a solar panel to my pop top roof. I have a stealth roof so it has ribs.

I am undecided if I want a back entry junction box or if I would be happy with a low profile top mounted junction box as I have roof bars so it’s not like I need a discreet panel but do want a semi flexible panel.

Also how are you routing cables? Through the tent or at the back of the tent?

Thinking of a 200w panel, I have been looking at the photonic universe panel but wondering what other have and how they look

Thanks

 

[drinfinity]

On my van it goes outside the tent. Various other options for you on this thread.

D

Post in thread 'Roof wrap for solar panel- whole roof or panel coverage?'

18 Jan 2023

This is my poptop/tailgate solution

• drinfinity

• 

 

[JumpShip]

Any reason for looking specifically at the photonic universe panel ?

 

[PhillH]

On my van it goes outside the tent. Various other options for you on this thread.

D

Post in thread 'Roof wrap for solar panel- whole roof or panel coverage?'

18 Jan 2023

This is my poptop/tailgate solution

• drinfinity

• 

I do prefer the idea of keeping the cable outside the tent to be honest.

 

[PhillH]

Any reason for looking specifically at the photonic universe panel ?

Just because of the cables coming from the back of the panel but I am looking at alternatives that’s why I asked what other people have and done

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

 

[PhillH]

View attachment 284887View attachment 284888View attachment 284889

I like how you have used the cable gland to go through the van roof rather than reply on sealant

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

I like how you have used the cable gland to go through the van roof rather than reply on sealant

This is what I used for the cables going through the metal van roof. It’s £1.75 from Wickes.
I sealed it before tightening it on.

 

[ginkster]

If you are using a gland I’d strongly recommend Scanstut. Not cheap but they are simply the best.

I routed mine outside the canvas at the rear and the cables enter the van through the gaiter at the top left of the tailgate. If you have any access through the canvas (some have a Velcro join but mine doesn’t) then that would be a much better entry option. Or the cables can be run down the side of the tailgate and an entry gland installed by the rear light. If you have barn doors the blanking grommets for a tailgate are ideal.

If I was to do it again I’d go inside the canvas to simplify routing and cable handling as the pop top is raised/lowered.

 

[Qnapper]

I removed the old panel as cables where just showing at the end of roof..... I fitted mine over a few hours and left for 24hours to allow glue to dry: 200watt panel

The worst bit..... drilling hole

24hours later

Finished effect. Very please as no cables etc showing

 

[PhillH]

I removed the old panel as cables where just showing at the end of roof..... I fitted mine over a few hours and left for 24hours to allow glue to dry: 200watt panel
View attachment 285009
The worst bit..... drilling hole
View attachment 285010
24hours later
View attachment 285011
Finished effect. Very please as no cables etc showing

I like that, what make is the panel mate? How long had it been fitted and what glue did you use.

Sorry for all the questions haha

 

[Qnapper]

I like that, what make is the panel mate? How long had it been fitted and what glue did you use.

Sorry for all the questions haha

The panel is:

NDS Energy Lightweight Semi Flexible Solar Panel 12V 200W (Rear Juncti

LIGHTSOLAR is the “Glass & Frameless” range of solar panels designed for applications where weight, thickness and resistance are fundamental characteristics. The cells of these monocrystalline panels, with an efficiency of 18.75%, are embedded in an exclusive multi-layer structure: the upper...

vanjunkies.co.uk

Not cheap, but there other on here that have different makes that work well.

Hardest part was removing old panel that was rubbish and the glue used!!!!!!

It´s been on now for 3+ years in 35C days here in Spain in full sun and UK, Germany and Ireland. On good days here in Spain we get 190watts with roof up pointing as best as possible at sun... on bad days from 45watts with cloud cover to 100+watts in broken sun.

Glue used is Sikaflex® adhesive, but there others out there just as good.

 

[Adscan]

What other 200w flexi panels are people using?

 

[Adscan]

I removed the old panel as cables where just showing at the end of roof..... I fitted mine over a few hours and left for 24hours to allow glue to dry: 200watt panel
View attachment 285009
The worst bit..... drilling hole
View attachment 285010
24hours later
View attachment 285011
Finished effect. Very please as no cables etc showing

How did you remove the old panel and how did you remove the adhesive? It looks like a very good job!

I am in the process of deciding on a 200w panel to replace my recently failed one and hope that it lasts more than three years.

 

[Qnapper]

Lots of patience and loads of WD40 (made the gule easy to remove without marking the roof. If I was to do it again I would before sticking panel down use something like a wrapping material first to make removable of next panel (when needed) easy.

 

[PhillH]

The panel is:

NDS Energy Lightweight Semi Flexible Solar Panel 12V 200W (Rear Juncti

LIGHTSOLAR is the “Glass & Frameless” range of solar panels designed for applications where weight, thickness and resistance are fundamental characteristics. The cells of these monocrystalline panels, with an efficiency of 18.75%, are embedded in an exclusive multi-layer structure: the upper...

vanjunkies.co.uk

Not cheap, but there other on here that have different makes that work well.

Hardest part was removing old panel that was rubbish and the glue used!!!!!!

It´s been on now for 3+ years in 35C days here in Spain in full sun and UK, Germany and Ireland. On good days here in Spain we get 190watts with roof up pointing as best as possible at sun... on bad days from 45watts with cloud cover to 100+watts in broken sun.

Glue used is Sikaflex® adhesive, but there others out there just as good.

That fills me with more confidence as I have read about others failing in less than two years and I do not like the idea of have to try and get it off the roof once bonded