Solar Panel fail

Creamytash said:
Do they just stick the mounting brackets down or do they bolt through the pop top. Don't want to lose it in Spain pmsl.
Click to expand...
Mine is bolted through the poptop, 2 bolts to each corner. Nice cover caps cover the bolts internally, and the brackets are streamlined. Bolts close to the sides and bottom, you don't notice them unless you're in the roof. Safe as houses but I do give the panel a regular check to be sure.
 
doncarlyon said:
Just thinking for a similar cost you might be able to add another battery and save yourself the hassle
Click to expand...
We do quite a few 4 day off grid camps, EHU scarce. Solar takes the stress out of LB management. We've never been turned away from a site because they are full, just a patch of land is all we need. It made the NC500 very easy to stay where we wanted, not what was available officially.
 
Creamytash said:
Am on a LifePo4 110ah + nowhere to locate a 2nd battery. I have found that the one I've got serves us well.
Cheers
CT
Click to expand...
With a 110Ah leisure battery you really don't need a large rigid panel.
Amazon have some perfect 180 watt rigid panels for less than £100 that will suit your needs perfectly.
Last year I had an original 200Ah Roamer battery that was kept very full by a 180 flexi panel, until 2 of them packed up in a short space of time.
I upgraded the LB so I could link it to play nicely with a Cerbo system.
Something like this would be perfect...
 
DXX said:
Anything raised on the roof is going to increase fuel consumption due to drag, it may only be a few % but over say 50k miles the solar installation cost is negated.
I would keep it as streamlined as possible at both ends, perhaps using a suitable alum’ profile to fabricate a faring.
Click to expand...
The front of my leading edge of the solar panel has a full length plastic spoiler bracket to curve airflow up and over the top. These are available commercially.
I haven't noticed any increase in fuel consumption but there may be a tiny unmeasurable bit.
I thought about drag so fitted the spoiler when I installed the panel for the reasons
DXX stated.
 
AussieMick said:
The front of my leading edge of the solar panel has a full length plastic spoiler bracket to curve airflow up and over the top. These are available commercially.
I haven't noticed any increase in fuel consumption but there may be a tiny unmeasurable bit.
I thought about drag so fitted the spoiler when I installed the panel for the reasons
DXX stated.
Click to expand...
Mick, where would I go to get a spoiler as I think it's a great idea - what would I put in the search to find one.
Once the holidays are done I am buying a panel and a new higher rated control box plus all the extras I need to fit the new panel early in the new year.
CT.
 
You def’ need a fairing not a spoiler, spoilers increase drag, fairings reduce it.
 
Does anyone know if the technology used in a 350w rigid solar panel is at a better level than a 250w rigid panel in respect of longevity please gents.
 
Creamytash said:
Does anyone know if the technology used in a 350w rigid solar panel is at a better level than a 250w rigid panel in respect of longevity please gents.
Click to expand...
Rigid panels seem to have a guaranteed life of around 25 years, regardless of the tech. Advances in tech seem to relate to efficiency and energy density. I.e. more power from a smaller footprint. Longevity is a given with rigid panels.
 
This is what I have on my leading edge. It's been there for about 7 years. Works for me and also helps stop the wind trying to rip the Screenshot_20251226_070742_Google.webppanel from your roof. I got it from an electronics shop. I imagine you have something similar in the UK.
 
Salty Spuds said:
Rigid panels seem to have a guaranteed life of around 25 years, regardless of the tech. Advances in tech seem to relate to efficiency and energy density. I.e. more power from a smaller footprint. Longevity is a given with rigid panels.
Click to expand...
Thank you mate.
 
Salty Spuds said:
PV logic do a panel kit with aerodynamic fixing brackets.
Click to expand...
This is the kit I have, with the mentioned aerodynamic brackets.
www.solartechnology.co.uk

150W Rigid Mono High Density Solar Panel Roof & Deck Top Kit

Our 150w rigid Mono High Density solar panel roof & deck top kit is perfect for off-grid travel when there is no access to an electrical hook-up.
www.solartechnology.co.uk www.solartechnology.co.uk

Edit. I just have the panel and brackets, I have Victron kit and a different roof wiring solution.
 
What colour is the pop top roof where the panel failed?
 
My 2 180 flexi panels both died on an Ascot Grey flavoured lid. One lasted nearly 3 years, the replacement less than 12 months. PU sent me a replacement for the newer delaminated panel which I sold on and went rigid!
Hoping that's it now...

Screenshot_20251226_210846_Gallery.webp
 
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