Solar panels
- Thread starter nuggetwillow
- Start date
Gammmes
New Member
Flexible panels can be stuck on the roof. I should mention that we are using the Victron MPPT controller, which supposedly does somewhat better at getting watts out of the panels than PWM controllers.
where did you get the rail runners from and the alu blocks in these pics from please?
Hi, @Skyliner33 , some time ago, as pic below.
This is the “Buy again” link. M4/M5/M6/M8 Slide in T-Nut for 4040 Series T Slot Aluminum Extrusions Profile | eBay
Thanks. How about the black runners in the gutters?
Also from ebay. They are OEM VW roof rails so fit into the existing bolt holes. I have seen quite a few being sold on the forum as well. If you do decide to get them try and get them with the rubber seals that clip into the bottom of the rails to keep the water out.
Thanks, I dont fancy drilling extra holes in the gutters though :O
@MarkW-T6 bit of a resurrection... I wondered how these have fared over time? And a couple of questions, I've recently added the prep rails, and not drilled any extra bolt holes, did you use only four bolts either side? At the moment mine seems solid, but there is nothing else up there creating drag etc anybody else input would be great too. I was also wondering why you used aluminium angle? As opposed to a flat piece of bar, rolled steel or similar? Cheers.
nuggetwillow
Member
I used sticaflix as well solid as a rock I put a little dab on the bolts they will never move
Was that using all 8 bolt holes or just the origional 4? @nuggetwillow
nuggetwillow
Member
I used the original 4 got a aluminium bar that fitted into the strip in the roof . drilled to holes in each put boths up through them to attach the solar panel to
Sounds solid, if you had any photos I'd like to see them, no worries if it's a pain. @nuggetwillow
As yet still going fine, no issues. Just used the standard holes that were there, no extra drilling so yes, 4 each side. (I did drill at the back of the van to fit the plastic end piece but have since removed this to allow the roof bars to be fitted) I decided to use angle as it gives enough flexibility to curve over the roof and retains enough rigidity to eliminate flexing when driving at speed.
Inspired by the above and also nervous about drilling holes in the roof / reliability of flexible panel I have had a go myself at something similar.
I used aluminum channel and flashings that were surplus to requirements at work, so free. The panel is a renogy 100w (£128). The wiring was about £40 and the bolts were about the same, they're all stainless so cost a bit.
I have made the rails long enough to add another 100w panel maybe in the new year.
Just thought would show the pictures in case it helps someone in the future. Suspect i was the only person fitting solar to teh van when it was minus 6 outside
I used aluminum channel and flashings that were surplus to requirements at work, so free. The panel is a renogy 100w (£128). The wiring was about £40 and the bolts were about the same, they're all stainless so cost a bit.
I have made the rails long enough to add another 100w panel maybe in the new year.
Just thought would show the pictures in case it helps someone in the future. Suspect i was the only person fitting solar to teh van when it was minus 6 outside
nuggetwillow
Member
Sticoflix it nothing will move with it application.i used it on my T6 roof
I wanted it to be removable
310W permanent solar on a 22MY T6.1 Ocean
Very valid points. We use our van for extended skiing trips to the Alps in winter & a couple of months touring Europe in early summer, then September/ October touring the UK, so we spend a good 4-5 months a year in the van in very varied conditions. You obviously have differing needs &...
I did what is contained in the link above. Working fine.
