Mounting solar panel so its removable

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 19:41

ThreadID: 26813 Views:3644 Replies:4 FollowUps:2

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Grungle

Hi All,

Has anyone mounted a solar panel to a camper/caravan so as to allow it to be removed and sited in full sun when camped for a few days. I would like to mount mine on the camper but have it so it can be removed when needed. Also need it to be quite secured and able to be locked. Aussie Swag do one as an option but you can't buy it aftermarket and they are pretty protective of their design. Also its made for an particular sized/type panel. I am limited to space in the vehicle and camper.

Currently ours is stored under the bed in the camper but worried it might crack if someone gets on it (without knowing its there) and also mould which is just starting to appear because of some moisture trapped in the channel.

Any photos would be great. Not phased if design is complex or basic either.

Regards
David
grungle229 (a t) optusnet.com.au

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Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 20:05

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 20:05

Gaday Dave. My parants have the solar panel mounted on the roof of their van by sliding it into aluminium channels that are pop rivited on. A sliding window lock secures it. They just add a 15 metre extension lead so they can park in the shade.
There are plenty of different aluminium mouldings around so no doubt you will find something to fit your particular size panel.
Cheers Craig.........

AnswerID: 132042

Follow Up By: Grungle - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 07:24

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 07:24

Thanks Craig, Sounds like what I need. Will have to look into ally extrusions to see what will be of benifit.

Regards
David

FollowupID: 386396

Reply By: Derek - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 23:49

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 23:49

Hi David
I have done something very similar to the above posting and will send you the photos tomorrow. I have a camper van (wind-up roof, pull out beds) and an array of 3 x BP Solarex panels (purchased from a Telstra auction) bolted together to form one big panel measuring 950 x 1300. I had an aluminium frame made which I pop riveted and Sikaflexed onto the roof of the van. When the roof is down it is at about face height. The array slides into the frame and then a piece of 40 x 40 angle is bolted across the gap to stop it sliding back out. At the other end, the array slides under the edge of a similar piece of FIXED angle. This means that nearly the entire array is getting light. Inside the van, under a bed is a monster deep cycle Trojan which is being trickle charged by the panel every daylight hour that the van is parked down the side of the house. The charging cable runs from the array, along the roof, down the back (with a loop to allow for when the roof is wound up) under the floor and into the van. Here a Solarex regulator manages the charging process. Along the way, and fitted 'in-line' there is an ammeter and then an Andersen connection. These are mounted externally on the back wall of the van. I also carry an extension lead.
We just got back from Fraser last week and it worked brilliantly.
We were able to get the van under a tree for shade yet have the array sitting some 10 mtrs away in bright sun.
I get one of the kids to look at the ammeter while I position the array. That way I can position it where it makes the most charge. I check and re-position it every few hours.
This is a bit of a short novel but the photos tomorrow should help.
Derek

AnswerID: 132095