Packing/storing 80 watt solar panel for travelling

Hi Geoff. I just carry mine on the canopy. Can you fit a couple of bars on yours
to do same.



Brian

When we had a fold up camper, we bought a 80w panel, and mounted it on a wooden (pine for light weight) frame and stand. It was easy to stand up to face the setting sun and worked well when we stopped (usually quite late in the day). We could then face it towards the east ready for the sunrise to start charging the battery again. If we were stopped at mid-day with no shade, we could put it up on the roof. It travelled safely as it was reinforced - we just put it on the floor on all the other junk.

Hi Geof
I have one fixed to one of my Rhino Storage Units, which opens both sides so I get good sun,by opening either side to a angle of 45deg to the side sun is on .
All ways try to park North to South,or South to North.
To get Morning ,Afternoon Sun & flat for Mid day

Our 123w unit is mounted above the cab, and lives there.Easily slides out of frame when camped. Is fairly unobtrusive. Rig pics show setup. Jeff H.

13gef13,
I have mine in a pine and ply box with a snug fit lid and just stand the box on it's side in between other gear. When camping i just take off the lid and stand the panel and box on a spare tyre on empty camping box. When you get two panels they work like a suitcase for travelling.
Cheers,
Bros.

Canvas bag made at the local canvas bloke cost me $70 - unzips on three sides to fold open completely.

This goes in a drop down rack up in the roof in the back of the canopy.

I made the rack out of light mesh that I made the roof basket out of on an RHS frame. It hinges at the front and a gate bolt at the rear holds it up.

Dave

G'day 13gef13,
I have two 80W panels hinged together which I open out for use. They fit into two pieces of aluminium 'C' channel to stop them folding up accidentally, (one on top, one on bottom) and stood up against two tent poles, can be moved to where ever the sun is shining.
To transport them I cut a piece of carpet to shape so it covers both sides and leaves the part with the handle free. The carpet is kept in place by stitching some velcro strips around the edge. I then fit it in the back of the ute on it's edge. The tent poles fit into the 'C' channel pieces which fit together making a neat package.
Been carting it all around Australia like this for years and never had a problem. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Peter.