solar panel on CT roof

I would be inclined to install roof racks (either end/side) of the van. These would allow for better installation and distribution of weight.

I can't see 8kg of solar panel putting any extra stress on your struts, people put bikes, canoes, roof toppers, camping gear etc on top of their jayco campers. What is the load limit of a jayco roof rack? Would you consider mounting the panel permanently to the roof and wiring to the battery in the camper?

G'day mintrax

I have a 40 watt panel mounted on my jayco eagle. It stays on all of the time, but it is removeable if I'm in the shade etc.

It made no difference to the wind up mechanism. My eagle came with dealer fitted roof racks, which would weigh more than the solar panel, and they make no difference to the winding up either.

Jason

When we had a wind up camper (like a Jayco Dove), we put the panel on a frame with stand. Just putting it out when we stopped in the afternoon, and facing it east for the sunrise kept the battery charged enough for the caravan fridge and lights. If we were static during the day, we'd rest it on the camper roof. When travelling, it was safe inside the camper.

Motherhen

Have a bit of a rethink , you want to mount it on the roof to stop the light finger brigade yet when parked in shade your ok with the panels on the ground ,,,, do a bit of a search on here and some of the other camping orientated forums under 'solar panel theft' ,,, think you will find that it is a very rare occurance , not saying it does not happen but would be more worried about other bits and pieces ,,, panels are bulky ,need the fixed controller ect , mr opportunity theif more likely to go for a gen set or fridge.

Have a look at my gallery I have 3Solar power units on roof two under my roof rakes on a slide out over bonnet.

i have 2 x 130 watt sharp panels mounted on the roof of our jayco dove, they are permanently attached on a custom made aluminium frame attached to the roof and the wiring is marshalled into a 4" upvc junction box where it is glanded from the solar cell cabling to flexable 6mm2 flex which is in turn glanded through the roof and goes to the solar controller mounted on the back wall of the cupboard underneath the sink.

my design is pretty basic and material wise a single length of 25 * 50 3mm ally RHS and a couple of offcuts of plate are all you need to build the rack.

heres my plan if anyone is interested.



as far as the added weight goes it didnt effect the roof cranking although i thought it did initially until i found i broke the 2 rear cables dues to pulley failure (another story).

i have since replaced the cables and the 2 faulty pullys and the roof is better than ever ( i got the van second hand and i suspect the pulleys had been sad for a while).

my panels are mounted flat as i chose to over compensate with regard to panels to make up for less efficiency.

i have found that a small shadow over a tiny part of the panel makes a LOT bigger difference in loss of charging current as opposed to the angle of the panel to the sun being a little out.

the panels are attached to the frame by 8 stainless steel 6mm bolts with nylock nuts.

Hi

Have a look at this web-site www.aussiervproducts.com.au there are 85 watt panels which are intended to be glued on (Theft proof) and are very slim and aero-dynamic.

I will declare a vested interest in this business.