How to secure solar panel on roof rack
Submitted: Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 19:10
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True Blue
How have people secured their vehicle roof top solar panels to their vehicle?
Just simply buying a roof rack basket, securing the panel within this or have you found other solutions? A photo would be wonderful.
Reading back through some threads we have read many items where people have secured them to the roof of their caravans but we have a fold out camper so the best option we feel is to put in on the roof of the vehicle.
We are looking at purchasing a single 120w panel and securing permanently for any extended trip. Is the roof rack basket thingy the best way to go?
When not travelling we will remove the panel.
My vehicle is an 03 Prado Grande.
Any help much appreciated.
Wayne
Reply By: Member - Michael N (QLD) - Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 19:45
Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 19:45
True Blue
I have a 2005 Prado and I bought a set of roof racks and a basket and orginally sat the folding 120w panels in the bottom of the basket and secured them with zip ties. All worked
well until I noticed that early morning and afternoon sun put a hugh shadow from the rim across the panels. I have since raised the panels and secured them by threaded rod through the top rim of the basket and the aluminium lip of the solar panel. Also a wind diverter will be needed at the front of the basket or the drumming noise from the air passing through the basket, while driving,will send you deaf.
I have tried to up load a photo but I can't work out how to down size it. Sorry.
Mick N
AnswerID:
466103
Follow Up By: Member - Michael N (QLD) - Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 20:05
Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 20:05
True Blue
I have added a photo of the roof top solar setup into my profile. Have a look at it and I hope it helps you.
Mick N
FollowupID:
740184
Reply By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 20:24
Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 20:24
True Blue,
Our approach is shown in our blog
Our Troopy Setup.
We fitted C section channel to the custom roofrack, fitted HDPE runners to the solar panel and simply slide the panel into the rack. Since the original we've added a second panel on top of the first, again sliding in from the side of the vehicle. Works
well, allows the top panel to be charging whenever the vehicle is in the sun, and both panels to be easily removed and set up when stationary. See the pictures in the blog.
Cheers
John | J and V
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AnswerID:
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Reply By: True Blue - Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 23:06
Monday, Sep 26, 2011 at 23:06
Thank you all very much for your replies and suggestions. Great set ups, that's for sure.
I liked the look of Michael's basket arrangement. That is very much what I had in mind.
Plenty of food for thought from you all, thanks again,
Wayne
AnswerID:
466120