BYOS(hade)

[crofter]

I was thinking of spacing them up an inch with a donut, but sounds like the panels mount on the sides and not screwed down from the top (how my small panel mounts).
-crofter

I like this setup, but is an aluminum welded construction and guess what I do not own a welder. -c

 

[crofter]

Most panel suppliers offer L bracket mounting kits which gives you a little added height...

These brackets mount to the back of the panels, but no plywood on this van for shade.
-crofter
https://unakagearco.com/collections...-mount-solar-panel-bracket-stainless-set-of-4

 

[crofter]

Looking at this roof rack for my ProMaster cargo van...

https://www.americanvan.com/topper-...xAEVHZH2kin_IsravlX5yPctk3Q6bk8QaAgaOEALw_wcB

Here is a review of this rack, price is higher now, video shows solar panel mounting and brackets mounting.



And a review of the assembly process (I thought they said it was a welded rack, guess not)
-crofter

 

[highdesertranger]

"is plywood still the best material to provide full shade"

I don't think plywood was ever the "best" material. Sheet aluminum would get my vote but it's expensive.

Highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

The solar panels if you cover the whole roof supply the shade and with 4” of air circulation I don’t see any advantage of using a sheet of plywood as heat goes up. The less weight you put on the roof the better in my opinion. Once you are parked some type of shade netting or even reflex over exposed portions of the roof and windows should be plenty to reduce the absorbed heat. Make an extension on the roof rack and drape a roll of reflex over the windshield and door windows which will allow air to circulate under neath and you will still be at ambient air temps inside the van most likely. Shade helps but it can only do so much.