solar panel on a hi top
- Thread starter bob144
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4
4x4tour
Guest
That's got low profile flexible panels written all over it... Then, you could use 3M VHB tape to adhere them to the roof. <br><br>I used VHB for my luggage rack and its rock solid. <br><br>http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/3423/=dwswdp<br><br>I used the 3/4" wide tape. <br><br>
bobbert
Well-known member
4x4, the 3M VHB tape is really cool idea. Do you know anywhere that I can find any flexible solar panels?<div>Thanks in advance.</div>
4
4x4tour
Guest
I got my Kyocera KD135 from these guys, who have a good reputation. <br><br>http://www.solar-electric.com/<br><br>I've done ZERO recent research on flexible panels (hopefully someone can chime in). <br><br>
4
4x4tour
Guest
Before I forget, always get a foot long additional connector extension. You cut it in half to connect the male and females to the solar panel's connection (pos/neg) clips, and use the cut ends to run to your solar controller (I love my Morningstar Sunsaver mppt unit). Reason being, solar panel manufacturers do not warranty panels if they are/were altered (i.e. both wires coming out of the panel cut). This solves that issue. <br><br>
bobbert
Well-known member
I did a little online web mining, and stumbled upon one that is made by SolMaxx, and is flexible. It only puts out 5 watts though, 12 volts. $164. <div><a href="http://www.siliconsolar.com/flexible-solar-panel--powerfilm-5-watt-p-48.html" target="_blank">http://www.siliconsolar.com/flexible-solar-panel--powerfilm-5-watt-p-48.html<br></a><div><br></div><div><img src="http://www.siliconsolar.com/admin/modules/graphs/display_product_image.php?id=4492"></div></div>
4
4x4tour
Guest
Forget that thing... What a ripoff. <br><br>Something like 1 or 2 of these: <br><br>http://www.amazon.com/Uni-Solar-PVL...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315188827&sr=8-1<br><br>
Suanne
Well-known member
Hi,<BR><BR>Bob Wells, the owner of this forum, has a sister site called "Cheap Green RV Living" where you can find all kinds of good information about Living Off The Grid. See bottom right column of links here <A href="http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/Page_Index.html" target=_blank target=_blank>http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/Page_Index.html</A>.<BR><BR>He even has an article on Installing Flexible Solar Panels here <A href="http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/SolarPanels-Flexible.html" target=_blank target=_blank>http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/SolarPanels-Flexible.html</A>.<BR><BR>Hope that helps.<BR><BR>Suanne<BR>
4
4x4tour
Guest
LOL Great minds think alike... <br>
<span id="post_message_1270113763">@ 4x4tour Man, you're a lifesaver!!! I was trying to figure out how to put all this solar stuff together and you put a link which includes everything I need. One question though. In the link, how does the included charge controller compare to your Sunsaver model? Does the charger (in the link) have the ability to bulk, trickle charge, etc.? Thanks.<br><br>http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Battery-Charger-batteries-components/dp/B004TIPKUE/ref=pd_sbs_ol_7<br></span>
4
4x4tour
Guest
Is is a 3 stage charger, no. <br><br>http://www.solar-electric.com/ss-10.html<br><br>Mine:<br><br>http://www.solar-electric.com/mosumpsochco.html<br><br>and the best part:<br><br><b><i>"This controller is the most efficient solar charge controller available for smaller systems".</i></b><br>
two of these would be sweet <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watts-Battery...004YHIAW0/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Watts-Battery...004YHIAW0/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF</a> then i need some batterys thanx for the links A.J.
@ 4x4tour I hope you're not bothered by all of my questions directed towards you specifically. But, it seems that you've already done your homework.....and I just want to copy off of you <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Battery-Charger-batteries-components/dp/B004TIPKUE/ref=pd_sbs_ol_7<br><br>If I should get only the two 68 watt panels (shown in the link), would you recommend pairing them up with specifically your Sunsaver controller model? Additionally, the link mentioned some cables called "2 x 30' MC Cable". What are they and could you point me in the right direction as to where I can get them? 30' feet each is a bit too long as I would only need them to be about half that length. Thanks very much for all your help, 4x4tour.<br><br><br>
4
4x4tour
Guest
Its no bother, it's the reason sites like this one exist...<br><br>The 2 wires coming out of the solar panel (pos & neg) with plastic connector ends are called "MC cables". <br><br>If you cut into the wires that are attached to the panel, they wont warranty the panel. An extender cable (link below) allows you to use the panel's clips, and keep the warranty in order. <br><br>The panels you are interested in seem to be using MC3 cable end types:<br><br>http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/cable-folder/mc3-extension-cables.html<br><br>To keep the warranty, you'd need 2, 30' foot lengths to cut in half. Then run each 15 foot length from the panels to your controller, preferably the sunsaver. <br><br>Or, get 2, shorter extensions to cut in half, and then use quality 12 gauge wiring to go from the cut ends to the controller. <br><br>If the warranty isn't important, you can wire them together, easier, like this:<br><br>http://www.ehow.com/how_7188399_connect-2-solar-panels-charge.html<br><br>It's late and I hope I made sense...lol <br><br><br><br>
@ 4x4tour Thanks for your info. I looked at the link that you provided and the 8' foot MC cable may just be all I need. It's only going to run from the back of the roof of the hi-top van, through the crack of the back van doors, into the controller/batteries inside the back of the van. I don't want to even try to splice/cut anything. <br><br>How will 2 sets of MC cables (from the 2 solar panels) be able to connect to only 1 controller? I'm guessing the solar controller will have receptors that will connect to these MC cables, but what about for multiple cables? Afterwards, how will the controller connect to the actual batteries? Are there some sort of clips that extend from the controller that would clamp onto the positive/negative posts of the batteries?<br><br>Lastly, will most solar controllers have some sort of LCD readout display, so I can see the status of the charge, whether it's still charging or completed, etc?<br><br>
