Unisol 68 watt flex panels

[flying kurbmaster]

everywhere I look for the Unisol 68 watt flexible panels, I find them out of stock or no longer available. I heard that they were in receivership at one point does anyone know if they are out of business or no longer making this panel or where to get them if they are still available. I found one guy that has a limited number but he wants an arm and a leg for them. thanks in advance.

 

[SternWake]

Unisolar basically had their technology stolen by the Chinese.  Big surprise there.

The limited stock of EPVL-68 and PVL-68 looks like it has been depleted.

There are other flexible panel options.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

well I broke down and paid the exorbitant prices for the last two unisol68 panels on the market in the whole world. looking forward sticking them on. My justification is that in a years time I won't care about the 100 dollars extra cost compared to regular panels. I am hopping that they work better in the shade then the others, better airodynamics. and a bit more stealth if that makes a difference with a step van. The kurbmaster will soon be getting a couple of dark racing stripes on the roof. I wonder if I will be going any faster.

 

[cyndi]

I loved my unisol panel. That sucker charged my batteries when I was parked in the shade on a rainy day. Still sad I had to stick them to the roof and couldn't take it with me when I sold the moho

 

[cdiggy]

well I broke down and paid the exorbitant prices for the last two unisol68 panels on the market in the whole world. looking forward sticking them on. My justification is that in a years time I won't care about the 100 dollars extra cost compared to regular panels. I am hopping that they work better in the shade then the others, better airodynamics. and a bit more stealth if that makes a difference with a step van. The kurbmaster will soon be getting a couple of dark racing stripes on the roof. I wonder if I will be going any faster.

From one Kurbmaster to another I say the only way you are going faster is if you drive it off a cliff!

 

[Willy]

I have a 'framed' 64W Unisolar panel (gonna be getting 2 more) and, with my 120W polycrystalline, panel I figure I've got the best of both worlds. The Unisolars don't get anywhere near the efficiency of poly/monocrystalline panels, but are well nigh indestructible, which makes for peace of mind. ..Willy.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

yes the easiest way would be to stick them down but I have access to flat stock alluminium so I am thinking of sticking them to a couple of pieces cut to size plus a little edge, then pop riveting them to the roof with a few globs of removable caulking underneath to stop them from rattling in the unlikely event that I have to remove or reposition them someday. good to hear that they work well in the shade that is the main reason for getting them

 

[highdesertranger]

excellent idea kurbmaster. highdesertranger

 

[MK7]

Maybe velcro them on the roof instead of sticking them on permanently?

 

[karl]

Kbmstr- since you are considering aluminum base sheets, would it be worth Z bending the sheets to create an inch of air space under the panels for cooling both the van and panels? Depending on the gauge, might need a center V as well...?Might be a way to hide the wires through the roof also?

 

[Matt71]

Wouldn't a raised aluminum sheet wobble and make a lot of noise when you're driving? The gauge would have to be pretty thick at that size to prevent it, and probably heavy too. At that point you might as well go with plywood.

 

[akrvbob]

At this point I think I'd b looking at the Renogy 100 watt flexible panels instead. They have a much more convenient size--although sometimes only the long and thin will do--and the people I know with them are happy with them.

They aren't as flexible as the Unisolar but they are light (4 pounds)and I'm sure they are strong and durable. They have mC4s which is good.

Of course their manufacturer is still in business so that's a plus. They look good to me!
Bob

 

[Willy]

If I remember correctly, the long Unisolar peel 'n stick panels can be cut down into smaller units. Then all ya gotta do (after attaching leads and sealing) is frame with aluminum. ..Willy.

 

[cdiggy]

For my Kurbmaster I was thinking of making a roof rack attached to the rain gutters similar to this rack:
http://www.cyclevan.com/spec veh/roofrack deck.htm
Only using aluminum C channel. I am going to cut one of the flanges off so the cut end sits in the gutter and the flange I cut off would be flipped over and used as a clamp with screws going through it and into the c channel in the gutter by way of drilled and tapped holes. Then use square tubing to bridge the c channel from one side to the other. This way I can mount regular solar panels as well as carry whatever (ladder,etc) I don't want inside the truck. I tried to upload a pic of my crude drawing for a visual but as usual my tapatalk won't let me. If I can get it resolved I will post said pic!

 

[cdiggy]

Got it!

 

[cdiggy]

Whoops! Didn't realize you already bought the flex panels!

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Kbmstr- since you are considering aluminum base sheets, would it be worth Z bending the sheets to create an inch of  air space under the panels for cooling both the van and panels? Depending on the gauge, might need a center V as well...?Might be a way to hide the wires through the roof also?

this is a good idea I will consider it, one reason for choosing unisol was to have them flat on the roof to be as aero dynamic and stealth as possible.

Matt71 I doubt it would wobble if you bent a v down the middle, the span would only be about 71/2 inches each side, when you bend alluminium even thin flat stock it makes it very rigid, add to that the solar panel glued down, you could even bend down the front and back for extra stenght if you wanted to. Personnally I don't think it would wobble. but if you are sitting up an inch I may as  well have bought regular panels, one down side to this   bent pan is that it would eliminate any chance of walking on it.

 

[Willy]

This:
cutting up unisolars
 ..Willy.

 

[Willy]

 There's also this: Airstream forum reply