GraemeM Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 This may seem an odd question. I have seen a fair few pictures of solar panels mounted on Motorhomes large and small. Most have been logically installed lengthways left or right toward the mid/rear of the van. We are trying to get 100w plus panel on top and available space is at a premium. So I would like to install across the van forward of the roof light on our Compass Calypso, Does anyone have any thoughts / experience of mounting a panel in this sort of location? As always, thanks in advance Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerThat Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Hi there. Is there a reason you'd NOT want to do this? Sounds perfectly reasonable to me :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeM Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 I was thinking that there may be a reason that people mount them further back rather than forward? I am probably over thinking this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 GraemeM - 2016-02-23 9:54 PM I was thinking that there may be a reason that people mount them further back rather than forward? I am probably over thinking this! Possibly aerodynamically there might potentially be less wind noise fron a narrower side facing the airflow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spospe Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 The main factor to consider from a performance point of view, is to ensure that other roof mounted equipment does not cast any (or minimal) shadows onto the panel. Any shadow will degrade the output quite dramatically. Sometimes users of panels do not realise just how bad the shadow problem can be, usually because their regulators are the sort without a voltage / current display to monitor just what is happening. I have seen the shadow of quite a slim branch cut the output by 50%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Think about the odd overhanging tree that you might brush under. Will the forward position be in the danger zone for such dangers including flying stones. As already mentioned will aerodynamic forces come into play. A position further back tends to be more sheltered. Magic bit of kit. All through the winter the batteries are fully charged, no need for the mains HU. Dependent on how heavy a current user you are site HU may rarely be needed. A SP and a refillable gas bottle are the two best two extras I have fitted on my 'van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Finger stutter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebishbus Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Fiamma make air deflectors ( spoilers) which could be fitted in front of Solar panels, they would also give some protection from branches. Brian B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 When we bought our latest van we negotiated for a solar panel to be fitted, this was done and it is over the front of the van from side to side, if that makes sense. Luckily the Tracker has a large 'lip' so acts as a windbreak. On our previous van the solar panel was further back and whoever installed it put an Alden windbreak in front of it, we never had a problem with this. So either way I don't think it makes much of a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikejkay Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 George Collings - 2016-02-23 10:57 PM A SP and a refillable gas bottle are the two best two extras I have fitted on my 'van. Ditto :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veletron Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 I've got 3 on mine 1x120W and 2x40W. I made sure that the max power voltage and open circuit voltage was within 0.1V of the other panels, and wired them all in parallel. Pics below re mounting positions in case it helps. Sika 512 is your friend. http://photos.veletron.com/index.php/album151/New-Van-Campereve-Magellan-643/Front-Road-Cam-JPG_2016-02-24_123944 http://photos.veletron.com/index.php/album151/New-Van-Campereve-Magellan-643/Front-Cam_2016-02-24_123933 Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeM Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 This place is amazing, such a massive amount of collective experience and the kindness to share. Thanks one and all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Bry Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Sorry if this is a little off topic, and also using search engines is not a problem I am looking to have installed on our Van some Solar panels. My question is, do any of you know of a reputable installer in the North of England, that you have either used or can recommend.Or is this one of those silly questions which will come back with a response such as "Google it"! Many thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikejkay Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 GraemeM - 2016-02-24 2:43 PM This place is amazing, such a massive amount of collective experience and the kindness to share. Thanks one and all! Wait until the bitching starts. Can be quite amusing :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikejkay Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Have you thought of doing it yourself? It's really not that hard unless you;re a geriatric like me Plenty of posts on the subject on this and other forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spospe Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Thai Bry - 2016-02-24 4:04 PMSorry if this is a little off topic, and also using search engines is not a problemI am looking to have installed on our Van some Solar panels.My question is, do any of you know of a reputable installer in the North of England, that you have either used or can recommend.Or is this one of those silly questions which will come back with a response such as "Google it"!Many thanks in advanceI have used Spinney Motorhomes on two occasions with good results.http://www.spinney.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Bry Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Many thanks to all that have replied. I am not really gifted in the DIY on motorhomes, especially drilling and ensuring water tight joints especially on our van, so will have to resort to the experts. Thanks anyway for the advice given Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 Thai Bry - 2016-02-24 4:04 PMSorry if this is a little off topic, and also using search engines is not a problemI am looking to have installed on our Van some Solar panels.My question is, do any of you know of a reputable installer in the North of England, that you have either used or can recommend.Or is this one of those silly questions which will come back with a response such as "Google it"!Many thanks in advanceTry Richard Baldwins at Halifax, nice people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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