R-pod Owners Forum : Solar on Roof https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Solar on Roof Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:20:20 +0000 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:59:04 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7366 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Solar on Roof : I know this is an older thread... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=115944#115944 Author: offgrid
Subject: 7366
Posted: 02 Oct 2018 at 7:59am

I know this is an older thread but just to clear up some misconceptions on solar system design I see here I'd like to add a couple of comments.

First, a 100 (or 200 or whatever) watt solar module essentially never produces 100 (or 200) watts. Why?  Because solar modules are tested at 25C (77F) in a flash tester in a conditioned factory at an irradiance of 1000 watts per meter squared, aka "1 sun". That is what is called STC (standard test conditions). 

You can certainly get the 1000 w/m2 in the wild, perhaps a little more on a very sunny clear day with the solar module directly facing the sun. But, unless it is freezing out you won't get the 25C module temperature. The solar module will heat up in the sun and the output is reduced.  On a 25C (77F) day the module will typically be at about 55C (131F) and output will be reduced by around 15%. 

This reduction in output comes as reduced voltage, current output actually goes up just slightly. This is why modules designed for 12V battery charging typically have a max power voltage (Vmp on your data sheet) of around 17-18V, so they can still charge batteries effectively on hot days even though 13.6-14.4V is as high as you ever want to charge a lead acid battery. 

An MPPT charger will not get around this voltage drop with temperature. That's just basic semiconductor device physics. The MPPT charger will only help with wasting extra solar module voltage you can't otherwise use, especially on cooler days.  But if you're planning your system for summer use the 15% will be there even with an MPPT controller, and more for hot locations. If you're using a PWM controller, your losses are going to be more like 20% because of the wasted voltage.  

The easiest way to determine what you can expect to get from a solar/battery system is to to look up the max power current (Imp on your data sheet), and multiply that by the sun hours for your location, time of year, and panel orientation.  That will give you the average daily amp hours you can expect to get for your 12V electrical loads, barring any shading or dirt accumulation on your solar array. There is a nice calculator for sun hours here:

 http://solarelectricityhandbook.com/solar-irradiance.html

Second, the energy available to your loads from the battery will be delivered at about 12V, even though the battery will charge at around 13.6V. So, you have an energy loss in the battery as well as the solar modules. 

If you work in amp hours these losses will be taken into account but if you want to work in watts you'll need to derate your system for battery voltage losses by about 12/13.6 or about 12%. So, your total derates starting from solar module nameplate watts to delivered load watts will be around 25-30%, maybe more for a hotter climate.  

None of this should stop you from going with solar, its so cheap now that nothing can compete with it as long as you have good solar access. Just be realistic about what you can expect to get from a given size solar/battery system. 




]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:59:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=115944#115944 Solar on Roof : If I added the second panel it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107563#107563 Author: Don Halas
Subject: 7366
Posted: 18 Apr 2018 at 10:06am

If I added the second panel it would definitely be the suitcase variety. I wouldn't need a charge controller since I've already got one big enough to handle another panel.

I'd plan on having a cable of about 10'-20' to allow flexibility of where I placed it outside. It would run through the port on the back of the pod.

But, unless our style of camping changes significantly I don't see a need for it.

]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2018 10:06:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107563#107563 Solar on Roof : Looking at those myself. I have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107546#107546 Author: Ghosthawk
Subject: 7366
Posted: 18 Apr 2018 at 7:10am

Looking at those myself. I have pretty much decideded to buy 2.

A One will be mounted on the roof using the grommets. Exactly how I have not yet worked out. But I will.

B Second one will probably be kept loose in the TV so it can be propped in convenient location as needed.

Murphy will always rear his ugly head if you do not plan for him.
So belt and suspenders all the way.  Or a piece of paracord between 2 belt loops.

Preppers have a saying, "One is none, two is one" Any one system can fail. If that happens, your without. Two systems means redundancy. Unlikely both will fail. But if in doubt, there is always 3.

My favorite saying though is pretty simple. "Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance".

Velcro is fine when parked, but wind at 50 + MPH is a wicked thing.
]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2018 07:10:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107546#107546 Solar on Roof : I have a flexible 100watt solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107500#107500 Author: Don Halas
Subject: 7366
Posted: 17 Apr 2018 at 11:20am

I have a flexible 100watt solar panel that I mount on the front of the pod with Velcro. It cost about $180 from Amazon.

I am using the most secure Velcro brand tape they sell and it is stuck to the trailer with USB tape. I run the Velcro around the entire perimeter of the panel.

First time out I also secured the panel through the front center grommet to the hitch with rope. We had no issues travelling with it.

Second time I was more confident of the ability of the Velcro and didn't use the tie down. About 1/2 hour from home I saw the panel in my rear view mirror had blown off.

So, I replaced the panel and have abandoned hopes of travelling with the panel outside. Instead it rides inside the trailer behind the couch cushion.

I can add a second panel if need be through the solar port at the back, but I don't expect that will ever be necessary.

There were pictures of my installation on this site, but I believe they were all removed when they changed servers about a year ago.
]]> Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:20:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=107500#107500 Solar on Roof : We have a flexible 100W solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106776#106776 Author: lostagain
Subject: 7366
Posted: 02 Apr 2018 at 9:39pm

We have a flexible 100W solar panel that I can lay on the roof of our Pod [front or back ends].  It has grommets at each corner and i attached cords so I could securely tie it down.  I put little boat line cleats along the bottom of the side walls and use them to secure the panel so it won't blow off.  It's stayed on quite well even in 20 mph winds.  I also put the cleats on the bottom edge of our camper shell so I can put it on the truck if the trailer is in the shade.  So far it works quite nicely.  The big drawback is that it's easy to steal, so we have to be a little careful about when we set it up.]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2018 21:39:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106776#106776 Solar on Roof : I keep watching prices and see... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106744#106744 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 7366
Posted: 02 Apr 2018 at 3:50pm

I keep watching prices and see you can go flexible for $1 a watt, if you can wait the delivery time.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-100W-Mono-Flexible-Solar-Panel-Module-with-3-in-1-Quick-Connectors-and-Extended-Cables/32846491923.html?spm=2114.search0204.3.133.67043344kvgXgr&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_5722815_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_5722915_10548_10341_10545_5722615_10697_10696_10084_10083_10618_10307_5722715_10059_10534_100031_10103_441_10624_10623_10622_5722515_10621_10620,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_5_ppcChannel&algo_expid=516f13f4-b861-4823-9dfd-68d7cf9f2ca5-21&algo_pvid=516f13f4-b861-4823-9dfd-68d7cf9f2ca5&transAbTest=ae803_2&priceBeautifyAB=0

The kicker here is the VAT or Duty imposed. Could be as much as 30% (12-30% range right now). Even at 30% that's still only $1.35 a watt. Still not bad for flexible.

This you can glue down on the unit. Conforms to the unit. If I was to mount permanently, I see this as the way I would head.

I'll wait till November and the sales out of China. Also let the dust settle on the 'new' tariff's out there. Besides I need to test out my 130's and see where I land with that. As my wife says... "One step at a time please.."
   
]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:50:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106744#106744 Solar on Roof : I am curious also, have a 179... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106665#106665 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7366
Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 4:26pm

I am curious also, have a 179 and looking for ideas with the solar!  ]]> Sun, 01 Apr 2018 16:26:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106665#106665 Solar on Roof : im trying the same modification... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106664#106664 Author: garyd
Subject: 7366
Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 3:52pm

im trying the same modification to my new 179

could you explain how you took off the inside cabinet panel and top to drill through the roof. i looked at it and it seemed that the shelf, drawers, etc need to be removed as the panel looks to run the full height of the cabinet. Im trying not to destroy the inside if i can help it. also why not run wires down the vent stack instead of hole in roof
]]> Sun, 01 Apr 2018 15:52:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=106664#106664 Solar on Roof : Originally posted by TroutPodHow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70346#70346 Author: M0tl3y
Subject: 7366
Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 5:39pm

Originally posted by TroutPod

How would you say your set up works when you are parked in a shady spot? Is it still charging sufficiently?  

I agree with Sailor123 that shading has quite an effect on the panel output. 

To add to the debate, you also need to consider the controller, length of wiring, and gauge of wiring. The PWM controller on most installations is, at best, 90% efficient. If using portable solar you're guaranteed to have a 30' minimum (if using the builtin connection), and as much as 50' of small-ish gauge wire. So plan on 200W of portable panel being effectively 160-ish Watts, at the battery, of value.

With a fixed install you can install quite heavy gauge or 10'-15' length and use an MPPT controller and get about 96% efficiency at the battery, or ~192W out of 200W panels. 

As you can see, solar is finicky, and there's a lot of factors against getting the published rating of any given setup. My personal mantra, going into solar, was to be happy with half. I installed 200W because 100W is good enough to keep me happy.
]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2016 17:39:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70346#70346 Solar on Roof : JandL, very nice idea for a non... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70329#70329 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7366
Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 11:08am

JandL, very nice idea for a non permanent installation]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2016 11:08:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70329#70329 Solar on Roof : I posted pictures on my removable... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70314#70314 Author: JandL
Subject: 7366
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 9:51pm

I posted pictures on my removable roof mounted solar panel. I have only one panel but there is enough room to get 2 up there. Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks - List Your Mods - Posted: 02 Aug 2015 (Page 39)

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:51:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70314#70314 Solar on Roof : My set up is for 2 140 watt panels.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70292#70292 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7366
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 6:28pm

My set up is  for 2 140 watt panels.  Beware that larger panels cannot be shipped UPS and must be shipped truck freight $$$$$$.  There is a good video about the effect of shade on voltage and current at this site https://www.altestore.com/store/solar-panels-c541/  Shading dramatically affects the current output of the panel while minimally affecting the voltage output.  While a shaded panel might produce sufficient amps to keep a well charged battery topped up, it will not charge a discharged battery.  Also, keep in mind that panels are made of multiple solar cells and the way those cells are wired has an impact on susceptibility to shading.
BTW, the folks at altE are very good to deal with.  I've bought several panels from them along with associated equipment.  They have a 100 watt panel for $189.  2 of them could be hinged together to make a suitcase thing that compares favorably to thee Zamp 200 watt set up.  Of course, you do have to add in the cost of a controller and wiring
]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:28:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70292#70292 Solar on Roof : Those are good points, and I had... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70285#70285 Author: TroutPod
Subject: 7366
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 3:21pm

Those are good points, and I had forgotten about some of the stuff I've read about people worrying about theft - since I'm not in that position (yet) it hasn't really been a consideration.

How would you say your set up works when you are parked in a shady spot? Is it still charging sufficiently?  
]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:21:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70285#70285 Solar on Roof : My opinion, with my fixed solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70283#70283 Author: M0tl3y
Subject: 7366
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 3:08pm

My opinion, with my fixed solar install, is that I'll still park in the best spot (shady or not) for my trailer and I'll deal with the lower sunlight levels. I believe it evens out, or is even better, in the long run to stick with fixed. My reasons are:

- Since I never put the panels away, they're always keeping the batteries charging, even if it's not optimal sunshine. I also don't have to hook up to shore power when I get home, or once-a-month in the off-season, to keep the batteries charged.
- I've talked with people that use portable and they get nervous about theft, so unless they're in camp, they usually hide them. I am usually doing something away from camp (hiking, site seeing, whatever) by 10AM until late afternoon (optimal sunshine time). It doesn't make sense to put them away during this time but, as people note, if you leave them out, you risk theft. I don't want to have to worry about it.
- To your point, most portable solar is in the 100W range because of size/weight convenience. With fixed solar you can easily have 200W, up to about 400W, on a R-pod roof, which compensates for indirect sunshine.
- My number one reason:I'm generally lazy overall. I just don't want to bother/worry about optimal sunshine and I want to come/go without the hassle when I camp. When I'm home, I don't have to plug in just to "top off the batteries". After I did my install, the charger/panels take care of the batteries for me.

A lot of this really depends on personal preference. Some people really like optimizing the sun hitting their panels, and for them, fixed solar would drive them nuts. For me, it drives me nuts to have something else to drag around camp, or worry about theft. To each his own.Smile

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:08:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70283#70283 Solar on Roof : sailor323 - Nice solar set up!I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70277#70277 Author: TroutPod
Subject: 7366
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 1:40pm

sailor323 - Nice solar set up!

I have been on the fence about mounting panels on the roof of my 179 or just going with a portable system. My main hang up is that the portable system will allow me to get the panel in some direct sunlight pretty much wherever I camp. I don't want to feel like I have to position or camp in a certain spot to get roof mounted panels in decent sunlight. 

If I went with a mounted system I would be looking at 300-360 watts on the roof, and probably doing the 24 volt wiring to the charge controller to help with voltage drop. 

If I went with a portable set up I would probably be limited to 80-140 watts due to storage and transportation alone. 

Can you tell me how your system handles in shady spots? Also, are your panels wired for 12 volt or 24 volt output to the charge controller?

Also, maybe it is a wash with 80-140 watts (portable) in direct sunlight versus 300-360 watts (mounted) in partial shade sometimes? What are your thoughts? 
]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 13:40:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=70277#70277 Solar on Roof : Nice Job Thank You for the Info... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69383#69383 Author: funks
Subject: 7366
Posted: 25 Jan 2016 at 10:04am

Nice Job Thank You for the Info ]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 10:04:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69383#69383 Solar on Roof : Originally posted by snorrisIs... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69376#69376 Author: M0tl3y
Subject: 7366
Posted: 25 Jan 2016 at 12:07am

Originally posted by snorris

Is there any way to mount panels on the roof? Yakama or Thule racks?

I mounted fixed solar on my 178. See the attached install I put together. 

It's not for everyone, I listed the various controversies with fixed solar panels. But it's up to the individual and their taste for portable panels, fixed, or none at all.

I'm sure that whatever you pick you'll make it work for you. Enjoy
uploads/3251/Fixed_Solar_Install_Forest_River_R-Pod_178_-_Compressed.pdf
]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:07:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69376#69376 Solar on Roof : Originally posted by jatoAre... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69251#69251 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7366
Posted: 19 Jan 2016 at 3:00pm

Originally posted by jato

Are you charging 2 deep cycle 6v or 1 or 2 marine 12v batteries?  Also, how long do you estimate it will take to bring either of the above to full charge if you are say at 50% of full charge when you begin?  I find this very interesting.  Thanks.


PV output depends entirely on ensolation.  Under ideal conditions, the 2 panels should deliver about 23 amps.  However, I would count on much less than ideal conditions.  I guess I could count on about 15 amps.  Over a 6 hour day, that would be about 90 amp hours, which represents a bit less than 50% SOC of the 2 6v golf cart batteries.  I know from experience, running a refrigerator and a freezer, water pump, assorted lights and occasional appliances that 2 135 watt panels are sufficient to keep the 2 group 27 marine batteries (storage capacity about 200 amp hours, similar to 2 golf cart batteries) on my boat fully charged.
]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 15:00:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69251#69251 Solar on Roof : If you mount on a roof, with the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69246#69246 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7366
Posted: 19 Jan 2016 at 12:11pm

If you mount on a roof, with the possibility of shading on one panel but not the other, I would investigate wiring in parallel or using two charge controllers. It takes very little shading from an antenna or the A/C before the entire panel's output drops off. ]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:11:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69246#69246 Solar on Roof : Are you charging 2 deep cycle... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69231#69231 Author: jato
Subject: 7366
Posted: 19 Jan 2016 at 9:34am

Are you charging 2 deep cycle 6v or 1 or 2 marine 12v batteries?  Also, how long do you estimate it will take to bring either of the above to full charge if you are say at 50% of full charge when you begin?  I find this very interesting.  Thanks.]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 09:34:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69231#69231 Solar on Roof : Originally posted by jato Doing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69230#69230 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7366
Posted: 19 Jan 2016 at 9:30am

Originally posted by jato

Doing the math you have $ 650 invested thus far.  How long do you figure it will take for the break-even payback on your investment?  Very nice job BTW !


Thank you.  Like the pod itself, this mod is not an investment and there is no break even point.  The solar panels make it possible to go long periods of time without plugging in. 
]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 09:30:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69230#69230 Solar on Roof : Very clean install, very nice... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69216#69216 Author: Podster
Subject: 7366
Posted: 18 Jan 2016 at 3:17pm

Very clean install, very nice work. ]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:17:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69216#69216 Solar on Roof : Doing the math you have $ 650... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69208#69208 Author: jato
Subject: 7366
Posted: 18 Jan 2016 at 11:35am

Doing the math you have $ 650 invested thus far.  How long do you figure it will take for the break-even payback on your investment?  Very nice job BTW !
]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:35:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69208#69208 Solar on Roof : It was relatively easy to install... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69204#69204 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7366
Posted: 18 Jan 2016 at 11:17am

It was relatively easy to install 2 panels on the roof.

I installed 2 140 watt panels.  My panels are 26” X 56”  I put one behind the AC and one infront.  The one in front is angled alittle bit to accommodate the curvature of the roof.  The rear panel is mounted using the Z shapedpanel mounts available from Amazon. Because of the curvature I had to manufacture brackets from aluminumangle from Lowe’s.  The brackets areattached to the roof with 3M VHB 4950 double sided tape (Amazon) (Thanks FloydStewart)

I ran the wire from the panels to thebattery as follows: Each panel is wired to a PVC outdoor junction box viaLiquidtite conduit.  I drilled a hole inthe back of the Junction Box and through the roof of the Pod.  The JB is attached to the roof with 3M 5200adhesive sealant.  You cold also use 3M4200.  I drilled a hole through the roof intothe void that runs next to lavatory vent and behind the lavatory.  The wire is routed through that void and thevoid that is between the wall in the cabinet and the wall where the Pod’s slideswitch and the voltage/tank fill indicators are located. (The panel inside thecabinet is easily removed)  The wiresconnect there to the charge controller. Then the wires from the controller are routed back to the void behindthe lavatory and down behind the Pod’s fuse/breaker box.  At that point, I took advantage of the wirepass through in the floor and ran the wires through the floor and spliced intothe Zamp wires which go to the battery. At the battery I put an inline fuse (15 Amps, may have to up that to 20Amps)  I used 10 ga THHN wire throughout.  The Zamp wires are located in the flexibleconduit on the bottom of the right side of the Pod.  They share space with the cables that runbetween the fuse box and the battery.

I mounted the controller on the Pod wallwhere the voltage/tank fill indicators are. I have a Blue Sky 2512 controller. A bit pricey, but there are much less expensive ones on the market.

I plan to install a Xantrex battery monitoras soon as it arrives—back ordered.

I got the panels, controller and monitorfrom https://www.altestore.com/store/  I bought the AlltE panel.It's their proprietary brand. Normally, I would have steered away from aproprietary brand, but I've dealt with this company before and think I cantrust them. Otherwise, I'd recommend the Kyocera panels. I have them on ourboat and they have been very reliable.  Panels, $230 each and the controller $190(much less expensive controllers available)

This install is on a 179.  Similar voids and routing possibilities existon other models.


]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:17:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69204#69204 Solar on Roof : Thanks everyone. Made my decision... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69183#69183 Author: snorris
Subject: 7366
Posted: 17 Jan 2016 at 7:05pm

Thanks everyone. Made my decision to stay portable. ]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:05:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69183#69183 Solar on Roof : Agree. Have met with a number... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69174#69174 Author: jato
Subject: 7366
Posted: 17 Jan 2016 at 5:57pm

Agree.  Have met with a number of podders on our vacations and have never seen one mounted on the unit.  They prefer to camp in shade, if available, and put their solar collector, obviously in the sun. I would not want any more 'stuff' on my 177, only more stuff to vibrate and loosen and weaken the fiberglass skin as you travel down the road.  My 3 cents worth.]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:57:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69174#69174 Solar on Roof : A couple people have done it.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69170#69170 Author: furpod
Subject: 7366
Posted: 17 Jan 2016 at 5:49pm

A couple people have done it. It isn't easy. Or clean. There just isn't a lot of free space up there.

Truthfully, portable/folding panel sets really are the best route. Allows the pod itself to be in the shade, helping to keep it cool, and panels in the sun, charging the batteries.
]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:49:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69170#69170 Solar on Roof : Is there any way to mount panels... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69162#69162 Author: snorris
Subject: 7366
Posted: 17 Jan 2016 at 5:13pm

Is there any way to mount panels on the roof? Yakama or Thule racks?]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:13:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7366&PID=69162#69162