fixing a solar panel to roof of caravan.

ERICA_374227614 · Aug 13, 2009

Can anyone please tell me how do you go about fixing a solar panel to the roof of your caravan, we have been considering this and as we like doing the rallies it sort of makes sense to have this done. Also can you do it yourself or do you need an experienced person to do the job. Can you tell me if this method works well or not as well. Thanks.

JTQ · Aug 13, 2009

Part answer:

flat on the roof in the UK ought to return reasonable yields in the summer months as the optimum angle then is about 15 degrees to the horizontal.

However in the winter the optimum is nearer 50 degrees and as the hours are shorter the flat on roof will not yield very much.

A free standing can be tracked and its angle adjusted giving much better winter and marginally better summer yields but its often a pain.

You need to be able to keep it clean as any blanking/shadows etc have a very adverse affect on yield.

James_374408700 · Aug 13, 2009

Erica,

Go to www.aireandsun.co.uk they do a kit and complete instructions for fitting a panel to the roof.

What JTQ says about panel angles is correct but I find in practice with the panel on the roof it is charging from the moment the sun rises and not from when you decide to put it out(and keep moving it).

Also are you going to leave it out so the local thieves can get their hands on it when you go out for the day.?

Its the difference between theory and practice and you will have to make the choice.

I have been very surprised at the total amps my 65w panel can put into the battery during the course of a full summers day.

I have been very pleased with my choice

Jim

hughdavies · Aug 15, 2009

Just got back after 14 days away, 3hours a night sat & telly no probs with 85w on roof. Go for a kit as has been said. Yes you will lose out in the winter when you need it most,but not as much as having to stay in all day to move it every hour.

ERICA_374227614 · Aug 18, 2009

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Putting the solar panel on the roof certainly sounds the best, at the moment we have it on the ground on a stand, but everytime we go out we do wonder if it will be there when we get back in. Winter no problem has we dont rally in the winter usually have hook up. Once again thanks for your replies.

Martin24 · Aug 23, 2009

To get the best out of a solar panel, and we too rally most weekends all year round you should have it at a 45 degree angle. I wouldn't have a roof mounted as you will need one twice the size for roof mounting

ERICA_374227614 · Aug 24, 2009

Hi Martin, thanks for your reply. My hubby says he now prefers the solar panel on the ground using the stands, mainly because we have 2 panels linked together. He thinks it would give us more chance of getting sunshine from the stands. We just love the rallys. Going to The Bodafon Field rally at Llandudno next outing. We always rally with Camping and caravan centres. May see you there if your from the North West. look out for a disabled volkswagon van and 4 dogs. We sort of stand out somewhat. Dont be put of though we are quiet people with quiet dogs. best wishes. Erica.

Martin24 · Aug 24, 2009

Hi Martin, thanks for your reply. My hubby says he now prefers the solar panel on the ground using the stands, mainly because we have 2 panels linked together. He thinks it would give us more chance of getting sunshine from the stands. We just love the rallys. Going to The Bodafon Field rally at Llandudno next outing. We always rally with Camping and caravan centres. May see you there if your from the North West. look out for a disabled volkswagon van and 4 dogs. We sort of stand out somewhat. Dont be put of though we are quiet people with quiet dogs. best wishes. Erica.

we may see you around but tend to stay local in Yorkshire most weekends, do most of our rallies with our owners club and TCC. We are everyone's nightmare, Child and Dog. still used to be child and 3 dogs!

jeff_374526946 · Nov 10, 2009

hi just joined the forum

take a look at this site i found for diy fitting of solar panels.

http://www.1carpc.co.uk/wcdr/new-page-2.htm
i fitted two 40 watt panels to the roof of my caravan wired to a regulator and then to an 85 amp battery, we did five weeks around july - august time, touring north wales mostly without electric

JTQ · Nov 10, 2009

hi just joined the forum

take a look at this site i found for diy fitting of solar panels.

http://www.1carpc.co.uk/wcdr/new-page-2.htm
i fitted two 40 watt panels to the roof of my caravan wired to a regulator and then to an 85 amp battery, we did five weeks around july - august time, touring north wales mostly without electric

Its okay until there is an "iffy" electrical connection under the panel, you try undoing Sikaflex 291.

Rod_5041370 · Nov 12, 2009

JTQ,

If a proper fitting kit is used, then the panel can be removed leaving the brackets bonded to the roof.

My DIY method is to mount aluminium angle on two sides of the panel with stainless steel self tappers, then bond the angle to the roof with Sikaflex.

I then replace two of the ss screws with aluminium pop rivets to deter theft. These rivets can be easily drilled out if maintenance is needed.

JTQ · Nov 12, 2009

JTQ,

If a proper fitting kit is used, then the panel can be removed leaving the brackets bonded to the roof.

My DIY method is to mount aluminium angle on two sides of the panel with stainless steel self tappers, then bond the angle to the roof with Sikaflex.

I then replace two of the ss screws with aluminium pop rivets to deter theft. These rivets can be easily drilled out if maintenance is needed.

Rod, a much better method.

The "link" unfortunately showed a technique that made maintenance impossible and so is not a good recommendation however visually neat and tamper proof. Very tamper proof indeed!

Cheers JTQ

jeff_374526946 · Nov 17, 2009

Its okay until there is an "iffy" electrical connection under the panel, you try undoing Sikaflex 291.

The original question was how is it done and could it be done by them?

This site shows how the panels are wired using a charge controller and gives a basic idea of what is involved.

The fixing brackets are down to you, from home made to shop bought, but the equipment used and the wiring and use of a charge regulator still remain the same

Gafferbill · Nov 18, 2009

.........a blow by blow account.

http://www.1carpc.co.uk/wcdr/new-page-2.htm

Gafferbill · Nov 18, 2009

..... sorry!

Just noticed the link has already been given by jeff

Bazz1 · Nov 22, 2009

Erica, good idea we have a solar panel 45W and it keeps the battery charged without much problem. I fitted my panel with the large suckers that are avialable from caravan shops originally to fit on the ends of awning poles, i pass the panel out through the helki and it sticks well on the roof out of sight of every one. Hope this helps, Bazz.

ERICA_374227614 · Nov 22, 2009

Bazz, Thanks for your reply we liked your method and are now planning to try to do the same. Good idea about the suckers from awning poles. My hubby going to try doing the job when weather improves. Once again thanks. Roll on summer and the start of the new season. Decided not to go in winter but getting itchy feet badly.

chenzhen · May 19, 2016

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