Mounting Solar Panels?

Its becoming increasingly popular to convert vans & boats into mobile touring / residential units. 

If this is something you are in the process of doing or if you already have a boat, caravan or mobile home, you will want to add solar to the roof of your project.

Consider how you will mount your panel. 

Solar panels are very heavy & will need properly secured to make sure they stay put. 

Vibrations, flexing, wind forces and weather conditions all need to be considered.

Ensure your panel is fully framed and securely mounted to either a study roof rack or bolted into crossmembers of the roof structure. 

Be sure to leave a gap between the panel and the vehicle roof or you risk overheating the panels.

You can source inexpensive 12v 100w solar panels on Amazon but I usually say go for what you can afford,

A 200w panel isn't all that much more money and gives enough power to keep a 100Ah battery charged.

Once you have selected your preferred mounting location, you will need enough cable to reach the location of your solar charge controller. 

Again, these extension cables are easily found on Amazon or Ebay. 

Go for 10 gauge wire where possible and be sure to use proper cable glands to ensure a water tight fit.

There are simple to use Solar Panel Mounting Kits available and these can be glued or screwed / bolted onto the roof and some are even adjustable to allow tilting for best sunlight capture.

You can also use a DC to DC charger to keep your batteries charged while on the road.

These devices work really well and make use of your existing alternator. 

Just make sure your engines alternator is compatible.