Solar on top of RTT?

[danielcottle]

Has anybody had experience mounting solar panels to the top of a james baroud space? Im thinking of using flexible panels due to lower weight. Looks like I could do around 200 watts of panels but I am unsure of the best way to mount due to uneven surface. When popping up the tent I would have to either disconnect the wiring or have an extendible wire system.

 

[outdoornate65]

I'm considering doing this since I'd like to add a second battery to my set-up. I have an Autohome Maggi Extreme that has a rack on top.

Thinking a rigid panel would work well up there.

I'll be interested to see folks feedback.

Nate

 

[Box Rocket]

Tepui Tents Power Package Travel cover with built in Goal Zero solar.
https://tepuitents.com/products/power-package

 

[krick3tt]

I would try using the type of clear plastic that is used for convertible roofs and sewing it into a fabric frame that can be attached with velcro or sewn to the rain fly and with seam sealer to have an adequate 'envelope' for flexible solar panels. Several companies make them and are available for a somewhat reasonable cost.
Make two 'envelopes' and attach one to the removable cover of the RTT for use while in transport mode. Can't sew, call in a professional or search for the type shown in one of the posts.

 

[calicamper]

How about a sliding tray under the tent with a hard panel attached? There was someone that did that on a build. I thought it was pretty slick. Though I have found being able to plug in a panel or panels and set them out facing the sun in a non shady spot works best. Which is why the suitcase panels seem to be really popular.

I run a 18ah battery mounted in a 50cal ammo box which contains the solar controller, fuse box, neg bar and three leads. One is the solar lead, one is the LED lighting sewn into my tent with switches, then a heavier gauge feed for a 12volt charging station that has 6 USB ports and two cig ports. My panels are two 10watt baby renogy panels with 12ft cords. I simply store them in padded covers in my tongue box and set them out at camp. I have one hard wired ATV LED spot on the back. Super heavy heavy use we burn about 8-10amps at night but rarely. Been using this set up 3yrs zero problems. The ammo can gets the leads put in and the lid locked down during transit. Simple clean and works great. Cost me about $180 to build it.

 

[Roofnest]

I really like the setup I have - I use two flexible mono-crystalline 100w panels and I connect them to a CTEK D250s with 10' of wire inside a flexible plastic conduit. The CTEK is a sweet little device that is 1. a mppt solar charge controller, 2. a battery isolator, 3. a 5 stage, 20 amp 12v battery charger - it also has a thermometer so that its charging is temp sensitive.

I would glue some 1 inch velcro strips to your RTT top shell (for a hard shell RTT) and then just connect the panels via MC4 connectors when you want to use them and stick them to your RTT. You don't need your panels when you're not camping or when you're driving because your alternator pushes way way more current to your house battery.

Alternatively, what I do is just store my flexible panels inside my vehicle when not in use and then just connect them (via the MC4) and put them out when I'm camping and want to generate power. You don't have your panels out in the elements 24-7 and they're easy to "put out" when you are parked. The added benefit is that you can orient them towards the sun and get much more efficient charging than when they are flat on top of your vehicle.

This is a pic of my setup in action (excuse the obnoxious branding):

 

[The Raven]

I installed a plug on the side of the landcruiser and keep my 100w flexible with wires under the mattress in my autohome extreme.

 

[The Raven]

Alubox sells a unit that almost seems like its made for that space

 

[taco007]

I too have been considering this. Unfortunately I have the cutout on top of the RTT, which limits my space. Also, my RTT only hinges open on the front, so my cabling won't have to extend like yours. I have been thinking glueing the edges to the RTT with some 3M type adhesive may do the trick. That way you don't have to drill. The van guys use VHB tape I believe.

I like the ideas of storing the panels under the mattress should I decide not to mount. Thanks for the idea.

I would recommend looking at the electrical wiring that is coiled (like the old phone cords). I have some for a light I ran to my rear bumper. You can get it at McMaster Carr. I don't know if solar electricity requires specific gauge of wires so my suggestions should be vetted by experts. I think they start at 18 ga, then go larger from there. Good luck with that.

Please keep us posted!

 

[calicamper]

12gauge is plenty. When I did my big house install the rating for the 12ga harness was max 16 285watt panels with micro inverters per 12ga run.

So our typical small wattage mobile solar set up should be plenty covered with 12ga.

 

[danielcottle]

Good ideas all around. I think the coil cable and mounting with vhb tape is what im going to go with.