Something just occured to me: while I don't like the idea of a solar panel on the roof too much: cargo rack and the like take up the room, plus I want to park the can in the shade as much as possible, I started thinking about putting a solar panel on the hood. Anyone did that? I did a brief search and found some crazy expensive ones with cutouts to fit the hood just right.... But what about one of those flex 50W-100W panels - something might fit? Would that make sense? Or is there an issue with the panel being cooked by the engine?
Solar panel on the hood of a JK?
- Thread starter wandererr
- Start date
That's what I'm worried about: heat. I could potentially insulate the underside of the hood below the panel but then what would that do to the ability to cool down engine bay? Not sure how much of it is cooled down with the hood acting as a radiator.
Regarding stationary: what do you mean??
Not sure how much of an issue that'd be as the panels don't seem to be more reflective then the actual hood itself.
Saw that as well... Seeing that I can pickup a 100W panel for under $200, the cascade one while tempting is a wee bit expensive
What makes me wonder is that noone else makes one that fits. I kinda figure that of this works the would have been a bigger market for them?
smbisig
Adventurer
I have one of the Cascadia 4x4 units on my EcoDiesel Gladiator. These engines run hot and I have not problem with the heat. They have a thermal cutoff I think for super high temps. Plus, solar power is great when you are parked, your engine shouldn't be producing heat when you are parked 
I have one of the Cascadia 4x4 units on my EcoDiesel Gladiator. These engines run hot and I have not problem with the heat. They have a thermal cutoff I think for super high temps. Plus, solar power is great when you are parked, your engine shouldn't be producing heat when you are parked
How has it been for you so far?
I've been contemplating myself, but with a dual battery system I have been on the fence on it....
smbisig
Adventurer
No complaints at all. I just have it tied to my starting battery, just some peace of mind.
dstock
Explorer
I've had my eye on that Cascadia setup as well, good to hear some real world reports!
athenscj5
New member
I've got both the Cascadia 100w hood VSS and the Genesis Dual battery system. Just did a 10 day trip through western Colorado and Southern Utah with my family. No issues with heat and never a worry about my battery being drained. It's a little pricey but once it is installed, it's there and doing its thing. Worth it for me.
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billiebob
Well-known member
But where would you mount the highlift ???
Sorry, could not resist.
All good, I've never heard of heat affecting a solar panel. I'd consider some backing since I'm not sure there are any solar panels which conform to complex curves. If they are out there, yeah have at 'er. Or, i'd cut the hood to fit a flat panel.
EDIT...
oh wow, there it is..... read first, then post.
fabulous system.
Jeep Wrangler JK VSS System™ - 100 Watt Hood Solar Panel | In Stock and Shipping!
The Cascadia 4x4 VSS System is the world's first hood solar panel made specifically for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Cascadia 4x4 designed this hood solar panel specifically for the shape of the Jeep Wrangler JK hood. The semi flexible solar panel provides a constant stream of energy to the primary...
ca.cascadia4x4.com
$570 for a plug and play system is hardly expensive !!
I'm a TJR guy, the TJ system could define my next build.
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greg.potter
Adventurer
My experience is that when you are in a hot climate everything over-heats under hood of a JK - even before you do anything stupid!
I am pretty sure the hood is where the heat reduction vents go .............. no room for solar panels there!
I am pretty sure the hood is where the heat reduction vents go .............. no room for solar panels there!
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