Going Solar
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
Watch this video and you'll get a basic understanding of why I looked for the panel type I did. I haven't researched whether these guys picked up the Uni-Solar patents, where uni-solar use 3 layers of amorphous silicon and bypass diodes on each cell so the panel as a whole can both make power from different light spectrums as well as if some cells are shaded. These guys are at least using amorphous silicon and bypass diodes on their cells.
There likely is a product we can adhere to your roof and make plenty of power in all conditions other than night-time (real world, sub-optimal, where ever you park and even if it is cloudy, etc.). Question is if we can find it in your price range...
I'll keep hunting around and let ya' know what I find...
There likely is a product we can adhere to your roof and make plenty of power in all conditions other than night-time (real world, sub-optimal, where ever you park and even if it is cloudy, etc.). Question is if we can find it in your price range...
I'll keep hunting around and let ya' know what I find...
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
Well, after looking more and more into it, I think that the self stick flexible panel is the ONLY way to go. I like the option of no drilling, and with the ribs on our roofs it would keep the panel cool underneath as well.
BUT..... They are all out of my price range at the moment.
Good info on the video Scott
BUT..... They are all out of my price range at the moment.
Good info on the video Scott
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
My 6L has sat for a couple of weeks and not had any real voltage drop..
Maybe you have an aftermarket alarm/radio that is using batt power in standby mode.. all the time.
Could you have a bad cell in 1 or both batteries...
Solar is best-case going to only give you 12hrs a day of charging. so depending on the output of the solar you might reduce the drop but can't imagine you can keep 2 auto-batteries fully charged using an inexpensive solar solution.
What about hooking up some manual "battery disconnects" under the hood to completely isolate your batteries, you'll have to use a key to open the door, to pop the hood, to re-connect the batteries though. But it should pretty quickly help you decide if the problem is your batteries, if after sitting 3 days your disconnected batteries show the same voltage drop...
Maybe you have an aftermarket alarm/radio that is using batt power in standby mode.. all the time.
Could you have a bad cell in 1 or both batteries...
Solar is best-case going to only give you 12hrs a day of charging. so depending on the output of the solar you might reduce the drop but can't imagine you can keep 2 auto-batteries fully charged using an inexpensive solar solution.
What about hooking up some manual "battery disconnects" under the hood to completely isolate your batteries, you'll have to use a key to open the door, to pop the hood, to re-connect the batteries though. But it should pretty quickly help you decide if the problem is your batteries, if after sitting 3 days your disconnected batteries show the same voltage drop...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
Well, after looking more and more into it, I think that the self stick flexible panel is the ONLY way to go. I like the option of no drilling, and with the ribs on our roofs it would keep the panel cool underneath as well.
BUT..... They are all out of my price range at the moment.
Good info on the video Scott
BUT..... They are all out of my price range at the moment.
Good info on the video Scott
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
Here is just one, but it is monocrystalline - so ignore the rating as that is in bright sun and No shade and high noon at the equator 
These will be all over, likely cheaper elsewhere (like on eBay), so it is just an example that we can solve it within your budget, with a little work...
These will be all over, likely cheaper elsewhere (like on eBay), so it is just an example that we can solve it within your budget, with a little work...
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
My 6L has sat for a couple of weeks and not had any real voltage drop..
Maybe you have an aftermarket alarm/radio that is using batt power in standby mode.. all the time.
Could you have a bad cell in 1 or both batteries...
Solar is best-case going to only give you 12hrs a day of charging. so depending on the output of the solar you might reduce the drop but can't imagine you can keep 2 auto-batteries fully charged using an inexpensive solar solution.
What about hooking up some manual "battery disconnects" under the hood to completely isolate your batteries, you'll have to use a key to open the door, to pop the hood, to re-connect the batteries though. But it should pretty quickly help you decide if the problem is your batteries, if after sitting 3 days your disconnected batteries show the same voltage drop...
Maybe you have an aftermarket alarm/radio that is using batt power in standby mode.. all the time.
Could you have a bad cell in 1 or both batteries...
Solar is best-case going to only give you 12hrs a day of charging. so depending on the output of the solar you might reduce the drop but can't imagine you can keep 2 auto-batteries fully charged using an inexpensive solar solution.
What about hooking up some manual "battery disconnects" under the hood to completely isolate your batteries, you'll have to use a key to open the door, to pop the hood, to re-connect the batteries though. But it should pretty quickly help you decide if the problem is your batteries, if after sitting 3 days your disconnected batteries show the same voltage drop...
Maybe out of all of the FICM replacement, new alternator, new batteries, and I am just being extra paranoid, IDK.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
Here is just one, but it is monocrystalline - so ignore the rating as that is in bright sun and No shade and high noon at the equator
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TPHTLG?psc=1
These will be all over, likely cheaper elsewhere (like on eBay), so it is just an example that we can solve it within your budget, with a little work...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TPHTLG?psc=1
These will be all over, likely cheaper elsewhere (like on eBay), so it is just an example that we can solve it within your budget, with a little work...
I don't have a crew cab so only have those stiffening ribs on the sides. What is the widest between two of these in your roof? I'm thinking maybe a fore/aft orientation in the widest flat spot on the roof. I did find a panel that was "close" to your price. I'll go look for it and post a link, there are always deals, so once we narrow in on the panel(s) that will work I'm sure we'll find one...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
50W Solar Panel 12V 50 Watt Semi Flexible Bendable for Yacht Boat RV Battery | eBay
One thing I don't see is if they have anything protecting the panel (a clear or solar inert plastic, etc.) -- might want to contact them...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
Here it is on eBay, read the description as they are using bypass diodes and if it is sunny, this thing will more than fill the bill power-wise...
50W Solar Panel 12V 50 Watt Semi Flexible Bendable for Yacht Boat RV Battery | eBay
One thing I don't see is if they have anything protecting the panel (a clear or solar inert plastic, etc.) -- might want to contact them...
50W Solar Panel 12V 50 Watt Semi Flexible Bendable for Yacht Boat RV Battery | eBay
One thing I don't see is if they have anything protecting the panel (a clear or solar inert plastic, etc.) -- might want to contact them...
My only concern is if it is TOO thin, and with the ribs on the roof, it would act like sheet (bending and moving with the wind even secured down.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
Here it is on eBay, read the description as they are using bypass diodes and if it is sunny, this thing will more than fill the bill power-wise...
50W Solar Panel 12V 50 Watt Semi Flexible Bendable for Yacht Boat RV Battery | eBay
One thing I don't see is if they have anything protecting the panel (a clear or solar inert plastic, etc.) -- might want to contact them...
50W Solar Panel 12V 50 Watt Semi Flexible Bendable for Yacht Boat RV Battery | eBay
One thing I don't see is if they have anything protecting the panel (a clear or solar inert plastic, etc.) -- might want to contact them...
Oh man!!! I just had an epiphany!!!
I could use these on my soft top tonneau cover!!!!
But the connections don't look universal for a charge controller?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
. You said it folds, what size are the sections and how "soft" is soft?
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
I would say they are about 2.5 foot sections, and its pretty soft in the middle of each section as the cover only has metal on the perimeter of each section.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
And this stuff shows up used and NOS, so being patient will pay out. My whole set-up was less than $60 (don't hate me
) -- but I knew what I was looking for and pounced when it came along...
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
You'd need one like mine then, or a Brunton ($$$s!!!), but there may be others and most would also work on the roof. Go look up the Brunton units, just don't look at the price
And this stuff shows up used and NOS, so being patient will pay out. My whole set-up was less than $60 (don't hate me) -- but I knew what I was looking for and pounced when it came along...
And this stuff shows up used and NOS, so being patient will pay out. My whole set-up was less than $60 (don't hate me
) -- but I knew what I was looking for and pounced when it came along...Also, I will be going to a local solar power outfit on Saturday to see products and do a touch and feel of what I am getting into. I am hands on kinda person, might help me to actually hold the product.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
I'll take a couple pictures of mine, as long as you promise not to laugh
(it is just tied on to my old toyota right now with: literally baling twine, bungee cord and a tie down...). Look up Marine Solar Panels and put your reading glasses on...
