Aerodynamic Fairng Question

[Mr. Previa]

Hi All,

Aerodynamics is not my strong point, so I need some help.

As some of you know, I installed a solar panel inside the back of my 92 Geo HB. It works ok, but nothing like it did when I had it mounted on the roof rack of a previous vehicle.

I am trying to be more of aerodynamic with my little gem. I can see that if I mount the panel on the roof of the Geo, that it will essentially create an air brake.

A fellow member and I shared the idea of incorporating the panel into a kammback, but the panel is too large.

If I add a fairing/wind deflector to the front of the solar panel, it should help considerably, right?

I was going to add flexible solar panels, but I got ripped off by a scammer in AZ when I sold him some parts. So, I have to use the large solid one I have on hand.

Any hands on experience and facts would be great.

Thanks!

[aerohead]

If you're going to run it on the roof,I recommend that you soften the front and side perimeter with convex radii equal to the panel thickness,and a gentle ramp off the rear face to keep flow attached back down to the roof surface.This ramp could taper in at say 5-degrees at the sides on each side for a tiny improvement.
The sides will help in crosswinds.

[drmiller100]

mount the panel 20 degrees to horizontal, downwards at the back.

run the top of the car back to the panel at 10 to 15 degrees - keep it smooth as you can,.

Then build sides for the panels to fill from the panel down to the hatchback.

Probably does not matter what the sides look like.