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Old 06-13-2015, 07:54 PM   #3 (permalink)
oldtamiyaphile
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I have had solar panels on my vans. There are issues, however. Solar panels get very hot in the sun, and they transfer that heat to the cabin. On a white van the underside of the roof is barely warm in full sun while under the solar panel (with a 10mm air gap) was too hot to touch.

Possibly on a black car it wouldn't be an issue, but on a white car a roof full or solar panels will likely mean running the A/C more than the panels will compensate for.

Right now I have my panel mounted on the roof rack, with a good 4" gap so it does shade and cool the interior when parked, and I have a little vent fan added so it can actually expel hot air once the battery is full.

I'm still debating on moving the panel to my trailer instead (flush mounted on the roof). I'd be able to then remove the roof rack when not needed for the aero gains, but I'd only have solar when the trailer is connected. Running without the trailer, I'd only get a charge at night by plugging in to the trailer.

It's a tricky equation as I have silicones etc in the van that I'd rather keep cool.
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