Quote:
Originally Posted by oil pan 4
Since I have actually have put these kinds of flexible solar panels on vehicle roofs I say just alattach the panel and leave it. Don't over complicate the situation.
Since you have solar panels why not unbelt the alt and disconnect field power?
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I've heard of people scorching their paint when just attaching panels to their Sprinters. I have nice paint. I didn't have the FLIR back then but I know my old Mercedes van roof got really hot to touch with just the 10mm air gap from the roof ribs. With most of my roof now covered in panels, I really didn't fancy searching for something in the back of the van on a hot day. The panels should last longer too. The polycarb panels made the install simpler too as I cut them to match my roof ribs, then had a nice flat space to attach the solar panels to.
With a smart alt, all I really have is an idler pulley (with small windage losses), but I still have regenerative braking and no worries if it's over cast or night time. With a serpentine belt I'd still have to have an idler pulley. The van still has 4 years of factory warranty, so it's best not to mess with too much. Also, I'd probably loose the factory stop/ start, possible CANBUS issues, etc etc.