Aerodynamic Fairng Question
 

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. :turtle:

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. :mad: So, I have to use the large solid one I have on hand.

Any hands on experience and facts would be great.

Thanks!

PV
 

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.

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.