Here are some ideas from Brian (RV with Tito) on Youtube for side mounted panelsHas anyone fitted solar panels to other places on their van's.
Examples:
At the side
On the Rear Doors
What sort of results have you had ?
TIA
Robert
Think I know what an awning rail is but not sure what you mean. Could you send me a link please ? Thanksawning rail like the one the caravanstore slides only
This is the typical rail that an awning slides onto. This is a Fiamma one and the Fiamma Caravanstore slides onto it (this picture shows a smaller Caravanstore, hence why so much of the rail is visible)Think I know what an awning rail is but not sure what you mean. Could you send me a link please ? Thanks
Thanks for all that, I am looking for something that I can have on the Van permanently, not got that much storage so deploy-able panels not an option I feel.If you want deployable panels you put out when parked, then a series of smaller panels I think work well - and the Victron Panels that onboardenergy sell are reasonably priced for the quality and size - https://www.onboardenergydirect.co.uk/shop/solar-pv-panels.html.
the smaller panels will be easier to store away.
I think stacked slideout panels on the roof might be the best way to go if you don't want to demount when travelling? Side mounted could be an issue. Rear door mounted could work well but will have limited use for that location.Thanks for all that, I am looking for something that I can have on the Van permanently, not got that much storage so deploy-able panels not an option I feel.
Yes, could be the way forwards though a lot of work. Will have to look into that, was looking at something that was low cost and not that much work as an interim solution so Rear Doors could be a workaround.I think stacked slideout panels on the roof....
Now there's an idea, perhaps I could get some sort of rack fitted to side of van to carry full size Solar Panels and use the latest Solar Panels like these which I really like the spec of midsummerwholesale.co.uk/pdfs/lg-datasheet-neon2-320-325-330.pdfjust as a glazier Carrys sheets of glass
Fair Point, so might be worth then fitting direct to side on solid hinges if the side is flat and parallel enough at the fixing points.whereas if they were (say) only 60 cm. deep then they would be up out of the way taking into account the tumble home of a vans sides.
Roof is a Faff as curved, will have to get special brackets made and as @wildebus stated it would be a good idea on the roof space I have to do the sliding drawer option which is posted in a video above, that would be a lot of work. Especially as Van is finished inside so would have to take ceiling and cupboards down probably to get access to underside of the roof.Seems like a whole load of pfaff.... Can you not just mount them on the roof out of the way?