Solar Panel Installation

[Good Times]

It's been a long time coming for this mod to happen. Been wanting to add solar panels on the Land Cruiser and just didn't have the time to research it enough but finally pulled the plug last week and parts are finally starting to trickle in.

Parts that I sourced:

Grape Solar GS-Star-100W Polycrystallline Solar Panel (100-watt) $134.99 via Amazon Prime
MorningStar ProStar PS-30M Solar Battery Charge Controller, 30A 12/24V $179.00 via Amazon Prime

I did consider the Grape Solar PhotoFelx-100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel but at $298.00 via Amazon Prime was a bit too much for my budget so I decided to go with the non-flex version. Depending on how this all works out I might try out the PhotoFlex one for the 4runner. Not in a rush on even starting to do anything on the 4runner so for now it's all about modding the Land Cruiser.

The panel is due to arrive tonight so hopefully I'll be able to at least try to do some mock ups on how to mount it to the roof rack that I have. A bit of creative engineering might be in order but once the panel is installed the wiring should be pretty easy.

I have an IBS Dual Battery System in the Land Cruiser so the plan is to just tap into the existing dual battery setup for the solar panel.

http://ibs-tech.ch/typo3temp/pics/3d89aa894b.jpg

http://ibs-tech.ch/en/products/dual-battery-system.html


:)

[4x4mike]

Are you drawing down your aux battery that much to warrant a panel? Or is this just a project? I have always wanted a fridge and kind of built my solar generator to accept powering one down the road. I just got back from a trip of which one week was off the grid cabin camping. If I had a fridge I would have removed it from the vehicle along with the generator. This way the fridge was somewhere cooler, closer to where it would be used and could be connected to a panel.

I have been eye balling that same controller but the cost is keeping me away from it. I've used the small Morningstar for a couple of systems and an HQRP 10A for my generator.

[paddlenbike]

Solar projects are fun. I look forward to seeing the progress.

[Good Times]

The few and we're talking "very few" days where it was blazing hot (over 100), the fridge was on full blast and it was draining the aux battery a bit more than I wanted. Though that's probably cuz the fridge was set to freeze some yummy stuff in the heat where my LC was just baking in the sun instead of parking in the shade so a lot of "stupid" happening there. But we all we can't fix stupid so we just spend more $!

Either way I figured a solar project would be fun (considering the price of the panels have come down a lot). It's been something I've been wanting to explore so I thought I would do it while I had a few bucks to burn (which doesn't come that often anymore).

All of the parts finally came in. I started to play around w/ the inside plastic panels to see where I can mount the Morningstar and still have access to my third row seats so it'll take a bit of maneuvering around before I affix it permanently on one of the sides. Once it's mounted I'll figure out how to mount the solar panel to my aftermarket roof rack and then run the lines somehow without drilling into the roof.

Not sure how sexy it'll come out compared to some of the other projects I've seen ya guys do but hopefully it'll come out great!

[4x4mike]

Updates?

[Good Times]

Got lazy! haha

I got the solar charger module installed in a temporary location next to my fridge. Wired it all up so it's powered but haven't finished installing the solar panel. I bought all of the hardware (i.e. bolts) n stuff but haven't gotten a chance to get it installed on the roof rack. That's my to do for next Tuesday / Wednesday so I can test it out at Pismo.

I'll probably take photos at Pismo with the sexy background and update the thread then.

[4x4mike]

Cool. Can't wait to check it out.

[LewisGots]

Got lazy! haha

I got the solar charger module installed in a temporary location next to my fridge. Wired it all up so it's powered but haven't finished installing the solar panel manufactured in solar panels factory (http://www.shinesolar.net/about-us). I bought all of the hardware (i.e. bolts) n stuff but haven't gotten a chance to get it installed on the roof rack. That's my to do for next Tuesday / Wednesday so I can test it out at Pismo.

I'll probably take photos at Pismo with the sexy background and update the thread then.
Well friend I do need your help..I am looking to install these panels on roof and his is my first experience.. Will u be able to guide me out?

[Good Times]

246247248

Forgot to update this thread.

Solar was installed prior to the Pismo Jamboree but never got a chance to wire it up. Finally wired it up to make sure everything is working. The solar charger is temporarily installed on the jack panel plate. Figure that was the easiest place to install since I wanted easy access to everything for now until I solidify wiring it up permanently.

The fridge draws between 0.x - 5.xA (but mostly 3.5A) depending on how much I abuse it. The panel on a bad day is getting roughly 3A without direct sunlight so it's definitely working well for my current needs. Keep ya guys updated on how it does since I won't be turning off the fridge anymore.

[Kryptoroxx]

Could you lay one of those panels under the floor of a roof rack or would that just be too much coverage?

Looks good though! I have never messed with solar but if I whenever I end up becoming a citizen again I have looked into geotherm, solar, and some of the eco green design. Very interesting stuff to be sure.

[4x4mike]

I like your setup Lance. The brackets that hold it to the rack are very nice and clean. For someone under 6 feet it's hard to notice. I didn't realize the fridge pulled so much juice but I guess it's that high because it can freeze stuff. Panel size you did well, especially for the price.

[Good Times]

When I first imaged the solar setup I had planned on installing the panel so that it was flush with the roof rack. When I got the brackets I must have not thought that thru precisely so hence the 1" raised look and feel. I really don't like it so I'll probably redo the brackets so that the top of the roof rack is flush with a cleaner look. At this point I'm just too lazy to fix it since it's at least working.

This is really my first "electrical" mod so it was more of a learning experience for me. I figure I'll start to fine tune and bastardize it by adding more crap I really don't need. But who doesn't think that way especially when it comes to "oooo ahhh" mods! ha

[Kryptoroxx]

...But who doesn't think that way especially when it comes to "oooo ahhh" mods! ha

Haha! Very true statement.

I like the setup a lot though. Pretty good output for that panel size too.

[4x4mike]

Dropping it down to make it flush would allow you to use the entire rack for a larger load. Then uncover it while at camp and stationary. Dropping it down could also introduce wind noise so YMMV. Another thing you might consider is some tamper resistant hardware to keep someone from walking away with the panel since it seems you have it installed all the time.

[Good Times]

Mike I considered the tamper resistant hardware but at this point just getting on there was a pain in the ***. If someone really wants boy they must be that determined! lol You do have a point about lowering it to reduce wind noise. I will definitely have to make some new brackets to be able to lower the panel. That's my next to do when I have time again. (doh!)

[4x4mike]

I assumed it didn't make noise in it's current location. I had only mentioned lowering it since you mentioned it had the raised look. My thoughts were that if it was lowered a bit you could still use that section of roof rack like a rack, considering something wasn't straight on the glass (thinking of something that spanned the panel).

[Good Times]

I can't tell if its making any more sounds or not considering the rack itself without a fairing was pretty awful. I definitely want to be able to utilize the rack so I'll have to make new brackets and try to remount the panel. Just another thing to do.