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Thread: Solar Panel Installation

  1. #1

    Solar Panel Installation

    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/en/products/dual-battery-system.html


    Lance
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  2. #2
    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.

  3. #3
    Solar projects are fun. I look forward to seeing the progress.

  4. #4
    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!
    Lance
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  5. #5

  6. #6
    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.
    Lance
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    2003 4Runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition
    2000 Toyota Landcruiser
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  7. #7
    Cool. Can't wait to check it out.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Good Times View Post
    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. 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?
    Last edited by LewisGots; 09-17-2014 at 11:48 PM.

  9. #9
    IMG_3263.jpgIMG_3265.JPGIMG_3266.JPG

    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.
    Lance
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    2003 4Runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition
    2000 Toyota Landcruiser
    19xx M416 Trailer

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  10. #10
    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.
    98 3rz 4x4 5spd- Monstalined, 99 Talls, 4.30 E-locker, Extra Lights
    In Progress:
    Tundra/Rear Disc Brakes w/parking brake
    Roof Rack/Rear Ladder
    Sliders
    1st Gen Rollbar Shelf

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