Can these be installed on an RV roof? Conventional solar panels require air circulation below the panel. Why would these be different?
1688123
They can for sure. Have them stuck to curve of RV at 20 deg angle and in have been in temps of -5 to 37 deg C. Have worked exceptionally well with 10 amp controller. I would buy again.
1688124
I've got one mounted directly on wood planks, used a couple of aluminum strips to hold it down. I've had it on since July, no problems yet and I've even stepped on it (barefoot). I use it to power my 12v fridge, works well. Clean it with a damp rag regularly, they get dusty.
849772
Hi, I installed the Uni-Solar panel on a Lance 1020 camper and found it pretty simple, simply roll it out and remove the backing. It bounded extremely well so get it in the right place to start with. We traded the camper for a larger one a couple of months after installation so I had limited experience with performance but it kept the battery charged and put out the amps and voltage advertised. Bob
1460501
Good day, I ran mine in a 28 ' RV for extra heat. Because it is unvented there is always a concern about low oxygen and excess carbon dioxide in a tight space. I had windows slightly open to vent. I was surprised how much condensation occurred on the windows too. It was nice and quiet. Always beware if the house is tightly wrapped in plastic that you have some ventilation good luck Mike
139255
Yes, would need 4 brackets to secure a solar panel. For a larger panel, you might even want 2 more, for a total of 6 - depends on whether the wind can get under the panels.
558668
These are proprietary to this panel, but get another set of Z brackets (regular ones) in case you need extra support at any other point.I used a a 6"x6" block of composite deck planking (fake wood used for decks) under each bracket, slathered with roofing tar as the base screwed to the roof. (From Lowes... and I got the flat one, not the ribbed one)This gave me more room to get perfect panel location since I used four panels for my array. This also allows you and extra inch of airspace under each panel for summer ventilation. Make sure you get good stainless steel screws long enough to penetrate fully and securely. These are proprietary to this panel, but get another set of Z brackets (regular ones) in case you need extra support at any other point.I used a a 6"x6" block of composite deck planking (fake wood used for decks) under each bracket, slathered with roofing tar as the base screwed to the roof. (From Lowes... and I got the flat one, not the ribbed one)This gave me more room to get perfect panel location since I used four panels for my array. This also allows you and extra inch of airspace under each panel for summer ventilation. Make sure you get good stainless steel... » Read More These are proprietary to this panel, but get another set of Z brackets (regular ones) in case you need extra support at any other point.I used a a 6"x6" block of composite deck planking (fake wood used for decks) under each bracket, slathered with roofing tar as the base screwed to the roof. (From Lowes... and I got the flat one, not the ribbed one)This gave me more room to get perfect panel location since I used four panels for my array. This also allows you and extra inch of airspace under each panel for summer ventilation. Make sure you get good stainless steel screws long enough to penetrate fully and securely. « Show Less
1260126
I have two of these panels mounted to the roof of my 5th wheel camper. I did not install a fuse in line. I did install the "controller" which is supposed to prevent overcharging of the batteries and prevents discharge at night. I have not had any negative issues with these panels.
916963
Hello, Yes there is very little water contained within the panels so they will only work if you circulate water from a tank through them. No matter how many panels you have you will need a tank. Thank You, Heliatos Solar
2222822
I am not sure. Depends on how much snow and how solid your panels are. This device works on a gravity principle, so for areas of your roof without panels am sure it will work great and save you tons of time. . .but, due to the variety of solar panels, tensile strength of materials. . .I would be careful testing it.
1267280
Don't know about shipping, doubt it includes install. I don't see any mention of racks to attach the panels to your roof. Once connected to suitable electric grid voltage, this system will automatically generate power (by providing current) and back-feed it into your electrical panel. Whatever you don't use in your house is sent into the electric grid, assuming you live in a net-metering state. This will not work with a generator, which creates too unsteady voltage.
91604
I'm not an expert, but my answer to your question would be "no", because this unit can work by just using the metal rod with suction cup (accessory) that you can attach to a window, so gluing a piece of sheet metal to an RV roof should work just as fine. I use a metal camping plate sitting on some wood and it works fantastic inside my RV. It just needs some metal to enhance the reception field. As long as the antenna firmly attaches (via magnet) to the metal you plan to use, it should definitely work. Good luck!
1898717
Oh, and the solar panel has a long lead wire that can be routed through the gable...no drilling through the roof. Install the panel so that it faces as close to south and in the sunniest area of your roof. The brackets will have to be mounted by drilling through the shingles into the plywood. Make sure to goop lots of silicone sealant on the hole or hole area before you attach the bracket. When the bracket and solar panel are installed add some more sealant at the edge of the brackets at the top to make a watershed to keep any water from ever reaching the screw hole. Seal down the sides the keep water away from the lower hole. Oh, and the solar panel has a long lead wire that can be routed through the gable...no drilling through the roof. Install the panel so that it faces as close to south and in the sunniest area of your roof. The brackets will have to be mounted by drilling through the shingles into the plywood. Make sure to goop lots of silicone sealant on the hole or hole area before you attach the bracket. When the bracket and solar panel are installed add some more sealant at the edge of the brackets at the top to make a watershed to keep any water from ever reaching the screw hole. Seal down the sides the... » Read More Oh, and the solar panel has a long lead wire that can be routed through the gable...no drilling through the roof. Install the panel so that it faces as close to south and in the sunniest area of your roof. The brackets will have to be mounted by drilling through the shingles into the plywood. Make sure to goop lots of silicone sealant on the hole or hole area before you attach the bracket. When the bracket and solar panel are installed add some more sealant at the edge of the brackets at the top to make a watershed to keep any water from ever reaching the screw hole. Seal down the sides the keep water away from the lower hole. « Show Less
765122
Hi -- I am an electrical engineer and I use this panel to keep the three full size 12V deep cycle batteries wired in parallel on my camper charged. It does a really good job and I do not use a charge controller. I mount the solar panel vertically facing south so that in the summer when the sun is high in the sky and the temps are warm it receives less solar input, but in the winter the sun angle is low and I get relatively more charge and any excess battery heating will be less of a concern. The panel seems to be very good quality and has held up fine outside in Park City UT for over 9 months. The current from the panel in full sun should nominally be 5w/12v = .42 amps, which may be a little high for trickle charging a small motorcycle battery. Check for your battery specs on line. By mounting the solar panel vertically it will generate less current in the summer and avoid overheating. You can also probably mask the panel with tape to reduce output if needed. Also, I don't think charge controllers are too expensive for this size panel so that is an option. Hope this helps. ---Dan in Park City UT
1581763
You do not need a 110 outlet on the roof. You do need one inside the RV where the satellite receiver is located.
405457
You cannot get any air into your van without cutting a hole in roof. This unit does not create air by it's self.....common sense!!!
1335744
I would think you can but having a water tight connection is a better way to go in case you need to move the solar panel
1058236
I installed one panel on the roof of a box truck to store energy in on board batteries. The panel works very good and we will be installing panels on a few more trucks soon. The adhesive is permanent. Buy the controller also.
1266859
Yes. It appears that's what they were designed for. You wouldn't want to install these in unheated space above the sheetrock.