Hood mounted solar panel

[NicksFJ40]

I removed the panel this afternoon, the solar panel portion came right off leaving a stiff plastic portion. I attempted the fishing line method with no results. I went to the heat gun by starting in the corner while continuously moving the heat source. It was a work out pulling up on the stiff plastic. I was mostly standing on my bumper and partially kneeling on the hood. Took about 30 minutes total.

Now the guy who installed the vinyl can steam it off.

 

[NicksFJ40]

Received another email from Lensun today, so my panel did not delaminate, a second backing panel stuck to the back/bottom of my panel. That’s the broken up piece in the photo. The foggy white plastic sheet is supposed to separates the backing panels during manufacturing/assembly.

There sending out another vinyl sheet and if the solar does not work, they will send out a replacement. I’m impressed with their customer service.

 

[rlynch356]

That is good to hear about their customer service.

 

[DJCloz]

I recently saw Slee announce a hood solar kit. So I hopped on the search here and found this thread. Does anyone have any experience with their kit? I can't tell if their solar panel is generic or if there is something special about it. I run a single G31 AMG Optima Battery, I'm not sure this is even the right application for me. I have more reading to do! I am just thinking its good source to run my fridge when parked long for camping moments during day light hours..........

Hood Mounted Solar Panel Bundle - 250 LC / '08-'15 200 LC / 80 LC / LX 450 / GX 550 / '24+ Tacoma - Slee Off Road

Does not fit vehicles with hood scoop including Pro and Trail Hunter

sleeoffroad.com

 

[radman]

I recently saw Slee announce a hood solar kit. So I hopped on the search here and found this thread. Does anyone have any experience with their kit? I can't tell if their solar panel is generic or if there is something special about it. I run a single G31 AMG Optima Battery, I'm not sure this is even the right application for me. I have more reading to do! I am just thinking its good source to run my fridge when parked long for camping moments during day light hours..........

Hood Mounted Solar Panel Bundle - 250 LC / '08-'15 200 LC / 80 LC / LX 450 / GX 550 / '24+ Tacoma - Slee Off Road

Does not fit vehicles with hood scoop including Pro and Trail Hunter

sleeoffroad.com

I’m 95% sure they are using Lensun products (same as I have).
My panel is technically for a 4Runner, but imo fits perfectly on the ‘15lx hood.

If you look at the mppt controller they have, it’s also the same part number for Lensun:

https://a.co/d/418ymft

I do wonder if they had a custom app made for Slee since the Lensun one is very… Chinese with broken English in it.

 

[radman]

Here you go…
$417 vs $533

Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5th Gen (2003-2022) Lensun 100W 12V Car Hood Solar Panel

Toyota 4Runner 4th & 5th Gen (2003-2022) Lensun 100W 12V Car Hood Solar Panel

www.lensunsolar.com

 

[DJCloz]

You are the man. The @radman . Thanks

 

[DJCloz]

$441 OTD shipped for the panel and the controller after a 5% off first purchase. Thanks man! I didn't get the wrap, because I have plans of doing a larger strip down the middle.

 

[radman]

Full overland mode activated:

 

[rannon]

You can do it very easily yourself. Lots of FJ Cruiser guys do it. The method they use is attach vinyl sticker material for wrapping a car to the hood in a design that looks nice and then use 3M molding tape to hold it down. I've had mine on for at least 2 years now.

As far as building up heat, The heat from under the hood is irrelevant since the time you need the charging from the panel is when the car is off...

My ARB runs 24/7 in my 200 in the AZ sun with this 55W panel on the hood.

I got it and the charge controller on Amazon for under $200.

Make sure you put some door edge guard on the Windward side of the panel to prevent delamination.

View attachment 2457937

@Desert Yeti how did you adhere your panel to your lined hood? My rig is Monstaline'd and I'd like to go your diy route. Did you stick your panel directly to the hood? Thanks for the help!

 

[rlynch356]

interested to see if the lens sun has the same issues... heat is really the enemy of solar panels..
I'm going with a sunpower panel on the rack, but it would be nice to have a hood panel if it lasts.. just for the space really.
its supplemental only really in order to run the fridge full time.