Solar panel under sunroof? FZJ80 (1 Viewer)

[84runner]

So I've been looking at solar panels for camping/wheeling in the 80 for a long time now. The only drain is typically my Engel MT45. Most of the year unfortunately my 80 sits in the driveway, (slightly uphill and south facing), for a week or two, before it gets driven. I used to think I should hook my 80 up to a float/trickle charger, but if/when I get solar, I'll just leave the panel hooked up, on the roof or hood all the time. Now, I'm wondering why not have the panel under the sunroof all the time!

I've had my eye on the Renoy 100 Watt 12 volt solar kit on Amazon;

Amazon.com : Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Bundle Kit : Patio, Lawn & Garden

The underside of the sunroof is about 34" x 15" so that is much smaller than the above panel. One issue is obviously loss of solar through glass. And even more so, whatever kind of glass coloring or tint that is on the factory sunroof.

Any thoughts?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Won't work. If ANY bit of the panel is in shade, it basically kills the output of the entire panel. Unfortunate, but the way it is.

Just use a BatteryMinder. Keeps the batteries in tip-top shape.

 

[84runner]

Won't work. If ANY bit of the panel is in shade, it basically kills the output of the entire panel. Unfortunate, but the way it is.

Just use a BatteryMinder. Keeps the batteries in tip-top shape.

Thanks! I obviously haven't done all my homework on solar. Sounded too good not to be able find anyone who had done it...

 

[chevurai]

The RV BATTERY CHARGING PUZZLE When I get questions about my solar setup I say, "Read Handy Bob's Blog four times and you will know more than you ever wanted to know about 12 volt solar systems." What Cruiserdrew said is a good start.
On a personal note, I like a 15 or 20 foot cord to my panel so that I can park in the shade and soak up the sun from a distance.

 

[e9999]

I don't think it's always true that a bit of shading will kill the whole output. Depends on how the cells are wired, what diodes etc.
But it is an issue to look into.

having it under the sunroof not a great idea though I think.

Isn't there a group buy going on Renogy panels right now (something mentioned on Mud)?

 

[rusty_tlc]

Even supposing a panel that would be fully exposed it wouldn't be a good idea simply because of the polarization film on the glass. (Assuming the same film is used as on the windows, a reasonable assumption IMHO.) Polarization will drastically reduce the amount of light transmitted.

 

[ScottT]

100w is way too much to trickle charge your battery in the driveway. At 5.29 max amps you'll fry your battery without a charge controller. The dashboard is probably the place to put it if you want it inside. Might take a look at Motorcycle Batteries, ATV, Car, Marine, and Solar Battery Products | BatteryStuff.com

 

[jamesurq]

Glass will also filter UV light - which for most panels doesn't matter. Certain full spectrum or multi-layer panels actually utilize UV to generate power.. but from what I can tell, not a lot of them.