[highaltitudelife]

So 65"x39" is a common size for solar panels. Does anyone have pictures of installation with the 65" dimension across the short dimension is the roof? I'd just like to get a feel for how it looks.

 

[kenjent]

So 65"x39" is a common size for solar panels. Does anyone have pictures of installation with the 65" dimension across the short dimension is the roof? I'd just like to get a feel for how it looks.

I plan to install a Renogy 260w panel that is 65"x39". The last parts from 8020 is scheduled to arrive this Friday. With some luck, I should be able to layout the panel on the van and take some pics. My plan though is to mount the panel lengthwise between the first and third roof mount position.

 

[highaltitudelife]

I plan to install a Renogy 260w panel that is 65"x39". The last parts from 8020 is scheduled to arrive this Friday. With some luck, I should be able to layout the panel on the van and take some pics. My plan though is to mount the panel lengthwise between the first and third roof mount position.

Dave Orton has a panelof similar size mounted lengthwise so you will want to look at that, if you have not already. I'm considering putting the panels crosswise so that I can fit two.

 

[orton]

Cut a piece of cardboard to panel dimensions to see. Use the panel box?

Since I wanted a stealth (as much as possible) conversion, the panel could not be near the edge of the van. Did not even want a roof rack bolted to the Transit roof bolt locations. Even mounted the parallel to the van length, it is more visible than I want.

Here is a writeup on the installation and pictures of the same size panel installed:

http://www.ortontransit.info/solar.php

 

[highaltitudelife]

Cardboard is easy to get but I don't have the van yet! I am planning to purchase, assemble and test the electrical system before the van arrives. This will keep me occupied during the long wait for my 4x4 conversion.

Dave, I like your stealth panel location, but I would like to use two panels. I'm less concerned about stealth. However, I would prefer that it not look totally goofy.

 

[Michael Ophus]

(Transit cargo van LWB) no pictures, still in the process of mounting them. i got a big aluminum roof rack, (67x124 of mounting space) i am hoping to fit two 65x39 panels and one 45x26 panel for 610 watts total. i got a 14 inch roof vent too so that is the reason for the 26 inch panel, (39+39+14+26) the vent may cause problems but the entire rack an easily be moved forward or backwards a few inches so i think i can make it work

 

[Hein]

Here is a layout with two 160 watt Grape Solar panels which fit very nicely on the Transit roof using the OEM tower locations.

http://www.impact3d.com/Ford_Transit_2xGrape160W_layout.pdf

We have a number of customers who have installed this system.
I can do a layout for a larger array. Please Reply or PM me.

Customer photo

 

[rene12341]

Will the 65 inch panel fit crosswise?

 

[Michael Ophus]

yes, there is at least 70 inches up there without overhanging the sides

 

[highaltitudelife]

Here is a layout with two 160 watt Grape Solar panels which fit very nicely on the Transit roof using the OEM tower locations.

http://www.impact3d.com/Ford_Transit_2xGrape160W_layout.pdf

We have a number of customers who have installed this system.
I can do a layout for a larger array. Please Reply or PM me.

Customer photo

I actually used the roof drawing that you posted in another thread so I think I understand the layout. BTW thanks for sharing that. But I was hoping someone might have a photo of a 65 inch panel crosswise. Sometimes the visual impact is hard to imagine and does not come through in the drawing.

The setup that you have is very nice. But I am going for max power, 2x320W. Not because I need to, but as an electrical engineer, I feel like you can never have too much power available!

 

[Michael Ophus]

27x59 inch solar panels mounted cross ways by one of our forum members (pictures) http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...86-building-annie-campervan-conversion-4.html

 

[highaltitudelife]

27x59 inch solar panels mounted cross ways by one of our forum members (pictures) http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...86-building-annie-campervan-conversion-4.html

Thanks, Micheal. Stan's thread (and build) are superb. I read it a while ago but forgot that he had nice solar panel photos. Not quite 65", but it does give me a better feeling about what the larger ones will look like. Should be OK, I think.

 

[DrJean]

Pardon my intrusion but... I really like the looks of the 65" panels! Is there room on the HR roof extended length for the vent, an ac and panels?

 

[Michael Ophus]

i am sure there is but it all depends upon where you mount your fan and air conditioner as to how much room on your roof is left over for solar panels

 

[highaltitudelife]

Pardon my intrusion but... I really like the looks of the 65" panels! Is there room on the HR roof extended length for the vent, an ac and panels?

The 65"x39" (approx) panel size is an industry (sort-of) standard for 60-cell panels so there are many to choose from. LG makes one that its rated at 320W (STC), which is very efficient. I am coming to the conclusion that it will be OK to mount them crosswise. For 640W, that would take up about 78" (actually a little bit more). Now, not everyone will need or want 640W; just one panel would be good for many applications. In that case you can mount length-wise in the center for stealth (Dave Orton style), length-wise to one side (preserve roof rack space on one side for long items) or cross-wise (preserving maximum open space on the roof).

If you do one panel crosswise, it should be a slam dunk to include vent and AC. I think that usable length of the extended body is about 136" (please verify, I don't have one). With two panels, that would leave about 58" left. I think a vent fan is about 18", leaving 40" for the AC. So my guess is yes, it would fit. Emphasis on guess!

 

[Hein]

This layout (link below) of the crossbar positions might help with your planning. The crossbars are located where there are roof ribs inside so the 14" vent hole has to be between them. This a very accurate model of the transit roof.

http://www.impact3d.com/Ford_Transit_8020_crossbar_layout.pdf

 

[Forrest]

Hein,
Your Ebay page for the Tower Brackets says to order 55 in. 80/20 crossbars (which I did). But this pdf gives the crossbar length at 55.25. Hopefully the shorter crossbars will fit without trouble.

 

[kenjent]

The 65"x39" (approx) panel size is an industry (sort-of) standard for 60-cell panels so there are many to choose from. LG makes one that its rated at 320W (STC), which is very efficient. I am coming to the conclusion that it will be OK to mount them crosswise. For 640W, that would take up about 78" (actually a little bit more). Now, not everyone will need or want 640W; just one panel would be good for many applications. In that case you can mount length-wise in the center for stealth (Dave Orton style), length-wise to one side (preserve roof rack space on one side for long items) or cross-wise (preserving maximum open space on the roof).

If you do one panel crosswise, it should be a slam dunk to include vent and AC. I think that usable length of the extended body is about 136" (please verify, I don't have one). With two panels, that would leave about 58" left. I think a vent fan is about 18", leaving 40" for the AC. So my guess is yes, it would fit. Emphasis on guess!

Not crosswise but here are the pics of what the lengthwise would look like for a 65" solar panel with Hein's brackets and 80/20. This assembled rack and panel will bolt up to the 1st and 3rd factory mount point. I have the Maxxfan Deluxe between the 3rd and 4th factory mount point. It is raining today in Socal. If I have a chance, and definitely will need another able body, I will try to give you some pics of this 65" panel crosswise.

 

[highaltitudelife]

Not crosswise but here are the pics of what the lengthwise would look like for a 65" solar panel with Hein's brackets and 80/20. This assembled rack and panel will bolt up to the 1st and 3rd factory mount point. I have the Maxxfan Deluxe between the 3rd and 4th factory mount point. It is raining today in Socal. If I have a chance, and definitely will need another able body, I will try to give you some pics of this 65" panel crosswise.

Looks great! If I wasn't so power hungry, I'd definitely do it that way.

 

[Blackpointe]

Solar Panel on Front Runner Roof Rack

I'm having success with a Front Runner rack which has my solar panel mounted to it. With the rack I gain the following -

Ability to clean my roof or dirt, tree sap and crud - About 1" max at roof peak under the rack
Ability to mount my forthcoming overhead awning to the rack to keep holes drilled into the body
I have a nice Front Runner stainless steel table which tucks underneath the rack, inside a clean slider rack mount, just about 1/2" above the roof, which locks the table in place for security
Ability to securely mount a slim rocket box or other storage containers I would need for a job site or a camping trip
I have slim Roto Pax water, gasoline and diesel fuel containers I can mount up on the rack, locked - I can remove them when not needed with just a hidden, thin plate left up on the rack

A roof rack adds numerous options beyond mounting a solar panel securely.