Solar panel with roof rack and box

[sotal]

Each year I look at this and then end up giving up as I can't find a suitable solution.

I'd like to fit a solar panel, however for the 6 months of the year that I will actually need the solar panel, I will have a roof rack and roof box on.

The roof box is as per my avatar picture. It is a long thin Thule type. Leaving a bit less than half the roof free.

I will also need to keep the weight to a minimum due to the other bits already being on the roof.

Would a long thin flexible panel stuck to the roof work?
Obviously it would be kept to the side where the box isn't. But would have bars above it and would potentially have the box shading it if the sun was to the side.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[g8dhe]

You might be better off with a free standing panel, you deploy when static.
I have bars but only carry SuP boards which are removed on parking up so the panel is in the clear.

[Tony x]

Maybe one long thin one on the Bongo and a similar one on the roof box
Solar panels, well the stick down variety, don't weigh much

[sotal]

I'd love to get one on the box itself too and that would be the perfect answer but I'm not sure how well I'd be able to stick a panel onto the box. It is a Thule evolution 700 and has quite a shaped top for aerodynamics.

Have just found this video whilst searching which shows a similar setup on another vehicle...

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sourc ... 37WoIetkWw

[sotal]

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/50W-flexible-narrow-solar-panel-for-motorhome-camper-van-boat-sailing-yacht-/111771484521?nav=SEARCH

The above link shows a 50w panel which is 28cm x 106cm. Theoretically two of those would fit but the one on the box would need to be flexible in both directions and I presume that they are only flexible over one direction?

Along the length there is a gentle curve which I think it would follow with ease. However there is a curve from side to side which is gentle in the middle but steep at the edges. At 28cm wide it would mean that the edges need to bend down approx 2.5cm to fit flush. I take it that it wouldn't be able to do this?

[Gasy]

Get a Fold up solar panel

[sotal]

The idea is that it will eventually power a compressor fridge on a regular basis, so I need something permanent really

[Bongolia]

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/50W-flexible-narrow-solar-panel-for-motorhome-camper-van-boat-sailing-yacht-/111771484521?nav=SEARCH

The above link shows a 50w panel which is 28cm x 106cm. Theoretically two of those would fit but the one on the box would need to be flexible in both directions and I presume that they are only flexible over one direction?

Along the length there is a gentle curve which I think it would follow with ease. However there is a curve from side to side which is gentle in the middle but steep at the edges. At 28cm wide it would mean that the edges need to bend down approx 2.5cm to fit flush. I take it that it wouldn't be able to do this?

Not flexible enough to take a compound curve, it would be ok in one plane but not two.Could you let it into the top of the box with a baton beneath the lid or would that lose to much box space?
A less elegant option may be to use shaped batons screwed to the top and mount the SP on that.
Edit; Just had a thought I seem to remember seeing roll-able solar panels on the net at some time might be worth a Google?

Something like this
http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/ ... =6578,6580

[rita]

Would it not be possible to fit the panel to a "HINDGED" frame and fit it above the box.? this would also allow you to adjust the solar panel to its most efficient position when required.

Good Luck.