Overland use of Solar Panels

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
Yeah, that price tag is up there a bit. I would be a quick buyer around $400 for a clean product that looked good. Hopefully they will get it figured out or someone else will take the idea and run with it better.
 

Oswego

n00b
Glad to see everyone starting to go flush mount. Good trend to see.

Only thing I wonder about on this product and it's location is heat. Solar panel efficiency takes a huge hit when the panels are hot. As tech gets better the % drop decreases but it's still a factor. I'm not sure what model Toyota's have hood insulation, but if any of you guys go this route I'd recommend a good aftermarket hood insulator or some of that spray on or stick on heat sheild stuff.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
Glad to see everyone starting to go flush mount. Good trend to see.

Only thing I wonder about on this product and it's location is heat. Solar panel efficiency takes a huge hit when the panels are hot. As tech gets better the % drop decreases but it's still a factor. I'm not sure what model Toyota's have hood insulation, but if any of you guys go this route I'd recommend a good aftermarket hood insulator or some of that spray on or stick on heat sheild stuff.

I have been debating a heat shield/sound mat for the hood already. I did find a few people saying they had issues with the hood paint getting messed up due to summer sun. They tried to attribute it to the heat mat trapping heat in the hood metal and not letting it radiate off the metal above and below. I'm not sure about the theory but will have to do some more digging. I already have plans to get my hood paint fixed so I would rather not screw it up after that.
 

MatthewMay1

amateur professional
Glad to see everyone starting to go flush mount. Good trend to see.

Only thing I wonder about on this product and it's location is heat. Solar panel efficiency takes a huge hit when the panels are hot. As tech gets better the % drop decreases but it's still a factor. I'm not sure what model Toyota's have hood insulation, but if any of you guys go this route I'd recommend a good aftermarket hood insulator or some of that spray on or stick on heat sheild stuff.
Interesting thought, I didn’t know that. I would hope their panel is heat-resistant since it’s made for the hood.

It is a bit expensive, but people with money to blow will buy it. *cough* 3rd gen owners *cough*
 

Oswego

n00b
I have been debating a heat shield/sound mat for the hood already. I did find a few people saying they had issues with the hood paint getting messed up due to summer sun. They tried to attribute it to the heat mat trapping heat in the hood metal and not letting it radiate off the metal above and below. I'm not sure about the theory but will have to do some more digging. I already have plans to get my hood paint fixed so I would rather not screw it up after that.


All I know for sure is my Cerbvini Stalker 4" cowl hood for my old mustang worked great at letting heat out. Didn't even need my defrosters in winter once it warmed up lol

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just drill some speed holes and youll be a-ok lol
 

CowboyTaco

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply. Dual battery system is a homemade one that I pieced together and kept it super simple.
I will need to make a bracket to hold the panel on the roof, run the wires and mount the controller in the glove box. Probably do this on new years day but very well could be later.

Did this get done?
 

tex

That's Mr Asshole to you
Did this get done?
The wiring is not done. Need to order a piece to make the entry into the roof clean as well as some wire.
Also need to build something for the charge controller to mount to. Was going to do that today but its my anniversary. Maybe tomorrow I will work on it some.
 

CowboyTaco

Well-Known Member
The wiring is not done. Need to order a piece to make the entry into the roof clean as well as some wire.
Also need to build something for the charge controller to mount to. Was going to do that today but its my anniversary. Maybe tomorrow I will work on it some.

I'm interested in the setup when you have a moment. This thread could use more pictures :D
 

tex

That's Mr Asshole to you
I'm interested in the setup when you have a moment. This thread could use more pictures :D
I just ordered wire, and some other odds and ends needed to finish this up. It might a week before everything gets here so I have time to make the mount for the charge controller.
 
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