Solar Panel mounting..

I just came across something interesting with regard to mounting a roof top solar panel. I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now but panel retention and cable routing have deterred me from going forward with the idea - till now.

Check this out and tell me what you think:

https://cuttingedgepower.com/collections/solar-products/products/mspmb

Yes, I realize that care must be taken to keep panel from creeping & messing with the painted surface but this looks promising in spite of that (anything to keep from drilling mounting holes). Also, I don't want to use any of my crossbar space for a solar panel - that space is precious.

Running the cables. Not a lot of options here if again one does not want to drill holes. My runner is black and for a year and a half I have used black duct tape to hold down my roof mounted ham radio antenna cable which has proved to work well even under the Florida sun. So my thinking is run the solar cables down the passenger A-pillar (outside) and into the engine cowl using carefully applied black duct tape down the A-pillar to hold wires in place. It wouldn't look to good at all on anything but black on black, but beats drilling holes and/or having cables flailing in the wind going through a door jam or window.

Any debates on this?

 

Will scratch ur paint to death. Mount to cross bars. I wont even use a mag mount antenna, let alone a 15 lb 100w solar panel. If u decide to do it get 4 big 4” round magnets and put clear final sticker or similar down first. Those little magnets in the link will not hold it still.

 

Also use small dabs of silicone and push wire into the little Chanel. No tape, easy to remove and looks clean. I have gmrs cable on one side and 14-2 wire on other side. Also get these little stick on zip tie things

 

I used quick fist minis to mount my 100w panel, tiltable easily removable

 

My solar panels are flexible, and I stuck them down with Velcro. They will not move under any circumstances short of a tornado unless I make them move. I used a 1/4” strip of double sided Gorilla tape in the A pillar channel and stuck my wires to it. Been there a couple years now without issue. FWIW I think T4R13’s idea with the quick fists seems like a great way for mounting solid panels.

 

They claim each bracket (x4) has 175lbs breakaway strength. This is a new product so not much info on it yet but I likely will be a Ginny pig and try it out. If it comes even close to that kind of holding power I should be able to apply a thin insulator between magnet and mounting surface to reduce paint damage - nothing ventured nothing gained..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304061272662

If I'm happy with the way it turns out I'll post pictures and details. Already found a 10 amp waterproof MPPT controller capable of enduring under-hood temperatures.

 

Exactly what I had in mind! Nice work. I've used those sticky-back tie strap mounts for many years - love em..

 

What about a hood mounted option?

https://trail4runner.com/2022/05/18/lensun-100w-hood-solar-panel-5th-gen-4runner/

 

Interesting - for me however I’m an “outa sight outa mind guy”. The panel I have in mind will easily fit just forward of front rack crossover measuring 33”x26” (no moonroof). It should be reasonably stealthy as I plan on painting the aluminum trim to match vehicle black color - same for magnetic mounts - “less is more” has always been my goal when adding mods to my 4runner.

 

Might want to look at these https://www.lensunsolar.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=84_88

 

Those are pretty slick for sure especially being all black - the price (compared to what I am paying) is significantly higher plus I have the “scoop” hood which may not accommodate real well the solar mats. But still a cool concept.

 

Complete solar system with portable generator and panels. You make like 5 bucks a day.

 

That’s awful big for a 4runner…

 

Ya, the portable ele generator, portable panels (folded up), we’re on back order apparently they are in high demand.

 

The solar panel magnetic mounting brackets were back ordered so I ordered some aluminum Z brackets and (8) 200lb breakaway magnets and made my own - pretty simple really. Stupid me, I meant to take some pics of the underside of the panel BEFORE I mounted it on the car - just got carried away and forgot but if you look close and zoom in you can see the setup. For safety sake's I installed two cable tethers at the back of the panels. The solar performance is excellent - from shade to sun you can see a very quick rise from 13.5 to 14.4 volts on the aux battery (which is what the solar panel is for). I used a 10 amp MPPT charge controller (

RASNONE Spoiler Roof Wing, Air Vortex Generator Diffuser Shark Fin Universal 10pcs Kit Black

https://www.amazon.com/RASNONE-Spoi...=small+vortex+generators,aps,112&sr=8-15&th=1) which seems to work well. I road tested the setup today - got up to 60mph then pulled over and checked for evidence of movement - panel is solid! No vibrations but yes there is obviously wind noise - it isn't terrible but above normal which annoys me some so will try some vortex generators to see if that helps break up the wind noise. Additionally, for my own piece of mind, I bought a 500lb breakaway magnet that I may install dead center of the leading edge just for some added insurance even though, as stated, the panel (as is) seems rock solid. Tomorrow I will mount a camera facing the solar panel an do a higher speed freeway test to see how the setup reacts to a higher wind force.

 

Wait for a good storm and get it going about 75mph?

 

Nothing ventured….

 

Looks factory.

 

I expect it won’t be long before Toyota does exactly this - in one form or another. I mean how long ago did they come out with the wonderful idea of raising your radio volume when you activated the ws wipers (being sarcastic here)… At least having onboard solar power from the factory makes more sense to me.