Solar panel install on 2020 2400BHS - part 2 of 2

[tonygoncalves]

continued from part one...

Now it's time to install the actual panels and the entry gland to the roof.

I used 3M VHB tape on the glands and the solar panel feet. Then covered that with Eternabond, and used Dicor to seal the edges of the Eternabond.



The finished product:


After a few days I got a little nervous of having those big panels only held on by tape to the TPO roof, as I wasn't sure how well bonded the TPO is to the wood underneath, so I went back and installed the supplied screws into the solar panel Z mounts, and covered everything in Dicor. I now have 16 more potential water entry points to my roof, but I'm confident in my waterproofing skills, and I do a twice-per-year job of inspecting the existing Dicor sealant.

I originally planned on running the panels in parallel, but I wasn't happy with the placement of the Y connectors, so I switched to running in series. I used a few pieces of Eternabond to tape down the cables, keeping the ends free for service access.

If we ever really get into more boondocking, I have room for at least two more 170W panels, but I would need to upgrade my charge controller and add at least one more battery first.


Thanks for reading, and remember to keep your stick on the ice!

[microm3gas]

Thanks for the pics. I have plans for the same with my 2450 RL

[jmbopp]

I'd love to add roof solar but since our favorite dry sites are shaded I'm running portable panels. Two 100W standard panels in series I made a ground mount for, 100' of 12-2 cable, and a MPPT controller in the pass through. A test run got me 140W.

[Unlimitedmatt]

I'd love to add roof solar but since our favorite dry sites are shaded I'm running portable panels. Two 100W standard panels in series I made a ground mount for, 100' of 12-2 cable, and a MPPT controller in the pass through. A test run got me 140W.

I think I am going to do something similar to your setup. I'd love to see any pictures of your setup. Thanks in advance!

[tonygoncalves]

I'd love to add roof solar but since our favorite dry sites are shaded I'm running portable panels. Two 100W standard panels in series I made a ground mount for, 100' of 12-2 cable, and a MPPT controller in the pass through. A test run got me 140W.

I have 2x 40W portable panels that I have wired up to an old PWM charge controller in my storage bay as well. I haven't used them on this trailer yet, but the intention is the same, to use them when the roof is shaded over, and place the panels in the sunshine.