Forum Discussion

Jimbee's avatar
Jimbee
Explorer
Mar 04, 2019

Roof Mount Solar Panels, noisy during travel?

Hey All,

I'm thinking of mounting my 2-100 watt solar panels on the roof of my Rockwood, and I was wondering if they'll make noise while I'm driving? When traveling with my ladder rack carrying a canoe, ladder, lumber etc. there are various nuisance noises like whistling, etc.
Do panels make noise? Should I tip them slightly forward when I mount them to prevent upward wind force under the panel?

Thanks!
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2019
    We went to Alaska and back, 10,000 miles or so, with two 100 watt panels on the roof of our Winnebago View, mounted with the 3M VHB tape only.
    No sound.
    Now approaching 2 years later and both panels are still secure.
  • FLY_4_FUN's avatar
    FLY_4_FUN
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2019
    2 x 100W panels...have not noticed any additional noise due to their installation. I suspect different truck tires will be one of the largest contributors to noise vs panels/antennae's/ladders/bikes/etc mounted to Rv.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Mar 04, 2019
    Jimbee wrote:
    ...When traveling with my ladder rack carrying a canoe, ladder, lumber etc. there are various nuisance noises like whistling, etc.


    Seriously? On a fifthwheel? If there is any noise 30' behind me, I certainly can't hear it over the background road noise. I'm positive it won't be an issue with any normal installation. Don't build yourself an air scoop, but why would you do that anyway.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 04, 2019
    Jimbee wrote:
    Hey All,

    I'm thinking of mounting my 2-100 watt solar panels on the roof of my Rockwood, and I was wondering if they'll make noise while I'm driving? When traveling with my ladder rack carrying a canoe, ladder, lumber etc. there are various nuisance noises like whistling, etc.
    Do panels make noise? Should I tip them slightly forward when I mount them to prevent upward wind force under the panel?

    Thanks!


    Saw a MH several years ago that had probably 6 panels on the roof. Front of his rack had a sloped panel to deflect air up over the panels. Made sense to me! :B

    Lyle
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Mar 04, 2019
    Mounted parallel to the roof for best air flow and noise. Surprised you can hear noise from the 5er so those objects must be very loud.
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    Mar 04, 2019
    I have never experienced any noise attributable to multiple roof mounted solar panels on my past two motor homes.

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