I've decided to use a cargo box and wanted to get different opinions if it is possible to mount a solar panel on top of the box to elimate the "shadow" effect on my panels. The box also opens up on each side So I could tilt the panel to get it in the right direction to the sun.First option: will this cause a major issue with my solar panels casting a shadowSecond option Third option: just go with the shadow effect since it is a losing battle anwayFourth option:Mount the panels on the cabover portion of the TC. I am hesitant to do this because1. Need to drill more holes again into the roof2. Putting more weight over the cabover area.3. wires laying exposed on the roof

Using the existing frame work that you've already installed, raise the panels to the height of the A/C & cargo box with additional frame work.Just a another thought.

Park where you won't have a shadow.

How about a fifth option?Pod beside the AC unitPanels on opposite side from otion 1If the pod will fit beside the AC, it appears the lid would open on the side where, you would not need to get on the roof to access it.

I put the panels on the cabover with z mounts, no more weight than just the panels then dicor attached the wires to the roof. I either carry a cargo boz or canoes where you have your panelsZ mountshttp://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-Panel-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00BR3KFKEClips firstthen dicor Added more dicor and a plug cover since I took the photos

I would do option 1. By the time the sun got low enough to cast a shadow over the panels from the box you're not getting enough sun to worry about. But I do like the idea of mounting one on top of the box. If you always tried to park facing south you could tip the panel up toward the others catching the afternoon sun. If you tipped it to the outboard side it would prematurely block the other panels. Then you have to decide if the box is sturdy enough to hold a panel in 60 mph winds!!

Cargo box VS Solar | Good Sam Community

Super_Dave
Explorer
May 27, 2015
The only thing I don't like about option 1 is not being able to walk front to back without leaping over panels. I'd like to see an option where the pod is on one side and the 2 solar panels running along the other side leaving the center open.
_DJ_1
Explorer II
May 27, 2015
I would do option 1. By the time the sun got low enough to cast a shadow over the panels from the box you're not getting enough sun to worry about.

But I do like the idea of mounting one on top of the box. If you always tried to park facing south you could tip the panel up toward the others catching the afternoon sun. If you tipped it to the outboard side it would prematurely block the other panels.

Then you have to decide if the box is sturdy enough to hold a panel in 60 mph winds!!
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
May 27, 2015
I put the panels on the cabover with z mounts, no more weight than just the panels then dicor attached the wires to the roof. I either carry a cargo boz or canoes where you have your panels
Z mounts
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Solar-Panel-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00BR3KFKE

Clips first

then dicor Added more dicor and a plug cover since I took the photos
handye9
Explorer II
May 26, 2015
How about a fifth option?

Pod beside the AC unit
Panels on opposite side from otion 1

If the pod will fit beside the AC, it appears the lid would open on the side where, you would not need to get on the roof to access it.
jimh406
Explorer III
May 26, 2015
Park where you won't have a shadow.
Dakota98
Explorer
May 26, 2015
Using the existing frame work that you've already installed, raise the panels to the height of the A/C & cargo box with additional frame work.

Just a another thought.

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Cargo box VS Solar

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