Cargo box VS Solar

[anutami]

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 shadow


Second option


Third option: just go with the shadow effect since it is a losing battle anway


Fourth option:
Mount the panels on the cabover portion of the TC. I am hesitant to do this because
1. Need to drill more holes again into the roof
2. Putting more weight over the cabover area.
3. wires laying exposed on the roof

[Jfresh]

Move your pod back to the side opposite your ladder for easy access. Keep panels as is but rotate 90 and it looks like it should all fit.

[sabconsulting]

~DJ~ wrote:
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.

Then you have to decide if the box is sturdy enough to hold a panel in 60 mph winds!!

x2 - if the sun is so low you are getting significant shade from that box then you would probably be generating only a tiny amount of power from them anyway.

I certainly wouldn't mount a panel to the top of that cargo box. I see a very high risk of wind load tearing it off - that cargo box lid is undoubtedly designed only as a lightweight weather cover, not to structurally support the wind load at highway speeds (or during a storm, or a combination of both). Plus if it tore off it might not just be the panel sailing across the highway, but the plastic lid and anything you packed in that cargo box.

Steve.

[anutami]

Thanks all

We will see how this goes for now

[2oldman]

anutami wrote:
First option: will this cause a major issue with my solar panels casting a shadow

It isn't when you took that picture.

[cewillis]

Option 1 -- it's such a small effect that it's not even worthwhile thinking about it.

[Bedlam]

The storage pod can go back along the left side the air conditioner and the panels can stay where they are but shifted right.

[msiminoff]

Hi Anutami,
Personally, I'd suggest that you go with Option #1.... Simply scootch the panels as far as possible to the left (& eliminate the gap between the panels) and move the cargo box all the way to the right. When possible you might choose park facing east (preferred, as this should cause no shadowing), north, or south... then crack open a cold beer and stop worrying about batteries and charging.

Based on the amount of shadowing you get, you will likely want to go with parallel wiring so that you can achieve some charging when the shadows get long (because your photos were shot in mid-day sun, I don't have a good feel for how severe the shadowing will be). Also, you didn't mention the spec's of the panels, how you plan to wire them (series or parallel), and what brand/model of charge controller you will be using. If you provide that info, you may get a different range of solutions that what you have received so far.

I assume you have a plan for some type of ladder so you can access the cargo box?

Cheers
-Mark

[towpro]

in your original post one could not see how low profile this case really is. It just appeared to be real tall and did look like it might really have a chance to shadow the solar panel.
It almost appears to be 12" tall 🙂

Edit: I would leave it the way it is now.

[AnEv942]

Reddog1 wrote:

anutami wrote:
First option: will this cause a major issue with my solar panels casting a shadow

I am not sure that this would cause a major shadow, Wayne

Im kinda of in agreement- the pictures look as though taken at mid day, if sun travel left to right it would be pretty late in the day for shadowing to affect, or first couple of hours in morning--depending how your pointed.
If panel were on top of box would cast an even greater shadow, if tilted trying to capture late (or early) sun, probably put other panel in full shade. Other than material/construction of box, just the open clam shell exposed to much more than a breeze seems might be problematic. Id nix that idea.
Being aware of shadow potential and orientation would minimize, If you have option of parking just don't see a major issue. From what I can see would only be issue if parked with left side of truck south/ westerly-low winter sun.

All that said Ill offer option 6? Working with what you have is adding 3rd cross member. Rotating panels in place. It appears at least combined widths is greater than length of panels. Would give space between box and panel ends, minimize shadow and offer path between? But I cant really see if that would work, enough room from AC to end of rails.

Remounting on roof nose, other than more secure mounting, I cant. Our slope is greater and would cause more general loss than the shadow you might have depending how were parked.

[Reddog1]

anutami wrote:
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.

I can tilt my panels, but after testing I have found it not worth the trouble. As for mounting on the box, you could but that would not be my first choice. If I understand correctly, the panel would be mounted to a plastic lid which if not latched properly could launch the panel. Every time you open the box, you run the risk of damaging the panel.

anutami wrote:
First option: will this cause a major issue with my solar panels casting a shadow

I am not sure that this would cause a major shadow, if the box when closed position. Personally, if I had my mind set on location the box where it is in the photo, I would give it a try. The sun would be pretty low for the box to cast a shadow. I would consider raising both panels 2 to 3 inches. Looks pretty simple to do. If you park your camper with the driver side to the south, probably no problem at all.

anutami wrote:
Second option

I do not like this option. see above as to why.

anutami wrote:
Third option: just go with the shadow effect since it is a losing battle anway

I must be missing something here. Why would you need the box open other than when you are getting something out of it? Your verbiage does not match your photo. Panel inside the box?

anutami wrote:
Fourth option:
Mount the panels on the cabover portion of the TC. I am hesitant to do this because
1. Need to drill more holes again into the roof
Not that big of a deal. Original holes are easy to caulk.

2. Putting more weight over the cabover area.
Not enough added weight to be considered a problem.

3. wires laying exposed on the roof
If properly clamped, not a problem at all. My TC solar wiring has been exposed on my roof for over nine years.

I would try the first option. If it did not work out, then I would move the panels to the same location as Buzzcut1's. I have had mine in that location with no problem.

Wayne

[Super_Dave]

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]

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]

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]

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.