So back in July, before our trip to central Oregon, I finally settled on a roof install method for the HQST flexible 100W and 50W panels I had bought. My goal was to install these panels on our 2005 FWC Hawk in a lightweight, low profile mode, with the smallest footprint possible. I also wanted the panels to be able to get max sun at the same time our boards were up top.
I started by shortening the Yak tracks...
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I then cleaned the roof, and began the panel install. I used long strips of industrial strength velcro from Home Depot on each panel, installing four lines of the self adhesive velcro on each. The photo below shows the underside of the panels with velcro before installation.
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I drilled holes in four locations on each panel, corresponding to points above the aluminum ribs of the FWC roof, and dumped a boat load of silicone in each hole. I set the panels on the roof, removing the plastic protecting the velcro adhesive, dipped 1" sheet metal screws w/neoprene washers in silicone and screwed the panels down to the roof, being careful not to warp the panels at each attachment point by over-tightening the screws. I slipped a piece of clear plastic corner protector on the leading (forward facing) edge of each panel to protect them from rocks, bugs, etc. Here's a picture of the installed 100W panel leading edge.
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Here's a pic of both panels, installed. I used the factory roof SAE connector and wiring.
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I noticed that the "diode" (not sure what it's called exactly) on the 100W panel (top of the photo below) was pretty close or even overlapping with one of the solar cells...very different from the space between the cells and diode on the 50W panel. I emailed HQST and they replaced the 100W panel.
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I ended up also installing a TriMetric battery monitor and solar charge controller. Suffice it to say the install necessitated occasional morale boosting, but was pretty straight forward in the end.
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Two weeks and a few thousand miles later, the install remained solid with the panels providing somewhere around 8 amps peak power. The 150W array, TriMetric setup, and 125aH Lifeline battery kept our huge Dometic CR1110 going the entire trip, even after days in shady campsites...maintaining >50% on the battery most of the time. There were several days where battery couldn't make it past 70% however. The panels definitely warped a bit in the sun, following the contours of the roof, but they're functioning pretty much to spec. Here's a picture of the leading edge bug deflector protector on the panels post-trip.
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If I have occasion to reinstall the panels at some point, I might reorient the velcro lengthwise, parallel to the roof, so that water can drain more easily. Right now it pools just a bit under the panels. I also might run larger gauge wiring to the charge controller. Will probably also add another HQST 100W as a portable panel to help out in shaded campsites.