Dimensions of solar panel to fit on 5.4m van

[helzie2020]

We are expecting to take delivery of a 2021 Globecar Roadscout in the next few weeks. We asked the dealer to supply and fit a solar panel. The dealer has said that the maximum size solar panel they can fit to the Roadscout is a 120W panel, since the Roadscout is only 5.4m long. According to the dealer, the 120W solar panel they have quoted for is 1.2m long while the next size up, the 150W, is 1.5m long and there isn't room to fit it. I think the dealer is looking at SOLAR TECHNOLOGY panels (the 120W model is 1195 × 670 × 35 mm).

I'm wondering if these solar panel dimensions are about the same for all brands of solar panel or whether it is possible to get a 150W or even 180W panel on the roof of the 5.4m Globecar Roadscout by sourcing a different brand or by finding an alternative fitter. There won't be anything additional on the roof apart from the standard skylight at the front.

Question 1: Does anyone actually have a 150W or 180W solar panel on the roof of their 5.4m Globecar Roadscout? If so, what make and model will fit?

Question 2: We do a fair bit of off-grid camping. The dealer says that the 120W solar panel should be more than enough to keep the two 95Ah gel batteries topped up when off grid. What do you think?

Thanks.

 

[Tombola]

can he not fit a 200w like I had spun landscape across the van instead
1316mm x 992

do you have a pic of the globescout roof ?

 

[helzie2020]

I don't have a photo of the roof and can't find one online. But there is no skylight above the bed in the Roadscout.

It's not the Globescout we are getting (which is nearly 6m long); it's the Roadscout which is only 5.4m. Although they are both the same width at 2.05m.

So, you have a 200W panel on your Globescout, which is mounted with the longest edge running across your van roof from side to side?

 

[Tombola]

I don't have a photo of the roof and can't find one online. But there is no skylight above the bed in the Roadscout.

It's not the Globescout we are getting (which is nearly 6m long); it's the Roadscout which is only 5.4m. Although they are both the same width at 2.05m.

So, you have a 200W panel on your Globescout, which is mounted with the longest edge running across your van roof from side to side?

Sorry no I dont have a scout, I had an awkward space on my last van and imala 734 , and used the same as what I had on the auto select panel van before that ...mounted lanscape. You need to see the top of the van to be sure, but 1 metre deep sint a lot, as long as there are no skylghts surely. (dont quote me)

 

[Hagstrom]

Our Ducato Campscout (same roof width) has 2 x 150watt panels fitted east-west and there's space for another.

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[The Wino]

You don't need to know your battery size to see if the panels enough but the amount of stuff you use and how often you stay in one place. If you're getting a compact van because you tend to move a lot have a gas fridge and don't watch a lot of TV or use an inverter the panel I recon would be fine. If you pitch up for a week in one spot without hookup in winter watch a load of TV use lots on an inverter and have a compressor fridge I recon winter you could fill the whole roof and still struggle!

 

[Two on Tour]

I would forget the dealer going by what they are saying, as I would have no confidence that they are up to fitting solar or just want an easy job of it, and get in contact with Funsters Wissel or eddievanbitz who are proficient in solar installs and will think out of the box on getting you a sensible amount of solar on your roof using tried thought out and matched equipment.

 

[helzie2020]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll tell the dealer to leave it and get a specialist contractor to fit as suggested. I'm sure 120W won't be enough as we have that on our current, smaller, van with a pop-top roof which can be pointed at the sun — and that struggles.

I'll check out the contractors that Two on Tour recommends. We are in central Scotland — any other recommendations are very welcome.

 

[cyberyacht]

Photonic Universe have panels in all shapes and sizes. Once you know exactly how much roof space you have you can do the permutations, whether a big single or several smaller will get you the best setup. You can wire them in parallel, series or combinations of the two. i.e. a 100w+50w plus another 100w+50w. You can never have too much solar.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll tell the dealer to leave it and get a specialist contractor to fit as suggested. I'm sure 120W won't be enough as we have that on our current, smaller, van with a pop-top roof which can be pointed at the sun — and that struggles.

I'll check out the contractors that Two on Tour recommends. We are in central Scotland — any other recommendations are very welcome.

So, you need to drill through your van's roof to fit a solar panel?...... Actually, no you don't....

I wanted to fit a solar panel to my PVC, but was apprehensive about drilling through the van's roof for the cables. A little bit of investigation inside the van, coupled with some lateral thinking, and I've managed to get the cables into the van via the front rooflight surround. Having taken off...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

This is my thread on my DIY solar panel fit on a Sunlight Cliff Adventure 5.4 metre. I sourced a 200W panel from Craig Solar, having measured the available space on my roof first. To say I optimised the available space between the front and rear skylights would be an understatement! Transverse fit of the same panel was not possible due to the wind out awning on the o/s of the roof, (the panel would have overhung the roof on the n/s by 4-5 inches.)
I was quoted £599 supply and fit for a smaller 150W panel, my DIY fit of the 200W panel cost me less than £250 all in.

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