Has anyone on this forum installed two to three 100 watt Renogy Eclipse RNG 100MB solar panels along with an Coleman Mach 8 Polar Cub unit and Maxxair fan/vent on a 2011 Sprinter 144WB High Roof van?
I am in the process of designing the rooftop layout but have discovered three RNG 100MB solar panels even with their smaller footprint pushes the boundaries of the available rooftop real estate. See the four attached pdf files with multiple arrangements of the solar panels.
I tested the various layouts and Version #4 (two solar panels) design appears to offer the least amount of shadowing problems by deleting the panel behind the AC unit.
My initial plan for installing three panels, AC unit and vent as follows.
A_ solar panel #1 mount above the drivers cabin area as far forward as possible. Possible issues at this location could be wind resistance causing reduction in mileage.
B- Coleman Mach 8 Polar Cub Air conditioning unit behind the "B" pillar in the center area of the van.
C- Solar panel #2 behind the AC unit
D- MaxxAir fan/vent
E- Solar panel #3 at the rear of the van behind the fan/vent.
All panels will be mounted widthwise using AM Solar's rocker feet, VHB tape and Dicor sealant. Mounting the panels widthwise offers the best use of available real estate on the roof as well as allowing for adding tilt bars in the future.
If anyone has completed a similar two or three solar panel along with a AC and fan/vent installation on a 2011 Sprinter 144WB van I welcome viewing photos of the finished install along with a description of the solar panel mounting techniques and materials used and real world feedback regarding shadowing issues encountered.
Thank you.
I am in the process of designing the rooftop layout but have discovered three RNG 100MB solar panels even with their smaller footprint pushes the boundaries of the available rooftop real estate. See the four attached pdf files with multiple arrangements of the solar panels.
I tested the various layouts and Version #4 (two solar panels) design appears to offer the least amount of shadowing problems by deleting the panel behind the AC unit.
My initial plan for installing three panels, AC unit and vent as follows.
A_ solar panel #1 mount above the drivers cabin area as far forward as possible. Possible issues at this location could be wind resistance causing reduction in mileage.
B- Coleman Mach 8 Polar Cub Air conditioning unit behind the "B" pillar in the center area of the van.
C- Solar panel #2 behind the AC unit
D- MaxxAir fan/vent
E- Solar panel #3 at the rear of the van behind the fan/vent.
All panels will be mounted widthwise using AM Solar's rocker feet, VHB tape and Dicor sealant. Mounting the panels widthwise offers the best use of available real estate on the roof as well as allowing for adding tilt bars in the future.
If anyone has completed a similar two or three solar panel along with a AC and fan/vent installation on a 2011 Sprinter 144WB van I welcome viewing photos of the finished install along with a description of the solar panel mounting techniques and materials used and real world feedback regarding shadowing issues encountered.
Thank you.
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