Author: Don Halas
Subject: Connecting a 100 watt solar panel to Zamp port
Posted: 16 Jun 2016 at 8:10am
I've received my solar panel, charge controller, cables and connectors. I've also got all the other incidental hardware I anticipate needing to put this together including the VHB tape and Dicor which I intended to use to semi-permanently mount the solar panel to the top of the pod.
I'm rethinking the panel mounting. It is a semi-flexible material .2" thick, weighs 4 lbs. and the manufacturer even suggests using Velcro as an attachment device.
So depending upon its flexibility and how well suited it will be to the curve on the top of the POD I'm considering using Velcro strips instead of the VHB tape.
As I've stated before I do not intend to store the panel or remove it when travelling and re-attach when setting up. I'd move it only as the season changes and the sun moves closer to the horizon.
I am now planning on installing Velcro along the entire edge of all sides of the panel. This will help ensure it staying put on the road and in the event of heavy wind. I'm planning on installing about 4' of Velcro vertically for the sides and 5 strips horizontally that will allow three distinct mounts.
Anyone have any thoughts or real concerns in this? Also I'm thinking clear vrs. black Velcro, but not sure what the clear might look like weathered.
I'm going to hook up everything this weekend, but won't make a panel mount decision until I've tested the system for a week or two. I'll post some photos of the install if anyone would be interested.
Subject: Connecting a 100 watt solar panel to Zamp port
Posted: 16 Jun 2016 at 8:10am
I've received my solar panel, charge controller, cables and connectors. I've also got all the other incidental hardware I anticipate needing to put this together including the VHB tape and Dicor which I intended to use to semi-permanently mount the solar panel to the top of the pod.
I'm rethinking the panel mounting. It is a semi-flexible material .2" thick, weighs 4 lbs. and the manufacturer even suggests using Velcro as an attachment device.
So depending upon its flexibility and how well suited it will be to the curve on the top of the POD I'm considering using Velcro strips instead of the VHB tape.
As I've stated before I do not intend to store the panel or remove it when travelling and re-attach when setting up. I'd move it only as the season changes and the sun moves closer to the horizon.
I am now planning on installing Velcro along the entire edge of all sides of the panel. This will help ensure it staying put on the road and in the event of heavy wind. I'm planning on installing about 4' of Velcro vertically for the sides and 5 strips horizontally that will allow three distinct mounts.
Anyone have any thoughts or real concerns in this? Also I'm thinking clear vrs. black Velcro, but not sure what the clear might look like weathered.
I'm going to hook up everything this weekend, but won't make a panel mount decision until I've tested the system for a week or two. I'll post some photos of the install if anyone would be interested.