Solar Rack For Van

From the early days of Juiced N.R.G.

I built this rack for a PV (solar electric) panel to fit onto mini-camper van. Having solar panels on a vehicle will not reduce your operational gas consumption by very much and can (usually) add resistance to the aerodynamics. On very hot, sunny days it can supplement power for your fans. HOWEVER, if you are some type of contractor or field researcher or otherwise spend a lot of time working around your vehicle it allows you to use 'free' electricity instead of expensive gas. ROI fluctuates with usage but if a 50 watt / 500$ solar panel saves you endless hours of idling for power, it can be over in as quick as a year! Wiring is fairly simple and for this particular panel mount I used car sear cut in half and length for a system that is virtually pre-approved by DOT standards (car seat joint). The seat joint allows for 0-90 degrees of adjustment getting the best possible angles of incidence without a tracker. In the video the panel is mounted to the front of the rack but was later relocated in the rear so the vehicle didn't have to face the sun. The mount was easily adapted for multiple subsequent service vehicles.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• solar
• rack
• van
• rv
• sun
• power
• energy
• idling
• field
• work
• generator
• electricity
• diy
• service
• vehicle
• gas
• diesel
• renewable