Mounted/Removable Panels

TXredbeard · Feb 17, 2021

I am curious if anyone has experimented with a panel mounting system that allows for a quick removable option. I live in a 94 Chevy Van in Texas and I am torn between mounted and portable as I will want to be parked in the shade often during summer.. Portable would be nice to set out when it's too hot, but I'm concerned about space for them and the fact that I'd like to get power while I'm driving(mounted). I'd like to think there would be some sort of quick release system to dismount the panels accordingly... Thoughts and enlightenment appreciated! (Planning on Maxoak Bluetti 240 and God knows what panels?)

HRTKD · Feb 18, 2021

I'm not aware of a quick release mounting system. All it takes is once for you to miss one fastener and your panel is air born.

Mike Jordan · Feb 23, 2021

TXredbeard said:
I am curious if anyone has experimented with a panel mounting system that allows for a quick removable option. I live in a 94 Chevy Van in Texas and I am torn between mounted and portable as I will want to be parked in the shade often during summer.. Portable would be nice to set out when it's too hot, but I'm concerned about space for them and the fact that I'd like to get power while I'm driving(mounted). I'd like to think there would be some sort of quick release system to dismount the panels accordingly... Thoughts and enlightenment appreciated! (Planning on Maxoak Bluetti 240 and God knows what panels?)

I was thinking the same thing for a DIY ground panel set up. But I don't even have a napkin note yet. I would like ground panels that I can put out for my camper, while the camper is in the shade. Then I would like to be able to mount the panels on the hard tonneau cover of my truck, as an easy transport storage solution. And also connect the panels to the trailer batts, to help charge while driving.

MisterSandals · Feb 23, 2021

TXredbeard said:
has experimented with a panel mounting system that allows for a quick removable option.

I suspect once you get them up on your roof you'll be thinking that you never want to go thru that again.
The same for tilting panels, having to go up 2-3 times a day will get old really quick. And, going up top is not without risks, especially early and late in the day when it can be wet and slippery.

I think if I absolutely had to do it, I'd do something like the kayak racks that tip/flip/slide down so that they could be accessed from the ground.

Carryout panels and parking in the shade are great ideas.

HRTKD · Feb 23, 2021

MisterSandals said:
I suspect once you get them up on your roof you'll be thinking that you never want to go thru that again.

Agreed. I found many postings on the Internet of people that put manual tilting mechanisms into their solar configuration, used it a few times and never touched it again. The same would likely happen with detachable panels.

I have panels permanently mounted on the roof of my trailer. I have similar panels that I keep inside the trailer that are used on the ground. If I don't need the extra power, the panels stay inside the trailer. I have a toy hauler with a good amount of storage room, so this works well for me. A regular travel trailer may not have that type of storage.

2009Bounder2020 · Feb 26, 2021

i have 2 telescopic ladders (for roof top tents on our jeeps)

we have used them leaned up against the jeep with panels hooked to them, its not pretty or super fast but does work and then the ladders are very compact for storage.

or we ahve put them across from jeep to jeep and had the panels flat on the top to give some shade when in hot places like Moab. the jeeps both have gobi racks on them so they dont get banged up by the ladders

Mounted/Removable Panels

TXredbeard

New Member

HRTKD

Boondocker

Mike Jordan

Solar Enthusiast

MisterSandals

Participation Medalist

HRTKD

Boondocker

2009Bounder2020

New Member

Similar threads