Solar panel as wind baffle?

[stanluck]

So I ran a search here and haven't found a similar thread yet.
Has anyone mounted a solar panel on the roof of a box truck cab both to maximize roof space and to create a wind baffle? I can't find any examples anywhere online so I'm not sure if it's because it's a nutty idea or if no-one's done it yet.

I have one 435w extra panel that won't fit on my roof (it's about 80" by 40" and weighs around 45 lbs) so I want to make or find a rack that's heavy duty enough to hold the thing and not shear off on the highway. I may just build something from unistrut but I'd feel a lot better about embarking on this if someone else has done it before!

 

[justinm001]

Like this? I used 2x100w panels and run it on its own mppt to charge my 12v system. Works great. I get a bit of a squeak but I think it's the panels, plus I haven't made something to finish covering it.

Btw this is a Prevost class A coach which is flat in the front so wind goes straight up and doesn't really touch the panels. Leaves,sticks and all kinds of things can just sit up on the roof without being touched.

It'll be different on a classic or van that has more aero and isn't maximizing interior space

 

[kommando]

My ground mount steel unistrut panels survived a 100 mph gale over winter. Strong stuff.

 

[justinm001]

My ground mount steel unistrut panels survived a 100 mph gale over winter. Strong stuff.

yes definitely strong stuff and nothing to worry about them having an issue but its a bit different when driving 70mph constantly, especially with crosswinds, vibrations and everything else.

 

[stanluck]

Like this? I used 2x100w panels and run it on its own mppt to charge my 12v system. Works great. I get a bit of a squeak but I think it's the panels, plus I haven't made something to finish covering it.

Btw this is a Prevost class A coach which is flat in the front so wind goes straight up and doesn't really touch the panels. Leaves,sticks and all kinds of things can just sit up on the roof without being touched.

It'll be different on a classic or van that has more aero and isn't maximizing interior space

Thanks for chiming in. Mine would be a little different. I plan to mount it on the cab roof at a 45 degree angle with a long edge just along below the running lights near the roof. I guess I just need to figure out how it'll be secured there.

This is my rig.

 

[0truck0]

Are you wanting the panel to double as a faring?
A gutter mount roof rack on your van roof would make a good base and easier than making something.
If you mount it as an extension of the windshield carrying up to the box roof then there really wont be that great of forces at play., should make for smoother airflow Crosswinds would be the biggest, if you will be driving in Kansas anymore.

If it were me I would ditch that roof AC unit and make more room for panels, and use a minisplit on the rear.