Up to now we had 2 fold-up solar panels of unknown origins and specifications that we used while we were bush camping without power. We always thought about utilising the big space on top of the roof to permanently attach solar panels to. After many hours of research we decided to fit 4 x 120watt mono-crystal panels using the k2 minirail system.
We made a little timelapse of the fitment process and I must say the physical fitment was much easier than anticipated.
The wiring was a different story though. But lets get back to the fitment first. The rails were attached with sealing self tapping screws that went through the roof. For added security I add a good dollop of Sikaflex to assist holding the rails down to which the panels are attached. Here you can see the solar panels add very little height.
We added about 35kg to the weight of the roof and I will have to take off the gas struts to have them pumped a bit to compensate for the added weight.
It was also inevitable that the screws will show their pointy side inside the roof. We have been planning to add some isolation to the roof and decided on Second skin Mega block. It is lightweight and thin and wont add much weight or bulk to the inside of the roof. It will be covered in matching material to blend in with the rest of the roof.
After quite a bit of head scratching about where to route the wires from the panels it was decided to grab the drill and sikaflex.
The original place to connect the panels to can be seen in the little block next to the black power connection block under the Cheetah logo.
We decided we did not want a wire running on the outside of the caravan while traveling and opted to go through the roof and body to connect directly to the Redarc Manager 30. The red wire will be covered in some canvas and it is totally protected when the roof is closed. Fortunately the Sikaflex is not visible otherwise Charmain would have given me mouth 🙂
We will add an update and impression of how it all works in a later post, even though the output looks promising even in one of the most overcast days we had in a long time.
Update (9/4/2019) I had the gas lifts inflated to 350N at Autozone in Wonderboom Pretoria.
Update (21/4/2019) Charmain cleaned up the wire for us.
Andrew says
Hi. Had a look at the video. Where can I purchase the brackets that are screwed to the roof? Thank you.
louis says
Hi Andrew
apologies, only saw your question now.
Please have a look here:
https://k2-systems.com/en/contact/distributors-locations
louis