Additional Rooftop Solar for 59K

[jharu]

Hello Folks:

I am wondering if anyone has installed an additional 100W solar panel on the roof of a Travato 59K.
I am all decided on buying a 2018 Travato 59K, and I see that it already comes installed with one 100W solar panel from the factory.
However, there are enough connections to expand - you are theoretically able to put in an additional 200W, but how?
Where is the real estate?

I saw Renogy makes a "flexible" 100W solar panel:
https://www.renogy.com/sunpower-flex...e-solar-panel/
Has anyone installed this (or something similar) on a 59K to utilize the "spare" SAE connectors on the roof?

Greatly obliged for any help

[BBQ]

.

Lots of people have done it.
Some added a single 100w panel.
Others have added 1x100w plus 2x80w.
At least one has added 1x180w.
More have added 2x100w.

Some have mounted on the Fiamma roof rack.
Some have mounted on the Summit roof rack.
Some have no roof rack and used VHB tape.

These are all described in their Travato-only private FB secret group,
with pictures of course.
And prices too.

But you cannot see it if you are not a member of the group.

I know you are not into FB.
I can transcribe some photos if you like.
(if the owners give permission)

[Saldar]

Originally Posted by jharu

I am wondering if anyone has installed an additional 100W solar panel on the roof of a Travato 59K.

If you spring for the rack you can shift and turn the rack mounted OEM 100W and add another Zamp next to it on the back. With or without the rack you can attach two 80W Zamp panels on either side of the AC. I think shading from the AC would affect the 80's pretty badly though. We did the first option, netting 200 W in the clear, above the three back roof vents. This is discussed and shown toward the end of the original travato 59K thread here. I looked at available sizes of panels and think there aren't too many other options, with all the shadow casters on the roof. Did not consider flexible panels though. I think you will like your 59k!

[sheral]

‘theoretically’ i believe when i spoke to a zamp tech he said the controller can take up to 510 watts or 30 amps. so the top of the k is your canvass. as Saldar commented, you just have to be creative and consider shading, aerials, mounting points etc. have fun.

[techfan]

Regarding shading by the A/C. In my post here with the panels on the rack, there is very little shading.
http://www.classbforum.com/forums/f5...html#post63978

[jharu]

Originally Posted by BBQ

.

Lots of people have done it.
Some added a single 100w panel.
Others have added 1x100w plus 2x80w.
At least one has added 1x180w.
More have added 2x100w.

Some have mounted on the Fiamma roof rack.
Some have mounted on the Summit roof rack.
Some have no roof rack and used VHB tape.

These are all described in their Travato-only private FB secret group,
with pictures of course.
And prices too.

But you cannot see it if you are not a member of the group.

I know you are not into FB.
I can transcribe some photos if you like.
(if the owners give permission)

Much obliged, @BBQ!
Yes, if you could share some photos that would be great Christmas present

[jharu]

Originally Posted by Saldar

If you spring for the rack you can shift and turn the rack mounted OEM 100W and add another Zamp next to it on the back. With or without the rack you can attach two 80W Zamp panels on either side of the AC. I think shading from the AC would affect the 80's pretty badly though. We did the first option, netting 200 W in the clear, above the three back roof vents. This is discussed and shown toward the end of the original travato 59K thread here. I looked at available sizes of panels and think there aren't too many other options, with all the shadow casters on the roof. Did not consider flexible panels though. I think you will like your 59k!

Cool!
Would love to see some photos.
And thanks again for the great advice

[jharu]

Originally Posted by techfan

Regarding shading by the A/C. In my post here with the panels on the rack, there is very little shading.
http://www.classbforum.com/forums/f5...html#post63978

Superb!
And many thanks again

[jharu]

I do have an additional question for those of you who installed the additional panels.
What is the "make" of the panel and did you buy it from a general store like Amazon or did you order it from a specialized dealer?

Many thanks as always

[Saldar]

There are photos of my two 100W panels mounted on the rack on the travato 59k thread.

We bought Zamp from offthegridrvs this summer for certain compatibility and sizing. They had a good price, but Zamp is expensive. The panel arrived quickly and in good shape, and of course, plugged right in.

[sheral]

You can buy any 12v panel, but as you know, there are a few things to consider. Mono versus Poly, voltages within reasonable range between panels, and connections. Zamp panels are mono, made in the USA, and connectors are already wired and compatible with the combiner box on the roof. You will have to check your leads on other panels and likely rewire. None of it is a big deal, just sayin... PS if you go to ‘solardealz’ you can get Zamp panels (seconds) at a much reduced price. Usually something small cosmetically is the only reason they blow them out at such a great price.