Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15263
Solar Panel on a D4 roof ?
Thinking on fitting a solar panel on top of the glass panoramic roof of the D4.
Ideally fitting between the roof rails and utilising the fitting bolts for some form of bracket.
This would be on a temporary basis to run a fridge etc when camping.
But if it’s a good enough installation, I may keep it as a permanent fixture.
Has anyone done this or have views on installing/using?...... always on the road less travelled 🚧
13th Jul 2022 3:35 pm
pjm-84
Member Since: 04 Oct 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 2589
Quite a few kits on the market. Not sure for the Disco but plenty for camper vans
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Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
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Just to be clear, I haven’t thought this out yet.
Yesterday I hastily purchased a mobile fridge (as it was on an Amazon Prime One Day Offer).
Then started to think on ways to power this when off-grid and the solar panel came to mind as an option.
Initially thought about one of these folding ones, then thought I could temporarily site it on the roof when in use.
Then started thinking on a decent sized rigid panel mounted over the pano roof and close to the roof rails.
Afraid that’s as far as I got before raising this thread to check out the opinions of others.
But thanks for the replies and I will check out the links posted. ...... always on the road less travelled 🚧
14th Jul 2022 8:40 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14129
Hiya
I also got some solar bits, dc to dc charger etc and also intend to fit it to my roof rails
included the renogy site where it has some great info , the DC to DC charger also incorporates a solar charger and pretty sure it’s ok for smart alternators
Hope it also helps
14th Jul 2022 8:50 am
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 14129
Solar calculator allowing u to add up everything that ur going to use and it will then work out what reqs u need
Member Since: 09 Feb 2024
Location: Buffalo
Posts: 1
Your idea of fitting a solar panel on top of the glass panoramic roof of the D4 sounds innovative! Utilizing the space between the roof rails and leveraging the existing fitting bolts for a bracket is a smart approach. It could be incredibly useful for powering your fridge and other camping gear while enjoying the great outdoors.
Considering the potential for making it a permanent fixture, it's essential to ensure a robust and durable installation. solar panels cork might offer valuable advice and options to optimize your setup for long-term use. Feel free to explore different possibilities and make the most of your camping adventures!
Last edited by zydeshpelsh on 21st Feb 2024 12:41 pm. Edited 1 time in total
16th Feb 2024 6:27 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15263
That was an old thread of mine.
Had since fitted a solar panel (nearly a year ago) to my D4 roof.
But fitted it to my ProSpeed roof rack, above the sunroof.
Works well, charges up my leisure battery, then automatically switches over (via relay) to top up my main battery.
Haven’t heard yet of anyone else doing it, but my installation is included here:
Member Since: 20 Dec 2023
Location: Manotick, On
Posts: 256
nicely done.2015 LR4 HSE Lux Aintree Green
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You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
the solar panel came to mind as an option.
