Anyone mount a solar panel to roof rack?

[calimobber]

I have a Renogy 80w panel mounted on the cross bars on the stock roof rack. I just drilled holes in the end and use little bolts to attach it.

I ran 10ga wire through the grommet in the back hatch and down to the charge controller in the back right storage spot. I have 4gauge running back to the same compartment to a big fuse box. I just connected the solar there so I didn't have to run it to the front.

 

[ZWookie]

You maybe better of just doing this.

HO alternator/Dual Battery/Battery Separator/"Big 3 Upgrade - Tacoma World Forums

However for days at a time you are going to need more storage and as you propose, something to fill that storage.

Awesome thanks for sharing.

 

[RoxToy00]

Here's the two options I always recommend when running wires from the roof inside:

- Run the wire to the back and use the grommet for the hatch. The only downside is the amount of wire needed.

- Run it through one of the holes already existing under the endcaps of the stock roof tracks. Pull the little plug out, and there's a hole that goes directly into the headliner.

knowledge rarely has an expiration date. Plan on a mounting a removable solar panel on the roof with permanent wiring in place, running to a controller inside by or on the interior ceiling by the hatch, with a second set of wiring to connect to the controller for moving the panel around. That a hole is under the rack endcap will be handy, thanks.

 

[calimobber]

Since my old thread keeps living ill add this.

I still have the 80w panel wires going into the rubber grommet on the hatch but I also have a led light up there on the roof and I ran the wires along the rack an then ran them down the hatch lines to the rear tail light and went into the car that way. I wish I had a picture to describe it better.

One more thing to add. I used speaker wire from the solar panel and the wire is now very faded and damaged from the UV rays. If you can use UV proof wire.