1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Flexible solar panels on Tundra roof

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by istr, Sep 23, 2020.

  1. Sep 23, 2020 at 6:23 PM
    #1
    istr

    istr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39146
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tundra Limited Double cab
    Added 2x110W solar panels to my roof. Now I'm confident that ice-cream won't melt while I'm backpacking in backcountry :)
    4.jpg
    Tight fit, roof actually has a really weird shape (not rectangular), it's not flat, and has 4 strengthening ribs. I tried different configurations, but this one seems to be the easiest to install.

    I read that it is more efficient to have an insulating layer between panels and the roof. Initially I wanted to put one large sheet under both panels and mount panels like in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfO6CBNMGd8
    However, because of roundness of the roof and ribs, I decided to just go with double-sided tape.

    I cut 3 3mm corrugated plastic sheets - between the bars, and 2 thin strips at the edges. Attached them to the roof using 3M Double-sided tape. That flattened the roof a bit. Next, I used the same tape to attach solar panels to both exposed roof bars and plastic sheets.

    2.jpg 1.jpg

    Eternabond tape sealed the perimeter and area between the panels. And yes, I removed whatever antenna it is on the roof (gps or sirius). Its mounting holes are only covered by tape so I can put it back.

    Initially I attached panels to each other using cable ties (between the panels) but it bulged too much under eternabond tape so I removed the ties and sealed the holes with more tape.

    Connectors and cables are attached using cable tie mounts (replaced sticky tape with 3M). Both connectors are zip-tied together and then to 3 mounts (which are also covered with eternabond, to protect the roof rather than for durability).

    3.jpg

    Cables for now are going through rear window. I cut and put some foam into the window gap to reduce wind noise. Later I will either pull them through the one of rubber plugs in the cab, or will drill a hole and use a gland.

    In the morning sun I got 21V and 10.3-10.5A (panels are connected in parallel). Now I want to add some current monitors to monitor solar and 2nd battery.

    Panels worked great and the installation survived 3000mi trip to Florida already.

    Materials used:

    Corrugated plastic sheets from home depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Coropla...te-Corrugated-Plastic-Sheet-CP4896S/205351385 (48x96 is waaay too much)

    3M Double-sided tape: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Scotch-Mount-1-in-x-33-33-ft-Two-Sided-Tape/1002036724 (1 roll 'may' be enough, I wasted couple of feet)

    Panels: SunPower 110 Watt Flexible Solar Panel https://www.amazon.com/SUNPOWER-Portable-Monocrystalline-Lightweight-Connectors/dp/B0779T2SKP/

    Connectors: BougeRV Solar Branch Connectors Y Connector in Pair MMF+FFM for Parallel Connection Between Solar Panels https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Connectors-Connector-Parallel-Connection/dp/B07DJ5PHSB

    Eternabond tape: EternaBond White Mobile Home RV Rubber Roof Repair 4" x 20' - 20 Foot, 20 Feet https://www.amazon.com/EternaBond-WHITE-Mobile-Rubber-Repair/dp/B00AYPCJ9G (20ft was not enough, I was about 3ft short so I bought additional 10ft from walmart)

    Cables: Kohree 10 AWG 10 Ft Solar Panel Cable Wire for MC4 Extension Cable, with Female and Male Connector Weatherproof Adapter Kit (10FT Black + 10FT Red) https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Extension-Adapter-Connector-Weatherproof/dp/B07WD38KFX

    Cable tie mounts: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-10-Pack-1-in-Mounting-Base-Cable-Ties/50005764
     
    jeffw6236, drew.c.114, DZ_ and 20 others like this.
  2. Sep 23, 2020 at 7:53 PM
    #2
    Part_time

    Part_time Not a new member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2017
    Member:
    #11717
    Messages:
    1,447
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 MICA BRONZE SR5
    What in particular are you running on this system?
     
  3. Sep 23, 2020 at 7:59 PM
    #3
    YotaMan

    YotaMan Silver Bullet

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2019
    Member:
    #28872
    Messages:
    722
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado Springs
    Vehicle:
    2021 Platinum
    Looks great! Have you tried going down the hwy @ 80 mph to make sure they don't fly off?
     
  4. Sep 23, 2020 at 8:17 PM
    #4
    istr

    istr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39146
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tundra Limited Double cab
    Fridge, all lighting (including camper), all chargers, bug zapper (awesome thing btw).

    Was holding just fine at highway speeds for 100miles...
     
    1lowlife likes this.
  5. Sep 23, 2020 at 9:12 PM
    #5
    bob949

    bob949 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2017
    Member:
    #8794
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Is that an AT Overland shell I see?
     
  6. Sep 23, 2020 at 9:24 PM
    #6
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

    Joined:
    May 4, 2016
    Member:
    #3296
    Messages:
    9,380
    First Name:
    DADA
    THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM DC SR5
    That is BAD A$$.....
    Well done..................:thumbsup:
     
  7. Sep 23, 2020 at 9:35 PM
    #7
    Bob_Wiley

    Bob_Wiley I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2019
    Member:
    #38470
    Messages:
    718
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black SR5 Crewmax 5.7 FFV
    Very cool, nicely done OP!
     
  8. Sep 23, 2020 at 9:35 PM
    #8
    davidbii

    davidbii New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2020
    Member:
    #47261
    Messages:
    36
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    What charge controller are you using?
     
  9. Sep 23, 2020 at 9:47 PM
    #9
    istr

    istr [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39146
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 White Tundra Limited Double cab
    Thank you all.

    Yes, AT Overland Habitat it is.

    Redarc bcdc 1225d + Duracell lead acid 100ah aux battery + Meanwell 400w inverter
     
  10. Sep 23, 2020 at 10:37 PM
    #10
    davidbii

    davidbii New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2020
    Member:
    #47261
    Messages:
    36
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Interesting. I have solar panels on my RV but I only charge from the panels. Since you’re also driving and have power from the alternator, I can see why the dual source charger would work. I’m usually camped for days and don’t start running the engine until I’m moving, so I use a straight solar charger controller from Victron.
     
  11. Sep 24, 2020 at 3:22 AM
    #11
    smslavin

    smslavin New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #8578
    Messages:
    7,209
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    Hudson Valley
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra CrewMax SR5
    Some stuff
    a dc-dc mppt controller is awesome. i have the renogy version in my truck. don’t think i’d install a solar system without one.
     
  12. Sep 24, 2020 at 4:47 AM
    #12
    TundraBike&SkiGuy

    TundraBike&SkiGuy So I got that goin' for me

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2020
    Member:
    #49231
    Messages:
    179
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Minneapolis, MN
    Vehicle:
    2020 Quicksand Tundra
    Please show a wide angle pic of the entire truck and set up.
     
  13. Sep 24, 2020 at 5:07 AM
    #13
    Bammer

    Bammer I'm disinclined to acquiesce your request.

    Joined:
    May 23, 2019
    Member:
    #30901
    Messages:
    1,444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Monroe, CT
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra SR5 TRD Crew Max 4x4

    X2 please
     
  14. Sep 24, 2020 at 5:40 AM
    #14
    abomb60

    abomb60 Maker of things

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2019
    Member:
    #27904
    Messages:
    1,040
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra 1794 MGM
    istr[OP] and Bammer like this.
  15. Jan 22, 2024 at 3:51 PM
    #15
    britanyweel

    britanyweel New Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2021
    Member:
    #62883
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    It's interesting to see how you've tackled the installation, making it work with the unique shape of your roof. The use of double-sided tape and corrugated plastic sheets seems like a practical solution.
    Kudos on the attention to detail with Eternabond tape for sealing and cable management. It's clear that your setup is holding up well, even after a 3000-mile trip to Florida.Adding current monitors for your solar panels and the second battery sounds like a great idea to keep everything in check.
    But if you ever want to enhance your energy storage for those trips, you might want to check out Battery Storage Solutions at www.acebattery.com for some reliable options.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2024

Products Discussed in

To Top