Solar Panel Installation and Setup

Davman · Dec 15, 2022

Ok - can we have your ideas on how to mount a solar panel on the roof of the Grenadier.
How to mount it - underneath the roof rack would be ideal to get it out of the way, but not ideal for solar collection.
Mounting it underneath the optional roof rails would be ideal, but not if you want a roofrack.

Where to run the wiring.
If you are using the Electrical Preperation, would you utilize some of the existing roof wiring sockets for that (the one designed for the light bar perhaps), or would you just run another line?

Opening it up to your thoughts on the topic, on the full understanding that in about 5 replies time, the thread would have deviated to some other obscure but semi related topic.

Greg · Dec 15, 2022

I was thinking a single panel at the front of the roof on twin roof bars, angled slightly to follow the roof line (mounted over where the safari windows would've been if optioned).
The small angle, whilst not ideal for solar output, should help redirect airflow over a 3/4 roof rack and maintain the roof line which i quite like.

pt888 · Dec 16, 2022

In addition to an angled panel across the front. I wonder, because I've never seen such a thing, if a frame could be mounted to the roof rack, set above the likely load height, like a "roof" over the load. It would need to be easily detached or swung out of the way for loading. I figure weight will be the issue to manage.

I don't know how those "blanket" type panels would work if one was simply rolled out across the load and carefully tied down.

globalgregors · Dec 16, 2022

Davman said:
Ok - can we have your ideas on how to mount a solar panel on the roof of the Grenadier.
How to mount it - underneath the roof rack would be ideal to get it out of the way, but not ideal for solar collection.
Mounting it underneath the optional roof rails would be ideal, but not if you want a roofrack.

Where to run the wiring.
If you are using the Electrical Preperation, would you utilize some of the existing roof wiring sockets for that (the one designed for the light bar perhaps), or would you just run another line?

Opening it up to your thoughts on the topic, on the full understanding that in about 5 replies time, the thread would have deviated to some other obscure but semi related topic.

Are you located somewhere hot? I’m a fan of using a solar blanket while the vehicle remains parked in the shade, if not unfold the blanket over the screen & bonnet to keep the sun out. I’m tossing up leaving the plug either under the rear seat or zip tied to a cargo barrier. Perhaps this is already a deviation…

Davman · Dec 16, 2022

globalgregors said:
Are you located somewhere hot? I’m a fan of using a solar blanket while the vehicle remains parked in the shade, if not unfold the blanket over the screen & bonnet to keep the sun out. I’m tossing up leaving the plug either under the rear seat or zip tied to a cargo barrier. Perhaps this is already a deviation…

Melbourne.
What brand solar blanket do you use? The cheap ones are useless.

globalgregors · Dec 16, 2022

Davman said:
Melbourne.
What brand solar blanket do you use? The cheap ones are useless.

Redarc.

To your original question, I was just moving my car and came across a neat installation on a Rhino Pioneer Rack.

DaveB · Dec 16, 2022

Davman said:
Ok - can we have your ideas on how to mount a solar panel on the roof of the Grenadier.
How to mount it - underneath the roof rack would be ideal to get it out of the way, but not ideal for solar collection.
Mounting it underneath the optional roof rails would be ideal, but not if you want a roofrack.

Where to run the wiring.
If you are using the Electrical Preperation, would you utilize some of the existing roof wiring sockets for that (the one designed for the light bar perhaps), or would you just run another line?

Opening it up to your thoughts on the topic, on the full understanding that in about 5 replies time, the thread would have deviated to some other obscure but semi related topic.

Get the frontrunner rack with the table mount under the rack
Leave the panel in that when roof rack loaded or when it isn't needed and slide it out on top when stopped/camping or when the rack is unloaded.

bemax · Dec 16, 2022

If there is a single Power outlet on the roof, couldn’t that be used as an inlet instead if you rewire it at the distribution and put an inverter in between?

Davman · Dec 16, 2022

bemax said:
If there is a single Power outlet on the roof, couldn’t that be used as an inlet instead if you rewire it at the distribution and put an inverter in between?

Yes, that is one option.

Pat-Ard · Dec 16, 2022

I know that Nakatanenga will provide us Grenni drivers with a cargo bear rack. I really hope, it has the same feature as the one for the old Defender, a lower first roofbar and so an angled first segment. And now add a frame with a solarpanel…Could be good…

ECrider · Dec 16, 2022

I'm very keen to fit a solar panel but my demand is to trickle charge the batteries rather than live off grid and power fridges etc. That could change however. I have small (12"x6") solar panels in each car fitted in the rear most right hand window (A6) and rear most sunroof (D4) wired directly to battery/aux socket respectively. They don't provide that much current but it sure helps keep them happy. Will have to think where to position the Grenny's as have requested panel sides rather than windows.

Logsplitter · Dec 16, 2022

on my Grenadier overland set up, I’m initially going down the route of suitcase style fold out solar panels as I already have one. It has its own inbuilt mppt controller so can be connected directly to one of the roof mounted electrical outlets. And for reference more than one mppt controller can be connected to the same battery bank meaning that I could add another suitcase style solar panel to my set up. Having installed a fixed installation solar set up to my previous vehicle, I have come to the conclusion that quality portable panels are more efficient as can be orientated at the correct angle and direction to the sun. Although you do have to store them somewhere. The attached link is what I have and is very effective.
A fixed solar panel set up will be made easier if Ineos use the CTEK D250SE Dual input DC-DC Charger & MPPT Solar Controller, in their dual battery management set up. Which is yet to be confirmed.
pros and cons to both set ups so different set ups suit different people. Hope this helps, links attached.

Photonic Universe 100W Lightweight Folding Solar Charging Kit With MPPT Controller

100W lightweight portable, folding solar panel kit for 12V systems with high-quality solar cells & MPPT controller. For leisure applications.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

CTEK D250SE Dual Input DC-DC Charger & MPPT Solar Controller

The CTEK D250SE is a dual input 20A DC-DC (battery-to-battery) charger & MPPT solar controller for Euro 5 & 6 vehicles. Suits lead-acid & Lithium batteries. From 12 Volt Planet

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Logsplitter · Dec 16, 2022

For those interested. On my previous vehicle which I’ve just sold

. I installed semi flexible solar panels 2 x 100 watt controlled via a Victron solar controller fixed on top of the Bundutop roof top tent.

CountyV8 · Dec 16, 2022

Don't Ctek make a ppt controller you can link to the system

Logsplitter · Dec 16, 2022

CountyV8 said:
Don't Ctek make a ppt controller you can link to the system

Yes I’m sure they do but the one I referenced is a combined DC-DC charger and solar controller this would negate the need for a separate solar controller. It would normally be used in conjunction with the CTEK smartpass 120 battery management system. If Ineos use this set up then it would be easier to add a fixed solar instillation wiring permitted.
There are plenty of good makes of Solar controllers. CTEK and Victron amongst them. I’m pretty sure Ineos are going with CTEK but not sure until the final production vehicle is launched whether it will include the solar controller.
let’s hope so

CountyV8 · Dec 16, 2022

I think production cars get the smartness 120 but the D20 is an add on .Seems simple a couple of bus bars etc.

Davman · Dec 16, 2022

When chatting to the INEOS guys about the Solar setup, one of the guys mentioned to use the spare roof top switchable wiring.

When asking another guy what they are doing regarding allowing a Solar Panel connection - he just laughed it off and basically said that is a bit beyond an OEM's mandate to worry about, which was not the answer I wanted to hear.

bigleonski · Dec 16, 2022

Davman said:
Melbourne.
What brand solar blanket do you use? The cheap ones are useless.

I’ve got an earlier model of this.
Solid quality and as said before, more options to place it without moving the car around as the sun moves. Of course no good to charge on the go like a fixed hard panel on the roof but I reckon it’s a more flexible option. Mine has tie down rings so you could technically mount / tie it to the roof while on the move I suppose.
I normally put mine on the windscreen of the 200 but the IG screen being smaller and more upright would mean it would need to sit on the roof or bonnet, or on rhe ground using the extension cable.

200w Heavy Duty Portable Solar Mat with 15A Smart Regulator - Hardkorr Australia

When you're travelling off the beaten track and need to be able to rely on your solar panels, this 200w heavy duty solar mat is your absolute best choice. It is made with certified A-grade monocrystalline solar cells with solid copper cell backing, extra-thick 1680D canvas and our exclusive...

hardkorr.com

Logsplitter · Dec 16, 2022

CountyV8 said:
Don't Ctek make a ppt controller you can link to the system

Sorry

I’ve only just studied the picture you sent. Yes that is exactly the system I am talking about. Let’s hope that’s in the final version.

Logsplitter · Dec 16, 2022

CountyV8 said:
I think production cars get the smartness 120 but the D20 is an add on .Seems simple a couple of bus bars etc.

Just checked on the 12 volt planet website and they state that the smartpass can be used independently but is best when configured with the CTEK D250 SE. Not long to wait I hope before we see what Ineos have configured.

CTEK SMARTPASS 120S Power Management System

The CTEK SMARTPASS 120S is a 120A power management system designed to work best when used with the CTEK D250SE DC-DC charger. Suits all battery types.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

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Solar Panel Installation and Setup

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