solar panel on Symbol (1999)

by Roaming Shaz Tue Oct 13, 2020 12:01 am

Hello, has anyone had a solar panel fitted to a Symphony/Symbol and if so what size is possible with these models?
Many Thanks
Sharon

by Taurian Tue Oct 13, 2020 9:11 am

As you will know, there is not a lot of room on the roof for a decent sized solar panel.

I use a 120w suitcase type solar panel which I find ticks most of the boxes.

by Roaming Shaz Tue Oct 13, 2020 10:02 am

Taurian wrote:As you will know, there is not a lot of room on the roof for a decent sized solar panel.

I use a 120w suitcase type solar panel which I find ticks most of the boxes.

Thanks, are they quite easy to set up? Could I ask what brand it is? Thank you.

by IanH Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:40 am

Google Photonic Universe, you'll find loads of panels there. Remember you can have several to fill in your available space. I'd avoid semi flex ones though, had 3 failures, others have had none!

by Taurian Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:43 am

Cant remember brand as I got it off ebay a couple of years ago. Very easy to use, just unfold it, pull out the legs, attach to your leisure battery via the 2 crocodile clips and you're done. The beauty of the portable panels is you can follow the sun round during the day if you want maximum input although not really necessary. Loads on eBay. 100/120w is what you need.

by mikemelson Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:02 pm

I fitted 2 40w panels to my Symbol, joined up to give 80w, can't get anything bigger on to the roof.
I also managed to "shoehorn in" 2 110amp batteries, one under driving seat & the other in the locker containing the Truma & Eberspacher.
I find this set-up provides plenty of juice for my needs as I don't watch the drivel on the telly.
I have a 100w folding panel but hardly use it.

by Roaming Shaz Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:19 pm

Thank you - I'm assuming all Symbols have the large Heiki sunroof - whereabouts are your 2 x 40w panels? 1 near the back and 1 near front?

by mikemelson Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:01 pm

Roaming Shaz wrote:Thank you - I'm assuming all Symbols have the large Heiki sunroof - whereabouts are your 2 x 40w panels? 1 near the back and 1 near front?

One 40w panel is at offside rear, the other on nearside between the bathroom vent & the Heki, the joined cable fed down through the wardrobe on to the regulator above the rear passenger seat.
I'm trying to lift a pic off photobucket but can't seem to manage.

by glyne lock Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:53 am

IanH wrote:Google Photonic Universe, you'll find loads of panels there. Remember you can have several to fill in your available space. I'd avoid semi flex ones though, had 3 failures, others have had none!

Ian
You Keep saying you had semI panels fail that’s in the past and progress in panels have moved on.All the panels that had failed and I have replace had silver backing and you no longer see these for sale . This is a electric car that some now Have flexible panels on the roof[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]h

by IanH Thu Oct 29, 2020 2:26 pm

Well Glyne, all of mine failed in the last 3 years, all had aluminium backing. All were religiously fitted and never flexed prior to gluing, treated with extreme versions of kid gloves!
I wish the electric car luck with its roof, presumably they use that panel for the mobile phone re-charging!!!
BTW I still think semi flex is the best option failures notwithstanding, much lighter 3Kg total, no air drag when moving etc.

by mikemelson Thu Oct 29, 2020 2:52 pm

mikemelson wrote:
Roaming Shaz wrote:Thank you - I'm assuming all Symbols have the large Heiki sunroof - whereabouts are your 2 x 40w panels? 1 near the back and 1 near front?

One 40w panel is at offside rear, the other on nearside between the bathroom vent & the Heki, the joined cable fed down through the wardrobe on to the regulator above the rear passenger seat.
I'm trying to lift a pic off photobucket but can't seem to manage.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by glyne lock Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:32 pm

IanH wrote:Well Glyne, all of mine failed in the last 3 years, all had aluminium backing. All were religiously fitted and never flexed prior to gluing, treated with extreme versions of kid gloves!
I wish the electric car luck with its roof, presumably they use that panel for the mobile phone re-charging!!!
BTW I still think semi flex is the best option failures notwithstanding, much lighter 3Kg total, no air drag when moving etc.

As you say the silver aluminium backed are the panels that have a high fail rate this is the make I have had to remove and fit other makes of flexible panels . Lots only give a year guarantee but the panels I fit have 5 years and have not had any problems

by glyne lock Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:52 pm

Great use of the space Mike . When people want panels fitted I always ask to see the vehicle to see what space as to what panels I can fit . When you send the picture scroll down and you can check it’s only loaded 1 . I have done the same as you have here so always check now

by Solihull Baggie Sun Jun 27, 2021 5:11 pm

Interesting thread for me. I would be grateful of some advice regarding solar panels for my 1999 Symbol.
We usually stay on sites and use hook-up but I attend 2 or 3 music festivals a year where we have to be really careful re lights and loo flush. Daren't even consider water pump and water heater. Not fussed about TV.
We are also considering using the odd pub stop-over without EHU.
I am rubbish at DIY so would need to have panels fitted.
Would 2 x 40W suit my needs?
What would this cost me?
Would non-fixed / folding panels be a better option? Prices seem to vary massively for 120W panels from just over £100 to around £300. I guess this reflects quality rather than much better prices.
The advantage would be that they could be used on any future van as my old girl only has a few more years in her.
I do worry about them being nicked at a festival when I would need them most as well.
Apologies for the long post.
Any advice / recommendations gratefully accepted.
Cheers!

solar panel on Symbol (1999)

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