2008 Symbol Solar Panels

hello

posted previously and had no replies so I'm reaching out again.

Bought a 2008 Symbol, tidy van and enjoying getting to know it. Looking to add some solar to keep the LB charged and allow daily use and some appliance charging whilst off grid. Sadly there is a lack of room on the roof for a decent sized panel - just been told i can maybe fit a 45W panel. Any Symbol owners out there with the same issue and any advice? I am just looking to run the internal 12v electrics and charge a phone/laptop whilst away for a few weeks. My own thoughts are - if i can't do enough solar - to get an extra LB that can be charged at home before a trip or a powerbank.

Can you fit 2 x45w panels ?

Paulmold wrote:Can you fit 2 x45w panels ?

Cheers for reply -  i don't think so as the roof space is limited, I'll try and post a pic.

I haven't measured the roof space yet - van is 5.61m long - so only the L shape at the rear to accomodate a solar panel? I have asked a few if we could lose the middle skylight over the kitchen area but they weren't keen!

Perhaps a 60w?

Local engineer in East Lothian says 45W! There is a company in Northumberland who will take a look - an excuse for a trip across the border. Appreciate your replies Paulmold!

How about a flexible panel across the front following the contour of the roof and another across the rear, you really need to publish the free space dimensions to get a worthwhile reply.  I have had flexibles glued to my roof for nearly three years with no problems.

Monty-Plym wrote:How about a flexible panel across the front following the contour of the roof and another across the rear, you really need to publish the free space dimensions to get a worthwhile reply.  I have had flexibles glued to my roof for nearly three years with no problems.

Cheers - i need to measure the space as you say - ladder purchase shortly! Any pics of your setup would be appreciated

My Warwick XL is a totally different roof layout to a Symbol so a picture of my roof wouldn't be of any help, there must be some Symbol owners on here who have fitted Solar, I personally wouldn't go to the expense of having only 45 Watt fitted.

Suppersready wrote:What about a suitcase portable system, a little faffing about setting up and down etc but it will perform better early spring and late autumn than any roof mounted panels. Lots if different sizes available too.

yes - have considered that but no experience. I am aiming to sort my energy efficiency - sort lights to LEDs etc. My use may be low but would like to be independant. 

Regarding the mobile solar - easy to fit the power leads to LB?

IanH wrote:Google Photonic Universe, look in there at solar panels. I'm willing to bet having seen your pic you can easily get more than 45w on there.

Looking at your pic I'd guess at 1200mm width and 500 or so length, this panel is 100w, and I only looked at this one, there are dozens on there..

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Only way you'll know is to get the roof space dimensions......

Cheers pal - as you say I need to start measuring - a new ladder will be bought tomorrow and I can put some measurements to the science!

Measurements are definitely the way forward but I’m sure you can get more than 45w up there 
Just for info, the newer Symbols have a completely different roof which may explain the lack of help from other Symbol owners.

We previously had a 2009 Symbol like yours but never considered adding solar … it didn’t occur to us, times were different back then and energy was cheap(er).

I agree with Ian H, I think you ought to be able to get a 100W panel on the rear roof section. Even an 80W panel would be worth fitting, which is what AS now fit as standard. Anything else isn’t worthwhile.

I think your greater challenge will be establishing a cable route through the double roof. The wardrobe usually offers the best option simply because it extends to the roof, provides just about adequate space to operate in when making a hole in the roof, and isn’t visible once the door is closed. However it’s then quite a distance to run cable to your leisure battery under the bench seat. A better option maybe to run cables down the “B” pillar behind the drivers seat, but that requires the internal roof lining to be removed to gain access through the roof(s). Not easy but a competent installer will find a way.

Tim

preparation is the 1st thing so a roof space measurement is needid to be able to help.
the area at the back looks a good size more then 100w will fit there

I have an Autosleeper Dorset which is more or less the same as the Symbol. I had a 100w panel fitted by VanBitz a few years ago which has proved to be very good. you can find them with Google, the information you need is on their web site.