Has anyone put solar panels on a rooftop slide out to expand the area?

Kevin Warnock · March 18, 2011, 03:01:15 PM

I wrote up another one of my bus conversion ideas on my blog yesterday:

http://kevinwarnock.com/2011/03/17/slide-out-solar-panels-for-my-bus-conversion/

That got me to wondering if someone else has already done what I describe.

The short version is that I'm planning to put solar panels on a slide out on the roof so that when parked, I can push a button and have panels slide out horizontally from under the main panels on my roof deck. This way I get more square footage of collection area, so I have a better chance of not needed to run the generator. I wrote up a detailed description on my blog, and included a link to a vendor that makes slide out mechanisms that I think would be perfect for this project.

If I'm not the first to think of this, I want to give credit to the inventor. I couldn't find anything by doing a lot of Google searches. But the collective wisdom on this board is such that if you haven't heard of this before then it probably hasn't been done.

Separate from finding the real inventor, I'd love to have some feedback on the feasibility of this idea.

Thanks!

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

JohnEd · March 18, 2011, 03:29:08 PM

Kevin,

I would not do what you are describing because of the roof slide seal complications.

If you want more square feet of solar panel you might consider "stacking" the panels so you could slide a panel aside and uncover the panel under it.

I would do some research into the daily output for a fixed flat panel vs a raised "tracking" panel.

John

Kevin Warnock · March 18, 2011, 03:47:56 PM

Perhaps I was unclear in my original post.

I do plan to stack them and have the panels below slide out.

What seal are you talking about? All the panels would be out in the open, not even touching the roof.

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

pipopak · March 18, 2011, 06:11:58 PM

It is a real neat idea, however to make it $impler I would attach the outside edge of the slider directly to the edge of the panel so, when opening the slider it would carry along the solar panel, with the additional benefit of supporting the overhanging side of the panel all the time, either open or closed,
Then you would need just an U-shaped rail with one wheel riding inside for each inside corner of the panel.

happycamperbrat · March 18, 2011, 09:04:56 PM

Hi Kevin! I did some research into this awhile back. I did find an electric car that was set up like that and I think it is a great idea for a bus. I would love to do the same with my bus

Kevin Warnock · March 20, 2011, 01:27:42 PM

Teresa,

Thanks for the info. Do you have a link to the electric car with the sliding solar panels?

Kevin Warnock
http://KevinWarnock.com - my blog

JohnEd · March 20, 2011, 01:56:59 PM

Kevin,

I had wanted to install a deck on the roof of my intended Prevost. I also intend to use the roof airs and ducting. That leaves little roof space for my solar panels and the "stacking and sliding" idea might just let me get enough are to make it all work together. Thanks.

I thought you were talking about embedding solar panels in the roof of your slide out ROOM.

Sorry 'bout that,

John

Lin · March 20, 2011, 02:10:34 PM

John,

I wonder if those peel and stick solar panels could be put on top of the roof airs, ducting, etc.

happycamperbrat · March 20, 2011, 02:25:05 PM

I will try to find the photos again. I just googled something like "charging ev solar power" to find it and clicked on images. That was about a year ago and the last time I did it I couldnt find the pic anymore...

As for the peel and stick, from what I have learned they arent as efficient (yet) as the panels but I think in the upcoming future they would be a good option maybe even to stripe or decal a bus with....

JohnEd · March 20, 2011, 08:18:31 PM

There is a new generation of cells about to hit the market. Their efficiency is supposed to be phenom. I only recall bits and pieces but I recall they were talking of a solar paint but doesn't that sound far fetched?

John

happycamperbrat · March 20, 2011, 09:03:30 PM

Kevin, I was just reading your blog and I had misunderstood..... The panels on the ev I saw were not on slides, they were hinged!

bevans6 · March 21, 2011, 05:04:59 AM

What is the current thinking on cost/KWH, and size/KWH on solar? My new property has a perfect pair of south facing roofs on my buildings, around 3600 sq ft total area. I was idly thinking about solar on it.

Brian

NewbeeMC9 · March 21, 2011, 07:40:02 AM

With some thought and planning, it could be your awning.

Part of solar feasibility is reducing energy usage/need.

Great idea for saving energy.

Don,t confuse it with saving money, you wouldn't have a bus if that was you goal

Keep us posted.

5B Steve · March 21, 2011, 08:05:32 AM

What would be nice if you could build a Joey bed device per say under the bus and place it on there and

pull it out when needed! Just my thought.

Steve 5B.......

happycamperbrat · March 21, 2011, 09:08:41 AM

If you are building the panels yourself, with careful planning you can get around 1 watt for as low as 0.75 If you are buying brand new name brand then it is as much as 4.00 a watt. With the flexible panels, they are more....