Solar panel added to the truck

Hey Guys I just wanted to share an Idea that came to me after reading a post where a fellow Tundra owner added a permanently installed solar panel to a Tundra he uses for camping and as his daily driver to power his 12v fridge.

So I don't really camp but the idea of having a permanently installed solar panel sounded like a great idea to keep my Dometic PLB40 LiFePo Battery charged all the time which powers my Dometic CFX50 12v Fridge.

So i Measured the bed of the truck and the size of a 100 watt solar panel and with those measurements in mind, I had a stainless steel fab shop custom made this base for the panel and I think it turned out pretty cool.

 

I dig it. How much did the Fab cost? I have a love hate relationship with solar panels. I'd love one on the truck for camping buuuuuut the only places I camp happen to be fairly heavily wooded which would turn my solar panel into a shiney paper weight.

 

Specs on the panel?

What other hardware necessary?

Been thinking something similar (don't want to drill holes in my roof for a rack). But that placement would have me worried as I offroad and my beds always a flexin.

 

the fab shop invoiced me close to $300.

 

The panel is a Renogy 100 watt mono (compact design). Sourced from Amazon. also needed the solar panel surface mount brackets (aluminum).

 

Never mind
I need to read

 

Thanks for posting. I've been researching Solar chargers for maintaining my 12v battery as I leave it parked 10/12 days in our colder temps. Also I was thinking that it might be a good way to power parking mode of dash cam?

 

Do you want to maintain the truck 12v battery or a secondary 12v battery on your truck?

 

That’s pretty neat. Do you need a charge controller for that battery or does it have solar plugs built in?

 

I like your idea.
Looking to maintain the truck's 12v battery. Tons more solar options now than a few years ago.

Want something portable to leave on the dash.

 

The solar panel plugs directly to the battery through Anderson connectors.

 

I have the genesis dual battery kit and have been thinking about adding a solar panel to keep the secondary battery charged. All my extra stuff is hooked up to the secondary one. I have roof racks already too so I was going to put it on top. I’m worried something will fall on it and break it, but I guess nothing has fallen on the truck so far except hail.

 

Nice!

 

with how much the bed flexes, I would wonder how that I going to hold up over time mounted like that

 

This is a really cool (and nicely done) set up!

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Thanks for the compliments! Is a great setup for sure.

 

The stainless steel base for the solar panel is not completely rigid and it flexes so it will move with the truck.

 

Was thinking of using these as my mount to body -
https://www.seasucker.com/products/...oVHRnk6MQ0NlBP_U5yz0L5GmzjXLIfJoaAqnAEALw_wcB

 

Is that a double cab without a rear sliding window?

 

Plenty of folks mounting them to Roofs of RV's for years - plenty of miles - plenty of flex and some even on off road rigs / campers...they last fairly well, it is the "flexible" ones that tend to crap out after a few years - usually from heat developing under them.

this looks like a decent install...

 

You will need to add a charger/controller otherwise the voltage will be to high and destroy your battery. This panel will generate up to 22.5 volts.

The following picture (specification) is directly off one of my 100 watt Renogy panels.

Also, please be advised that different batteries require different charging requirement i.e. Gell Cell, Lead Acid, ADM etc. and most charger/controllers can be set for specific battery types.

 

I assuming the OP got the kit from Renogy which includes the necessary controller and wiring.

 

I have been using Renogy products for several years and they do have a bundle package with controller, they are a good company with quality products.
Highly unlikely he has a controller otherwise he would have said from your question.

 

Uhhh...yeah. what's up with that?

 

Do any of the double cabs even have a power window anymore? I thought that was only on crew max now....my 06 DC had one but my 15 doesn’t.

 

yes.

 

The Dometic PLB40 LiFePo Battery has it's own PWM integrated charge controller, so yes you can connect the solar panel directly to it. It will self regulate and adjust the charge rate on its own.

 

Thanks for this clarification. Sounded as though some were inquiring about maintaining their truck battery with the solar panel alone...

 

Double cabs never had a power window as far as I know. I think it had to do something with the lack of room. I just realized OP is from Puerto Rico. I wonder if Toyota made a fixed-rear-window version?