Is this any good?

[sternwake]

It would not be all that difficult to attach a panel to those racks.
But you say they are known to be weak. Ive had surfboard racks attached to factory racks that i did not trust at highway speeds. I would run an additional strap through the back doors over the boards for peace of mind at 85mph into a headwind on 2 lane road with semi trucks in the opposite lane.

I would enjoy actual data on how much more output panels make at various panel temperatures. Id then enjoy actual data as to how much cooler elevated panels are compared to those that hug the roof say if they fit between those racks as opposed to having to rest atop them.

My thoughts are if it is a few watts difference. Then lower closer to the roof panels would in many cases be more desirable, to some.

One thing to keep in mind is wind over a flat panel which is mounted on a curved surface. Like a transit roof will help evacuate more air than would a flat panel over a flat asphalt stick and brick roof.

Just not sure.elevating panels.for.more.cooling airflow.is.actually measurably beneficial in a vandwelling scenario.

If its 238 watts versus 241 more.elevated and conspicuous and adding more.wind drag, id choose 238. If it is 20 watts difference, that's significant but perhaps acceptable to the user.

[Snikwahjm]

I wonder about just getting a flexible panel and glue it between the racks. Maybe less noticeable.
What I read is that the rails fail to stay clamped on. There are no holes in that rail to attach anything to. Just supposed to use ford clamps. The roof comes up rounded so that panels will not go flat. Would flexible panels work conformed to the roof shape? I don’t want to kill the gas milage... it’s bad enough... not what was advertised. At this point I need enough solar to run my fridge and charge my phone, iPad and some batteries. I don’t think I need real high watts. 200 watts could do what I need.

[Snikwahjm]

I also wonder about getting a small 200 watt panel and mount it between the rails in the back. Is a smaller panel all that efficient?

[Blacktank]

. At this point I need enough solar to run my fridge and charge my phone, iPad and some batteries. I don’t think I need real high watts. 200 watts could do what I need.

your not going to run any of that off solar,thats the  batteries job ,solar charges the battery,the more the better,$100 for 300+ watts is a great deal i wish i could come across some day 

as far as mounting,i would drill through the roof and use carriage bolts,washers,4 90 degree mounts,preferred tube of sealant and the panel is not going anywhere

[sternwake]

I've seen an older transit with two flex panels adhered somehow, to the rackless roof.

I get away with 198 watts, but my alternator is optimized to charge as fast as.safely possible whenever engine runs. So is my plug in charging source and i do plug in when the battery is struggling with solar and alternator alone.

The amount of solar you can get away with is also dependent on many factors. One of which is how often replacing the battery is acceptable, to you.

Mo solar.mo bettah.
Id love 400 watts. I make due with 198...and other charging sources.

There's too many variables to say what you, can' get away with.'

Making solar panel size choices, it can help to look up The dimensions and cut out cardboard to those same dimensions . CAD. Cardboard aided design. When i see big screen tv creaseless cardboard boxes. I grab them.

[Cammalu]

Snik can you drill through those current racks and bolt another rack on top of that to cover the curve in the roof?

[Cammalu]

John sent me this to post. The racks are Thule brand and were recommended on a transit forum he found

[Snikwahjm]

He saw my racks so maybe....

[Cammalu]

He saw my racks so maybe....

That doesn’t sound right....

[Snikwahjm]

Lol ok.