Permanent Solar on Nest?

[Chipsky]

...am considering a Nest as I need to stay small. I see that there is a connection for portable panels. Has anyone done/seen a permanent installation? I don't imagine needing the front skylight and could see a panel floating over that aperture. Thanks in advance!

[buzzkill58]

I have not heard of anyone doing that. I would imagine the fiberglass roof would also limit your options. But, there is a very interesting Flexi Solar Panel by Renolgy.

[buzzkill58]

Did a little digging... the flex panels while interesting do have a number of issues. The biggest being they don’t generate the power a hard solar panel provides.

[Chipsky]

The fiberglass is definitely more difficult, but I wouldn't think impossible. 3M makes durable products for mounting (https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/vhb-tapes-us/) as well. Also of concern is the limited space. I'd seen the flexible products but never tested their efficiency.

This seems like something we'll need to figure out... doesn't the base camp have roof mounted panels as an option?

[Chipsky]

I tried to respond but I guess it was moderated due to a link I provided. Auto and building industry uses 3M VHB tape so attachment shouldn't be an issue. Looks like it's a real estate problem?

[Silvr_Bullet]

No Pun intended but you have more Solar flexibility with portable panels. If your camping under shade roof mounted don’t help. Drawback of portable of course is you need to carry them with you.

[Chipsky]

Understood. I wasn't proposing to get rid of the portable connection, but add roof solar as another option. Would be nice to have both.

[NTSJet]

I decided to go with a portable panel, even though my local dealer would do an install on the roof (not really sure what that would look like since I wasn’t interested). I went with Renogy and got the 100w flexible panel and the Eclipse 100w lightweight suitcase w/o controller. Added a Rover MPPT controller and everything plugs into the Zamp solar port. I built PVC frames for both panels, and they seem to work equally well. Haven’t really needed them yet, but they will get some better testing next month.

[kendrick.l.j]

Not sure you’ve had time to poke around on the forum but the blue search box works well. There are a couple of real experts that make a living on solar install and all that would require. I would search solar and see if that brings up better information for you.

[Chipsky]

Thanks Kendrick... I have done some searching but didn't come up with what I was looking for, so figured I'd ask. I'm new and will keep snooping! Thanks! =)

[TheHoff]

A rooftop system has the disadvantage on not functioning optimally when parked in the shade, which is where you would want to park in hot weather. We also went with the Renology 100watt foldable with built in controller. About 25 pounds and can be moved to the sun. Also have 50 feet of extension cord to get it to the sun. Except for being smaller/lighter than my Zamp 160 w foldable, the two units are identical. Must be made by the same company.

[007pandas]

How is the power input to the two batteries? I'm considering either the Basecamp and the Nest for full-time travel across the US and the Pan American Hwy.

[TheHoff]

The solar connection is in the nosecone. Open the nosecone, find the batteries, and it should be on the right side as you face the front of the Nest
I relocated the solar connection to the outside of the nosecone for better accessibility. See the Nest forum in the Airstream forum on the app for photos.

[Kanusport]

If you consider the flexible panels google sun power solar. Their flexible panels seem to be really well made. In regards to attaching to roof. Look on YouTube for Rv with Tito he’s got some really good flexible panel reviews and install videos.

All that said I use a renogy 200 watt solar suitcase and it kicks out the jams. I’ve seen as high as 14a in summer direct sun. Also you can park trailer in shade and run panels out into sun. The suitcase is easy to store in trailer with some planning. You might also consider a lithium ion battery.

[tightseal]

Originally Posted by TheHoff

A rooftop system has the disadvantage on not functioning optimally when parked in the shade, which is where you would want to park in hot weather. We also went with the Renology 100watt foldable with built in controller. About 25 pounds and can be moved to the sun. Also have 50 feet of extension cord to get it to the sun. Except for being smaller/lighter than my Zamp 160 w foldable, the two units are identical. Must be made by the same company.Attachment 352363

We have a Nest and will look at the option (Renology 100 watt folding panel). Thanks

[SeeMeNestin]

I saw somewhere (I think it might have been on Facebook) of someone who did a permanent mount with solar panels. If this was you, could you post your pictures. Also, any feedback on your usage while boon docking. I'm thinking about upgrading to 3 100ah battle born, an easy start for the air conditioning unit, and putting solar panels on the roof.

Was wondering how you mounted them and how they do while driving? Am I stupid for thinking they'll fly off? 😬.

[daleyocum]

To my mind, the best flexible solar panels on the planet are Sunflares. nucamp uses them on their little trailers. What’s special about them is there is a diode ON EVERY CELL! That means they are far more immune to partial shading. They are expensive but if you have limited roof space and want to maximize what you do have they are worth a look.

[SeeMeNestin]

Went to Colorado and had these guys do my Solar install and battery upgrade. These guys were awesome… you can go here to see the pictures: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXfsp1FurC1/