Bonnet solar panel

Brianvicki · Member

Bonnet solar panel

Possum3 · Guru

Never have I seen these but: On top of a hot bonnet isn't a great place to affix solar panels - heat would diminish power output.

Brianvicki · Member

Thanks Possum3, I was looking for comments from those with knowledge or experience

Also I touched an aluminium frame oanel on my caravan the other day and it was soooo hot, so can see the difference being on a bonnet

Dougwe · Chief one feather

The idea is there Brian but as Possum said, the heat. Maybe try it in the roof.

I have been saying to self, self, why isn't the roof a car the solar panel for electric cars?

Keep Safe out there.

Brianvicki · Member

at this stage, I think electric cars need higher powered solar panels,mits not 12v.

the roof is ok, but when we travel I have a roof rack on

Peter_n_Margaret · Senior Member

Most of the cooling for glass panels is from underneath while most of the cooling for flexible panels is through the top.
I understand that having no cooling under flexible panels will reduce actual performance by about 9%. The bonnet may increase that if there is poor insulation on the under side, but on the other side, there is excellent airflow while driving, so the net result may not be as poor as anticipated.
Also, it would be charging while driving and while stationary, although while driving is of little importance as there is an alternator that can provide a huge amount more power than any single solar panel ever will.

At $665 that is $8.30/watt. That is a very expensive panel. Top quality conventional flexible panels are closer to $2/watt.
Maybe put a larger hinged panel over the rear window?

This one is a top quality 200W glass panel ($250). On our new build it will be a 430W light weight panel.

The linear actuators is a luxury you don't need. Just a couple of small gas struts would be almost 'over the top'.

Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Friday 22nd of March 2024 10:44:28 AM

67HR · Senior Member

Brianvicki wrote:
I have been looking at these panels for the Grand Cherokee, is there any feedback from those who have experiences with these panels ?
https://vehiclesolarsolutions.com.au/product/jeep-grand-cherokee-2011-2021/

Try the seller and ask for customer referrals.

Or try the dedicated jeep forums...