Safely storing Solar Panels

[MarkVS]

I am giving some thought as to where to store my solar panels on a long and rough trip such that they won't get damaged, and they won't damage something else.

I have a set of Mandrakes 120w with the alloy frame in the bag.

Where does everyone else put them if its going to be long trip, and there is going to be long stretches of dirt corregations involved ?


MarkVS

[bushbandit]

In the Xtrail behind front seats when rear seat system is layed flat .Same system as yours from Mandrake.

[GGV8Cruza]

Stand upright against the wall of the walkthough in the Tambo under the main hatch, have a hard case for them

GG

[KingBilly]

I too am contemplating this issue as I just purchased Mandrake's kit and it weighs 20kg.  I was thinking of under the mattress.  Interested in others thoughts.

KB

[Woodsie]

Carrying them in the 4by is probably the best option

[GeoffA]

I've mounted mine on top of the front box...........solves all the storage/transport issues, and they kick in when the engine is turned off.

They're well secured, but are easily removed at camp if needed........

[Mandrake]

If you have a soft top Camper - under the cover ontop of the canvas should be safe enough .. Otherwise upright in the tug ..Mandrake

[Clouty]

I fold the camper up and then just place them on top.. I haven't had any drama with it being there...

[bushbandit]

If you have a soft top Camper - under the cover ontop of the canvas should be safe enough .. Otherwise upright in the tug ..Mandrake

Is upright better for some reason than laying flat ?

[WilSurf]

We have it in the storage box on top of everything.

[Mandrake]

Upright / flat not much difference really but possibly less rubbing when standing up - Incidently it is NOT a good idea to put any padding material between the bag and the glass of the panels - Anything other than soft cloth or silicon type plastics will eventually scratch the glass surface - It might take a while but the constant movement back and forth can scratch away at the glass even cardboard .. Mandrake

[KingBilly]

And in your flash aluminium box would be just perfect 

KB

[Mandrake]

Yep !! You can't beat a good box 

[Burnsy]

I carry them upright between the engel and the coleman mounded plastic camp table in the back of the cruiser.  I find they do not need to be worried about in this position as they are fully protected. 

[Kit_e_kat9]

We store ours like this:

Kit_e

[JCAT]

Ours fit perfectly laying flat on top of the drawers I made for the 60 litre engel in the back of the Prado, almost like it was made for it. They are in the aluminium case. Usually put the bedding on top of it just in case of a stack.


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[Malcur]

I too have solar panels from Mandrake. I store mine flat on the bed when travelling. No problems on the trip to the Cape earlier this year.

Mal

[Bird]

like someone else, I either fold up the tent, and before zipping up the cover put it up there.

or

put the trestle table dwon in the corner, then lay panel flat on there, and then put a pile of the foam rubber squares on top of it, and everything around it.

[brocky05fj]

I chuck ours on top of the tent after folding up, then put the cover on.
Once the straps on the cover are tigtened, the panels are nice and secure.

No probs so far.
Cheers

[SteveandViv]

Is upright better for some reason than laying flat ?

Stops all the volts running out  but we find ours (from Mandrake in Perth) fit on the shelf in the back of the Tug.

I think the main thing is to make sure that they do not move around too much or, can be banged by anything. Don't put them at the bottom of the camper and then have the cast iron pot banging around as well, won't end well, just ask our plastic boxes  - Oh, you can't, they died

[Chris-Vi]

We just stored ours under the bed in the box they came in. Been to Birdsville and Fraser and they haven't moved or rubbed. No weight on top of them and a storage tub beside them to keep them wedged in place. 

[MarkVS]

Thanks everyone...you've given me enough ideas and understanding as to how much care I need to take. You don't think about these things when you get them initially...

A lot to be said for Mandrakes NEW fold up panels....Just a shame they are so much more expensive....but......over time................



MarkVS

[Mandrake]

If you think mine are SO EXPENSIVE then check out BCF and Supercheap and Anaconda and a few others who are between  $300 and  $600 MORE EXPENSIVE for a similar kit ...Mandrake
Edit - amended wording as advised by my editorial staff ..

[swanny]

When we had our soft floor, we would place them on top of the canvas once folded, did this for many a year with no probs, when touring in the  wagon I carry them on the rack on top of something which is soft, but not to soft, and tie them down with tie down strap, again never had a prob.

Take a bit of care, and should have no dramas.

Swanny

[LeighC]

I carry them upright between the engel and the coleman mounded plastic camp table in the back of the cruiser.  I find they do not need to be worried about in this position as they are fully protected

Just like Burnsey ... and we bought our 'Mandrakes 120W' through Burnsey 

Handled the Tanami and then Outback Hwy / Great Central Road this year and look like new.