Roof Top Solar System

paddykevin · 01-01-2013, 02:03 PM

I use the E for camping out along the Appalachian Trail. I am trying to figure out a low cost easy to build and take apart solar system for the roof to warm water for bathing, drinking and even giving some stored heat to the interior. Anyone already played with this idea?

Right now I am thinking of painting gallon plastic jugs black and using a simple triangular design with insulation sheets on the bottom and back. would plastic film work for the fronT?

Thanks
Kevij
Buffalo, NY

Island E · 01-01-2013, 03:11 PM

Better idea than using a black plastic bucket......truck inner tube

http://www.motherearthnews.com/renew...z80mazraw.aspx

murso74 · 01-01-2013, 05:19 PM

that's a good idea

Island E · 01-01-2013, 08:12 PM

Throw it on the roof between the rack bars, maybe strap a cargo net over it to keep it in place and just go. You should be able to drive with that up there. Surprised that I don't see this more often. Going to look for a decent sized truck inner tube now. I don't need one of these water heater things, but I want one now.

murso74 · 01-01-2013, 08:43 PM

gonna try this out at bonnaroo this year

Amy H · 01-01-2013, 11:47 PM

This just screams latex allergy reaction to me!

Filmcarp · 01-02-2013, 08:23 AM

The inner tube idea might solve the OP's question for camping, but the idea of driving around with it doesn't hold water. That much added weight and wind resistance can't make a lot of sense.

Island E · 01-02-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filmcarp

The inner tube idea might solve the OP's question for camping, but the idea of driving around with it doesn't hold water. That much added weight and wind resistance can't make a lot of sense.

Seriously? Wind resistance? You drive a BRICK.

murso74 · 01-02-2013, 01:34 PM

ahahahah. yeah i'm SURE just putting it in a basket with a net on the stock rack would be fine.

GaryS · 01-02-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island E

Better idea than using a black plastic bucket......truck inner tube

http://www.motherearthnews.com/renew...z80mazraw.aspx

Wow! That goes beyond Ghetto all the way to Hillbilly.

(I don't think you would want to drink that water and I wouldn't want to even bathe in it. Have you seen what the inside of an inner tube looks like?)

01-01-2013, 02:03 PM	#1
paddykevin EOC Rank: Hydrogen Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 8	Roof Top Solar System I use the E for camping out along the Appalachian Trail. I am trying to figure out a low cost easy to build and take apart solar system for the roof to warm water for bathing, drinking and even giving some stored heat to the interior. Anyone already played with this idea? Right now I am thinking of painting gallon plastic jugs black and using a simple triangular design with insulation sheets on the bottom and back. would plastic film work for the fronT? Thanks Kevij Buffalo, NY

01-01-2013, 05:19 PM	#3
murso74 EOC Rank: Oxygen 2008 4WD LX AT Tangerine Metallic (TM) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: queens, ny Posts: 662	that's a good idea __________________ EX conversion checklist: 2010 cooler console: done. storage armrest: done. sun visor with mirrors: done. rear aux outlet: done. overhead console: ordered. sound system upgrade: aftermarket. center console sub: done

01-01-2013, 08:43 PM	#5
murso74 EOC Rank: Oxygen 2008 4WD LX AT Tangerine Metallic (TM) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: queens, ny Posts: 662	gonna try this out at bonnaroo this year __________________ EX conversion checklist: 2010 cooler console: done. storage armrest: done. sun visor with mirrors: done. rear aux outlet: done. overhead console: ordered. sound system upgrade: aftermarket. center console sub: done

01-01-2013, 11:47 PM	#6
Amy H EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2011 4WD EX AT Galaxy Gray Metallic (GG) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Washington Posts: 97	This just screams latex allergy reaction to me! __________________ Dirty dogs have more fun!

01-02-2013, 08:23 AM	#7
Filmcarp EOC Rank: Helium 2003 4WD EX MT Sunset Orange Pearl (SOP) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Orange NJ Posts: 207	The inner tube idea might solve the OP's question for camping, but the idea of driving around with it doesn't hold water. That much added weight and wind resistance can't make a lot of sense. __________________ Dan Dietrich 2003 EX AWD 5 Speed SOP dog and lumber car. Yakima locking rack. New General Grabbers. Three unswitched outlets in console. EOC decal. Proclip Ipod Mount. Survivor of NYC commute. Perfect carpenter vehicle. Great for my 6 year old, and now nearly a collector car with 100k miles across NYC. It is a hard working car. just changed all fluids, bushings, and the hatch supports. Here comes the next 100k...

01-01-2013, 03:11 PM	#2
Island E EOC Rank: Carbon 2008 4WD EX MT Kiwi Metallic (KM) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,750	Better idea than using a black plastic bucket......truck inner tube http://www.motherearthnews.com/renew...z80mazraw.aspx

01-01-2013, 08:12 PM	#4
Island E EOC Rank: Carbon 2008 4WD EX MT Kiwi Metallic (KM) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,750	Throw it on the roof between the rack bars, maybe strap a cargo net over it to keep it in place and just go. You should be able to drive with that up there. Surprised that I don't see this more often. Going to look for a decent sized truck inner tube now. I don't need one of these water heater things, but I want one now.

01-02-2013, 01:34 PM	#9
murso74 EOC Rank: Oxygen 2008 4WD LX AT Tangerine Metallic (TM) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: queens, ny Posts: 662	ahahahah. yeah i'm SURE just putting it in a basket with a net on the stock rack would be fine. __________________ EX conversion checklist: 2010 cooler console: done. storage armrest: done. sun visor with mirrors: done. rear aux outlet: done. overhead console: ordered. sound system upgrade: aftermarket. center console sub: done

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Element Owners Club Advertisement

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
WTB: Roof Rack System	imanalien	Trading Post	7	06-06-2010 12:25 PM
FS: Yakima 2-bike roof rack system/components	Tyr	Trading Post	5	01-13-2010 05:22 PM
FS: Thule Roof Rack system with cross bars.	SoCalKid86	Trading Post	3	08-24-2008 08:21 PM
Element needs .... Solar E?	jimtesla	Dear Honda: (Feedback Forum)	9	05-16-2008 07:44 AM
Thule Roof Rack System w/Locks	lvmyks	Trading Post	4	04-18-2006 04:36 AM