lotusanne
Guest
Thats brilliant, wish i could have fitted one that big, and really good price. But 50 watts is better than no watts! 
lotusanne
Guest
Yeah don't think would have fitted anything bigger in Firefox, hopefully be OK in summer at least
lotusanne
Guest
It's really easy to do yourself.
I went belt and braces and bolted and sikaflex-ed them.
I certainly wouldn't pay more than a couple of quid for the panel fitting (i'm very tight fisted though)
As Firefox has said, if it's a self build policy they don't generally bat an eyelid. I quizzed my last couple on their definition of 'vehicle modification' and the answers back were similar - things that affect the performance/operation/reliability of the base vehicle. Now arguably fixing half a ton of fixture/fittings could be seen as affecting performance, but not here.
In terms of risk/liability - I'd suggest it's a case of being sensible. If you have absolutely no idea of how adhesive works / or how to operate a drill and install bolts (i'm not being sarcastic here by the way), then get someone else to do it. But i'd say that bolting/adhering a panel to the roof would be classed as something falling well short or requiring trained specialists/expertise.
Hi Hextal, I am sure its easy if you have some basic skills but am afraid I haven't had much experience with drills etc and a bit finger and thumbsy, would worry that I would screw things up, unless I had someone standing over me directng me. Happy to have a go at other DIY stuff like decorating etc but wouldnt want to risk ending up with hole in my roof and broken solar panel!! Sounds like the insurance issue is debateable, might try the anonymous phone call approach to my insurers, but if its on properly I dont think it should pose too much of a risk, heres already a flue and skylight that could fly off.. but they seem pretty well fited. But will see what they say, dont want to give them any opportunity to void the insurance in the event of a claim
maingate
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A WC member fits solar panels as a sideline and he is from W. Yorks.
He will have seen this thread but must have a reason why he is not coming forward, so I shall not name names.
He will have seen this thread but must have a reason why he is not coming forward, so I shall not name names.
lotusanne
Guest
No worries, could be lots of reasons, I agree don't name names, I certainly don't want anyone feeling under any pressure. Also to make it clear, am happy to pay for this , not looking for freebies, just didn't expect £195 and can't afford it, and hoping someone may know someone who can do it for less
lebesset
Guest
no problem with the insurance in germany ...but anything like this has to be presented to the local TUV station , and they issue a safety certificate [ or don't , as the case may be ]
try leisuretech at clitheroe
personally I can't conceive of other than doing it myself ; if they can sikaflex the panels on the outside of the space shuttle to resist the heat of re-entry it has to be all that is needed ; if , like me , you had tried to get mountings off when you changed vehicles you would have no doubt !!!
try leisuretech at clitheroe
personally I can't conceive of other than doing it myself ; if they can sikaflex the panels on the outside of the space shuttle to resist the heat of re-entry it has to be all that is needed ; if , like me , you had tried to get mountings off when you changed vehicles you would have no doubt !!!
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lotusanne
Guest
Does no-one know anyone that could do this?:anyone:
Viktor
Guest
Wellhouse Leisure at Shepley near Huddersfield could probably do this for you. Ring 01484 600416 (Dave Moore Parts Manager). They fitted two solar panels to my Black Regius roof when they built it and installed the necessary hardware control charging system as well.
lotusanne
Guest
Thanks very much Viktor, I will give them a ring now, have failed to find anyone locally atall
n brown
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maybe they're really really slow,so they have to charge more to make a living
lotusanne
Guest
Thats very generous of you NBrown!No excuse though, its really steep, even if you have to go dead slow!
solarman
Guest
Any luck?I had the same problem so in the end i put it on myself using just tigerseal and so far i ve been everywhere with it and it s still solid,it s a 80 w panel,fitted to 2 alulumium brackets and cable entry gland,here is how i did it Ford Transit Forum
Robmac
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I also plan to use Tigerseal. Should be no reason to worry about it coming off - ever!
lotusanne
Guest
Hi Solarnam, no luck so far, I rang the company that Viktor suggested and talked to a very nice man who told me that all the boys that do that type of work are off getting drunk cos they have all taken a long weekend... ring back on Tuesday, but not before 9 or they will still be drunk! Unfortunately he couldn't give me any idea of price though, or when they could do it and time getting tight now as leaving next Friday for 2 weeks
I enjoyed looking at the pics of your van conversion but confirmd that there's no way I could tackle doing it myself!
solarman
Guest
Hope you get it sorted at a reasonable cost there doesn t seem to be many people supplying this service so maybe that s why they can charge high!Have you considered approaching some caravan places and speaking to their fitters and see what they charge i expect they do them all the time but don t advertise it much,just a suggestion.
lotusanne
Guest
Yeah I think you are right, there definitely aren't many about not that I can find anyway. Thats a good idea about approaching the fitters, funnily enough i have just been to a local caravan supplier/ repairer and he told me that they don't fit them cos most caravans are either hooked up or they just put it on the floor by the van. he said he steered away from anything that involves making a hole in the roof! Have got one possibilty though, the autoelectician who is looking at the battery again on Tuesday has said he will have a go, but no promises.. fingers crossed!