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Show us your solar set-up tacoma

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by bulalo, Sep 23, 2023.

  1. Sep 23, 2023 at 5:38 PM
    #1
    bulalo

    bulalo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Solar panels , how do you guys set it up on your tacoma . Specs etc. now why would I install a panel on my tacoma. I need a way to power my 12v freezer fridge 24/7 . Since it’s only me and my wife, I decided to just leave the fridge powered inside the cab. Here’s mine
    Renogy 220w 10BB solar panel
    Eco flow Delta2.
    So far I just lay the panel flat but I’m looking for a simpler way to tilt it if needed when stationary .

    IMG_1044.jpg20230923_141348_Original.jpg 20230923_145358_Original.jpg 20230923_145316_Original.jpg
     
  2. Sep 24, 2023 at 5:40 PM
    #2
    Hyland33

    Hyland33 Well-Known Member

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    My setup is a 190w panel that charges a 50ah lifepo4 in the back seat. I run everything I use when the truck is off from that battery. There are more pics in my build thread.
    IMG_6464.jpg
     
  3. Sep 24, 2023 at 6:00 PM
    #3
    bulalo

    bulalo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks. Wow, I just went thru your build thread. It’s so dope. Thanks again . How’s the wind noise with the awning attached . Tnx
     
  4. Sep 24, 2023 at 6:12 PM
    #4
    Hyland33

    Hyland33 Well-Known Member

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    Not any noticeable extra noise. I have a slight whistle at speed but I think that's just from the roof rack. If I have the radio turned up at all I don't hear it.
     
    bulalo[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  5. Sep 24, 2023 at 6:29 PM
    #5
    bulalo

    bulalo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. That’s my next
     
  6. Sep 24, 2023 at 7:13 PM
    #6
    Canadian Joe

    Canadian Joe Well-Known Member

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    I have 2 -100 watt panels on a dedicated 27 group AGM battery, the one on the camper stays flat recessed so I can still carry a canoe.
    The one on truck roof rack is tips up on a simple hinge made of aluminum angle .
    I run a 60 litre dual zone fridge /freezer and it has run all summer with the fridge set at + 2 Celsius and the Freezer at -9 Celsius ,both panels down.
    If I'm on a trip the freezer runs at -19 Celsius .
    A04I8037-2.jpg
    A04I8720.jpg
     
  7. Sep 25, 2023 at 5:56 AM
    #7
    bulalo

    bulalo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Awesome set up. Is it ok for you to share how you rigged that tilting set up? Pics would be great. Awesome taco too. I’m slowly building mine but the end result will not be even close to yours :D . Thank you
     
  8. Sep 25, 2023 at 6:19 AM
    #8
    2013XSPX

    2013XSPX Well-Known Member

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  9. Sep 26, 2023 at 6:08 AM
    #9
    Canadian Joe

    Canadian Joe Well-Known Member

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    Here’s a couple photos
    IMG_2153.jpg IMG_2156.jpg
     
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  10. Sep 26, 2023 at 9:31 AM
    #10
    bulalo

    bulalo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wow. Thank you. Why didn't I think of this. Thanks a lot
     
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  11. Sep 29, 2023 at 8:44 PM
    #11
    TikiBird

    TikiBird Well-Known Member

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    I just changed directions on how i'm doing my solar setup after doing more research

    originally I was going to add an AGM to the bed and then run 2awg from the starter battery, and then use a cyrix CT to isolate the starter from getting drained. but after doing some reading it looks like that isn't a great idea as the without either a tune or modding the alternator it won't fully charge the AGM and it could over charge the normal starter battery. +solar

    also looked at just swapping the starter battery to AGM but again toyota aren't built for it and require a tune or mods to work.

    so now I'm going to have the bed AGM battery be completely separate and just recharged with 2 100w panels+controller. it really simplifies everything down to basically battery+controller+panels but i did already spend like $130 on 50ft of 2awg :( and i have a bunch of other hardware and accessories i'll need to return to Amazon.
     
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  12. Oct 2, 2023 at 9:41 AM
    #12
    infantry317

    infantry317 Well-Known Member

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    Won't you have half the capacity using AGM over LiFePO4? They do make lithium with cold weather protection (if that is a concern) for fairly cheap.
     
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  13. Oct 2, 2023 at 9:43 AM
    #13
    TikiBird

    TikiBird Well-Known Member

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    yes, but it's about 1/3rd the price.

    edit: was half awake when i answered this earlier

    a 100ah Lifepo4 is about $550+

    a 100ah AGM is $190.

    sure it's half the usable amount but it's also much cheaper to replace. and a full 100Ah is way overkill for me solo. 50 usable is 600Wh. I don't plan on using a fridge or heater or even an inverter. if i need an inverter i'll just start the truck and use the built in one for a bit.
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2023
  14. Oct 2, 2023 at 5:22 PM
    #14
    TikiBird

    TikiBird Well-Known Member

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  15. Oct 2, 2023 at 8:26 PM
    #15
    nvnv

    nvnv Well-Known Member

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    Home made 50ah battery box with built in solar charge controller and dc to dc charger so I can charge off the truck when driving. Run a 140w folding panel which is more than enough to keep it topped off powering my fridge and electronics. I like having the battery and solar not connected to the truck so I can get the solar in the optimal spot and I can use the battery anywhere.

    IMG_8130.jpg
    IMG_8105.jpg
     
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  16. Oct 12, 2023 at 11:55 AM
    #16
    TacoTuesday603

    TacoTuesday603 I welded it helded

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    What panel do you have? I am looking to do a very similar buildout but using my trucks agm battery with the victron components.
     
  17. Oct 12, 2023 at 3:38 PM
    #17
    nvnv

    nvnv Well-Known Member

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    Allpowers 140w folding panel on Amazon. I also had a Renogy 50w folding panel that I don’t think they make anymore. It was nice but 50w was just on the edge of being able to keep up. The 140w seems to be plenty to keep the battery topped off even on cloudy days.
     
  18. Oct 25, 2023 at 9:28 PM
    #18
    TikiBird

    TikiBird Well-Known Member

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    panels are on. was generating 88w on a cloudy day

    20231025_162059.jpg
    20231020_182401.jpg
     
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  19. Mar 24, 2024 at 10:16 AM
    #19
    akelty

    akelty Active Member

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    I mounted my Bougerv 10bb solar panel on a roof rack using mounting brackets. For tilting, you might consider hinge brackets for easy adjustment when parked. Solar power is perfect for keeping fridge running without draining your car battery, especially for extended trips or off-grid camping.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2024
  20. Jun 11, 2024 at 7:42 AM
    #20
    phdog

    phdog Well-Known Member

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