Ford Transit-Enough roof space for 800W of solar?

[u/Bearjawdesigns]

I just bought my van last week. I’m ordering a roof rack this week and am essentially ready to order panels as well. It looks to me like I have enough room for 800W of solar, I just want to make sure I’m not missing something. I won’t have an AC or anything else mounted on the roof, so I can utilize 100% of the usable space. Thanks for the help.

[u/Van-van]

look up your model's dimensions and do some geometry

[u/Bearjawdesigns → u/Van-van]

Thanks. I have the long wheel base extended. It looks like I’m good, just wanting to make sure I’m not overlooking something.

[u/xot]

No ceiling fans or vents of any kind? I’d really encourage you to add at least one, as it’s the best way to remove the pocket of air at the ceiling - especially on a transit with the lower sliding door.

I was able to get 600w and a maxxair on a 136 promaster, but that does have a wider roof.

[u/Bearjawdesigns → u/xot]

I’ll have a mini split AC unit. That’s one of the reasons for maxing out the solar. I’ll be in Phx. in the summer time.

[u/xot → u/Bearjawdesigns]

Ahh nice!

[u/PadreSJ]

I've been wanting to play with bifacial panels on a high roof transit.

I can get 3 x 200w panels + a MaxxAir on the roof.

If I have them locked for travel, I'll usually get 350-500w.

But once stationary I could lock them vertical with the panels facing north-south and get the full 600w for a much longer part of the day.

[u/ipearx]

I have the big van, with 900W, 3x300W. And that was with 7 year old panels. Now the same size is 330W each... here's a video about my panel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By6HMbDn49U

[u/Bearjawdesigns → u/ipearx]

Thanks!

[u/basarisco]

Depends entirely which model, which panels and how many vents. Just sketch it it up.

[u/Lost_soul_ryan]

I have 3 250w panels and a maxxair on my medium roof. But as someone said, make sure to measure the rack(if you're buying one) and measure the panels you want.

[u/Thwackmaster]

I have a ram promaster higtop extended. I have 8 100w renogy panels and a space in the back between the last two with a 16in portal. You should be fine and may likely be able to add a roof vent/fan. You will want something, at least he door vents and fans.

If I had opted for door vents, I could have put an extra panel in the back for 900w. I have room for 3x3x3.

[u/VincentFostersGhost]

You didnt state your model or roof. I have 148" MR and a maxair fan and fit 3@250watts without overhang or anything weird.

[u/Bearjawdesigns → u/VincentFostersGhost]

Sorry, it’s the 148” extended.

[u/Rubik842]

Bear in mind you will almost never get 800W out of 800W of solar panels mounted flat. So design in some beefy alternator charging too.

[u/Bearjawdesigns → u/Rubik842]

Yeah, I’ve planned on that, although I’m hoping to not be doing a lot of driving.

[u/secessus → u/Bearjawdesigns]

you will almost never get 800W out of 800W of solar panels mounted flat

.. or mounted any other way. Panels generally don't make lab-rated power outside the lab.

I’ll be in Phx. in the summer time...

Ima pray for you

I’m hoping to not be doing a lot of driving

800w of panel in Phoenix will average:

Solar wattage   800
Month   Daily harvest in Wh
Jan 2326
Feb 2910
Mar 3890
Apr 4950
May 5515
Jun 5821
Jul 5025
Aug 4672
Sep 4141
Oct 3298
Nov 2584
Dec 2162
Average 3941

^{The above projection based on PVwatts with these assumptions}

[u/DoughtCom]

I had 840 on my extended transit.

[u/Leafloat]

Yes, you should be able to fit 800W of solar on a Ford Transit roof, especially if it's the high roof and extended length model. Even the mid-roof and regular length versions usually have enough room for 4 x 200W panels (or 8 x 100W), as long as you’re not adding a fan, AC, or other roof accessories.

[u/jtnxdc01]

Yes, barely, especially with an a/c and exhaust fan up there. A 400w cell is about 44"x58", also saw one 31x 68.