AEV Snorkel and Hood Solar Panel
 

I installed the AEV Snorkel yesterday and while I was drilling and cutting the hood I install a solar panel I have been wanting to do for a while. The AEV install is really a cake walk if you use the right tools. I had mine installed in less then a hour and a half and have never done any body work prior. Those worried about cutting the hood shouldn't if you want the protection a snorkel can provide. I was also worried about glare with the install of the solar panel but I drove in directly into the Arizona Sunset without a problem tonight. It may not look too pretty but I feel better about running my camping lights and fridge with the solar panel hooked up to my aux. battery. So what do you all think.....:beer:

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Looks good. I wasn't aware they even made solar panels as an energy option. :thumbsup:

looks great 2 :beer::beer: s up

SO...this begs the question...what will the tree-huggers say about that for an energy source on the gas guzzling Jeep???

The solar panel should just help maintain the auxillary battery I run all none factory electronics when the engine is off. I hope I can run my ARB fridge and 12v lamps for up to 5 days without a engine start. With the BenchMark Daul battery set up when the engine is running both batteries are charged by the alternator but the solar panel I hope will help provide more of a deep cycle charge to the Opitma Yellow Top? I'm going to do a test soon and see how long it takes for the fridge to shut off with the solar panel. Plus I can switch and solar panel over to and charge AA batteries for things like GPS and my Camera. I like it.

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that solar panel is genius. Have you come across any of the flexible printed film type cells? Haven't really looked into it in a while but last i heard they were about ready to start hitting the market.

wow thats a great idea... nice i like it .:thumbsup:. how much do the solar panels around the size cost ?

No flex cells? I picked up this panel at Harbor for $40 - I painted, clear coated it and siliconed the side because the instructions say it is not water proof. I wraped the eletrical connector too. I'm sure water will not be a problem. I fits pretty well. The screws to hold the panel are a prefect match - same treads even as the stock windsheild loop/latch on the hood. I had to drill three holes in the hood to mount the other side and run the wire. I dismatled a solar garden light and wired it in and can charge AA batterys, still have to finish wiring and install a switch for the AA charger but it is coming along well. Left the vehicle out in the rain last night and the panel seems fine and is charging this morning.

Thats awesome, what kind of panel is it and where did you get it?

This is a pretty cool set up! I saw your pic on the "Bug out" thread and started looking into this.

I just converted my AA and AAA batteries over to the rechargeable kind. I only have an AC power recharger that does both AA and AAA.

I figured I'd use an inverter to utilize my AC pwr recharger. The stuff I'd be recharging would be:

Batteries for my Tent Light, Trail GPS, Headlamp, D - Cell Mag lights

I like your set up and may try something similar should I get a fridge. I think I may need a more mobile type unit. One I can take with me if I had to abandon my JK (God forbid). I found a vendor, but don't know if I can say their name.

A question for you: How are you ensuring that your rechargeable batteries don't get "overcharged" with your set up? Do you have any kind of regulators attached?