RE: Solar on a Hybrid?

[GotDaughters]

 
Has anybody installed solar panels on their hybrid.  I have been on the phone back and forth with Starcraft, and they are basically telling me it can t be done.  They sent me a drawing of the roof section, and I am starting to think they might be correct.  The roof does not have any wood work in it.  Accept for the area right at the AC unit the entire roof is foam and Laun.  The outside edges are made of an aluminum tubing, but it is only 0.045"  thick.  
 
 Has anyone else run into this problem.  I can mount a single track on to the edge rails all the way across the roof, but is the 0.045"  tube stought enough to hold a screw.  The panels are light, but big.  They need something to hold them up there.  If anybody has any ideas it would be appreciated.
 
 Thanks;
 Gary
 

[Y-Guy]

 GotDaughters
I would tend to trust the dealer, however doesn t mean I would give up either.  If you have any A/C openings or fan openings perhaps you could get between the outer roof and inside ceiling and see what is available and if you might be able to slip in some braces.  Concern might be what happens when driving and wind gets up under and wants to lift the panel off.  You might void your roof warranty by doing it.  
 
 What about something you setup on the ground or tow vehicle when in use?  To get enough power you ll probably need one of those 3 panel setups.  I considered it but when I looked at the cost factor I just couldn t really justify it.  Pricewise I could get a small Honda generator and charge my batteries when I need to.  
 
 Have you read up on some of the websites about solar panels already?  If not I can probably find some links that I have off my old website.

[sniffid]

 GotDaughters
GotDaughters,
 
 I agree with Y-Guy regarding a generator for charging.  I just bought a 1000watt generator for $159 on ebay. Do a search for portable power generators and you ll see the generator I bought. They ve been on ebay for months - at least 10 auctions every day.  It s not the quietest generator around so I plan to build a " box"  with sound proofing to cover it while it s sitting on the ground running.
 It has a 15 amp, 12Vdc output that you can use for charging.  It may work for you, take a look.

[SheBantam]

 GotDaughters
Talk to Marcy, Forestcreature. She has something that she sits outside to collect solar energy. She had it last year at the Rally in TN for her A-liner.