Dan – Aside from weight, since the J180 (Habitat) top is facing down when deployed, any rigid mounted panels force a set up vs. charge up decision. Even on a J30, I'd go with folding or flexible panels, so you can have camp set up when you want and where you want. Orient the camper toward prevailing wind, the best scenery or in shade, while the solar panels are off the truck and placed to optimal sun exposure.
Thanks for the reply. Thanks makes perfect sense.
I've actually been thinking about adding the panels with a hinge on the outside edge of the top. That way, when the top is "open", the panels can be hinged so they are then right-side-up again.
An advantage I see here is you could hinge them right around 180 deg for high noon sun, then lessen that angle until they are hanging vertical to catch the setting sun.
Depending on how the setup is done, one would be on the drivers side and one passenger facing "out", so really only one would be in the sun.... (downside)
I would put the panels forward as close to the torsion bar as possible so their weight will impact the opening/closing torque as little as possible. That way, when they are hinged out, they are sitting over the hood, right in front of the windshield, so a small adjustable rod could be used to prop them up from the sides of the hood/guards/whatever.
The more I think about it, the more I like a setup that is hinged but also allows for complete removal as you suggest. If I'm only deploying the roof for one night (in which case running the engine tomorrow will top off the batteries anyway), leave them upside down or hinge one of them. If I plan to stay many nights, take them right off and put them in the sunniest place for many days....
Maybe even just have one bigger panel, that can a) hinge to passenger side b) hinge to drivers side c) be completely removed.
So many ideas...
Thanks again,
-Dan