Lensun Flexible Hood Solar Panel: Review & Easy Install by Gator_Overland
Here's an overview:
*Customer Review: Real-World Experience
*Introduction to Lensun Flexible Hood Solar Panel
*Why Choose Lensun Hood-Mounted Solar Panel?
- Six Key Benefits
- Four Standout Features
*First impression: Strong Build and Durability
*Installing the Hood Solar Panel: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tools Required
- Installation Steps
- Key Tips
*Performance Insights: How Temperature Impacts Efficiency
*Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Customer Review: Real-World Experience
To kick things off, here’s a firsthand review from Gator Overland, who equipped his Jeep Gladiator JT (2021-Present) with the Lensun 50W Hood/Bonnet Flexible Solar Panel. Check out his YouTube review video for an in-depth look at the product in action!
"From the careful packaging, to material annd wiring integrity, to clear instructions, to easy install, this couldn’t have been a better purchase!
I did have to slightly trim the paint protection film to fit around the Jeep hood bumpers (won’t apply to everyone), but other than that it was a breeze. Knowing I have the sun as backup for charging electronics and keeping the starting battery healthy is a huge relief and peace of mind, especially for off grid or being parked for a number of days. It’s had enough output even in cloudy days to power my fridge and top off my battery. Very happy with this product."
Introduction to Lensun Flexible Hood Solar Panel
Lensun Solar, established in 2010, specializes in creating versatile, durable, and efficient solar panels. As the world's first and only company to develop and manufacture hood-mounted solar panels, Lensun has set the industry standard with its innovative solutions. Lensun flexible hood-mounted solar panel is designed for passive battery charging, ensuring your vehicle's battery remains topped off even during extended periods of inactivity. With customizable options for size, shape, wattage, and voltage, these panels cater to diverse vehicle models and power needs.
Why Choose Lensun Hood-Mounted Solar Panel?
Hood-mounted solar panels are an innovative solution designed for off-grid power and vehicle battery health. Their main advantages include:
Six Key Benefits
- Support Off-Grid Power: Supplies consistent energy for fridges, heaters, and electronics. Positioned on the hood, it captures sunlight throughout the day for reliable, self-sustaining power.
- Maintain Battery Charge: Provides a steady trickle charge, ensuring the battery stays charged even during low use or long parking durations.
- Extend Battery Life: Prevents parasitic drain and supports lead-acid battery longevity.
- Minimizes Hood Glare: Absorbs sunlight to minimize glare, enhancing driving comfort and reducing eye fatigue.
- Space-Saving Design: Utilizes hood space efficiently without bulky racks, offering placement flexibility.
- Protective Vinyl Decal: Optional film safeguards paint and simplifies panel replacement.
Four Standout Features
- High-Efficiency Solar Cells: Grade A PERC monocrystalline cells (23.5% efficiency), outperforming older models with 21-22% efficiency
- Durable EFTE Polymer Material: UV- and corrosion-resistant material for long-lasting performance.
- Lightweight Construction: At 3mm thick, it’s 60% lighter than conventional panels.
- Easy Plug-and-Play Installation: MC4 connectors and smart controllers for quick setup and overcharging prevention.
These panels are ideal for vehicles requiring consistent power, such as off-road trucks and RVs, delivering a reliable, durable, and space-efficient energy solution.
First impression: Strong Build and Durability
The hood-mounted solar panel stands out for its strong construction and durability, built to endure harsh conditions while offering great performance.
- Protective Packaging: Arrives in protective packaging to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition.
- Durable Materials: Made from ETFE polymer, resistant to sun, snow, and hail, with a flexible yet robust design.
- High-Quality Wiring: Features heat- and UV-resistant silicone-coated wiring, and an IP67-rated submersible junction box with universal MC4 connectors.
- Versatile Kits: Buyers can choose a standalone panel, a panel with a controller, a panel with paint protection film to prevent residue, or a full kit with all options.
The solar panel's construction ensures longevity and reliability for various outdoor and off-road uses.
Installing the Hood Solar Panel: A Step-by-Step Guide
The installation of a hood solar panel is straightforward with the right tools, preparation, and adherence to instructions.
Tools Required:
- Cleaning supplies: power washer, isopropyl alcohol, spray bottles, paper towels
- Alignment tools: masking tape, scissors, box cutter
- Installation kit: 3M adhesive tape, squeegee, zip ties, plastic wiring keepers
- Electrical tools: multimeter, wrench, screwdriver
Installation Steps:
- Surface Preparation:
- Clean the hood using mild dish soap and isopropyl alcohol (avoid waxy car wash soaps).
- Lay the paint protection film on the hood to check fit; trim if necessary.
- Use masking tape to outline placement and ensure alignment.
- Spray soapy water on the hood, remove the film's backing, and apply the film. Smooth out air bubbles with the squeegee. Let it set for 24 hours.
2. Solar Panel Preparation:
- Test the panel with a multimeter or power station to ensure functionality.
- Clean the back of the panel and apply 3M adhesive tape (three strips at the bottom, two on the sides, and three in the middle).
3.Solar Panel Installation:
- Place the panel over the film, align with masking tape marks, and use a "hinge" made from tape to secure positioning.
- Remove adhesive backing and press the panel firmly onto the film, starting from the bottom for curved hoods.
4.Wiring Setup:
- Route the panel's wiring into the engine compartment towards the battery.
- Mount the solar controller in a heat-safe area (e.g., near the fuse box).
- Connect the positive and negative leads to the battery and secure the MC4 connectors.
- Use the Solar Life BT app to monitor the system.
Key Tips:
- Avoid automatic car washes and exposure to rain during installation.
- Allow the solar panel for 72 hours before washing the vehicle.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided manual, installing a hood solar panel becomes an efficient and rewarding process.
Performance Insights: How Temperature Impacts Efficiency
Optimal Temperature Range
- Solar panels perform best at 25°C (78°F). Efficiency may drop outside this range.
Managing Temperature Effects
- Heat from the engine: Lift the hood to reduce heat buildup.
- Cold weather: Angle the panel towards the sun for better performance.
This is a normal response to temperature fluctuations, not a product defect.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Lensun hood-mounted solar panels are the ultimate solution for keeping your vehicle battery charged and healthy, whether you're off-road or on your daily drive. Durable, efficient, and space-saving, they're perfect for reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying worry-free adventures. Stay powered up for every adventure! Get your Lensun Hood-Mounted Solar Panel today and enjoy worry-free, sustainable adventures!
LensunSolar Offer More Than 300 Vehicle Models Hood Solar Panels
In addition to Gladiator JT (2021-Present), LensunSolar also offers hood solar panels for various Jeep models, including Wrangler JL (2018-Present), Wrangler JK (2007-2018), and the classic Wrangler TJ (1997-2006), etc.
Moreover, LensunSolar provides hood solar panels for off-road SUVs and trucks from brands such as Ford , Toyota , Land Rover, Chevrolet , Dodge , Subaru , Nissan , Mercedes-Benz , Lexus , Volkswagen Tesla and many more.
Interested in becoming a wholesale dealer? Explore our dealer opportunities here:
Wholesale Dealer Information
LensunSolar Contact Information
www.lensunsolar.com
Tel: US +1 720-608-1288
China: +86 15759769602
Whatsapp: +86 15759769602
Skype: lensunsolar
Email: info@lensunsolar.com, lensunsolar@gmail.com
