SolarHawk Roof Top Tent Solar Panel for iKamper Skycamp 2.0 & 3.0 (Powered by MERLIN)

SolarHawk Roof Top Tent Solar Panel for iKamper Skycamp 2.0 & 3.0 (Powered by MERLIN)

Rhino Adventure Gear

$539.00

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Description

Compatible with the new 3.0 iKamper Skycamp! Units are now 110watts!

The one, the only... The SolarHawk is a 110W Solar Panel designed and manufactured to precisely fit the central raised 'mohawk' that runs the length of the iKamper Skycamp 4X 2.0 and 3.0 Roof Top Tent. Whether it's powering a fridge/freezer, keeping 12V starter batteries topped off or enabling use of power-hungry vehicle accessories, the SolarHawk can convert your iKamper roof top tent into a massive portable solar panel that goes where you go. Go further and stay off-grid longer by packing your own power!

The SolarHawk is permanently mounted flush to the outer shell of the iKamper Skycamp 4X via an unbelievably strong 3M adhesive backing. It's always deployed, soaking up the rays on top of your rig with zero effort on your part. Best of all, we've used the most rugged panels on the market, ready for the abuse associated with prolonged off-road use.

We did our homework when designing the SolarHawk. In addition to making an edgy and bold stylistic statement by giving the iKamper a mohawk, we've gone to the ends of the earth to find the most robustly constructed flexible panels available. (Spoiler Alert: The best portable solar panels for overlanding were found in our own backyard! At Merlin Solar in San Jose, CA. We've toured the factory and met the skilled scientists and technicians driving their awesome R&D program). Because we use these panels ourselves, we decided to pre-wire the SolarHawk with the preferred grey Anderson SB50 connectors to provide maximum compatibility with commonly used overland accessories and solar charge controllers.

The SolarHawk is the only solar panel on the market designed specifically for the iKamper and it is available exclusively from Rhino Adventure Gear. We spent most of 2019 designing, manufacturing and thoroughly vetting the SolarHawk's performance on numerous off-road camping trips involving extreme climates (Death Valley) and jaw-rattling washboard trails. Our Electrical Systems Specialist and San Francisco shop manager, Chris R. has been testing a SolarHawk on his 80 series LC iKamper for > 9 months and reports it has kept his fridge running 24/7 as well as keeping the house battery topped off.

SolarHawk Roof Top Tent Solar Panel for iKamper Skycamp 4X Key Features

Constructed with off-road-ready materials: fully sealed, low profile junction box is impenetrable to dirt and water; adhesive backing dampens transfer of vibrations to solar array; busbar-free PV cells with redundant connectivity to withstand physical and thermal extremes.
Angular positioning complements iKamper usage: Morning and afternoon solar incidence angle for panels is improved when iKamper is opened (angle vehicle so Skycamp 4X shell is pointed toward sun when roof top tent is open). Panel positioning on closed tent is ideal for overhead, mid-day sun. This often corresponds to times when tent is closed for transit or parked.
Better battery performance: It's no secret that battery longevity depends on the charge profile usage habits of the electrical system. Keep your 12V battery in peak condition by maintaining healthy charging habits and not overdrawing your aux battery.
Built-in convenience: No need to remember to pack it, plug it in, or set it up; the SolarHawk is always up on the iKamper, working hard to convert photons into colder beverages or brighter nights.
Portable & practical: 110W panel is sufficient to power most fridge/freezers indefinitely, allowing you to adventure further and longer without worrying about running down your battery.
Designed by iKamper experts: Rhino Adventure Gear was the very first distributor to offer iKampers for sale other than their Kickstarter campaign. To date we have installed hundreds of Skycamps and have an intimate understanding of their construction and ample first-hand experience living out of the iKampers on our vehicles and trailers. Detail-oriented early adopters often come up with the best mods, and we conducted extensive product testing to ensure the SolarHawk is exactly what serious off-grid campers need to level up their off road game and unlock bigger adventures.
Warranty is indicative of high-quality: Material & Workmanship- 5 years. Power output- 25 years with 90% of nominal rated output for years 1-10 and 80% of nominal rated output for years 11- 25.

SolarHawk 110W RTT Solar Panel- Technical Specifications

Solar Hawk iKamper Solar Panel Specifications

Architecture of Photovoltaic Cells arrayed into SolarHawk panels

110 Watt, 23.5% efficient, monocrystalline array yielding a significantly higher power density than a thin-film panel.
Merlin's monocrystalline cells are highly efficient and not prone to moisture sensitivity
Merlin's patented grid technology dwarfs conventional connectivity levels afforded by older solar tech with busbars and also provides a robust & durable foundation analogous to rebar in cement.
Redundancy of connectivity improves panel durability and resistance to thermomechanical stress (aka overlanding adventures).
Elimination of failure-prone aluminum busbars results in a more robust and longer-lasting solar panel compared to the more widely available portable solar panels distributed by big-box outdoor stores and Amazon.

SolarHawk Battery & Charge Controller Compatibility

Compatible with 12V batteries including lithium batteries, lead acid batteries, and AGM batteries.
An MPPT charge controller is required. This means that portable battery units with built-in non-MPPT charge controllers will not work with the SolarHawk (this includes the Dometic PLB40).
The GoalZero Yeti Portable Power Stations may not be compatible with the SolarHawk. Please check the VOC input rating of your charge controller for compatibility

SolarHawk Wiring Specifications

Array terminates in fully-sealed, low-profile (18mm high) junction box.
30" 10 AWG insulated wiring runs from the junction box to an Anderson connector.
Grey SB50 Anderson connector is included for convenient routing of power to 12V accessories/batteries and charge controllers.

SolarHawk Adhesive Backing Materials

Backing 3M VHB & 9775 adhesive backing
Note: If you had a bad experience with Command Strips and are worried about this adhesive coming off, please avoid commercial airlines- the wingflaps of passenger jets that undergo multiple rounds of temperature fluctuations from -65F to 150F on a daily basis are held on with 3M VHB tape. According to 3M, removal of VHB requires solvents and an oscillating power tool to cut through the bond. It is insanely sticky and resistant to mechanical vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
SolarHawk adhesion to both the shiny Skycamp shells and the Rocky Black / Line-X shells was verified during our pre-release testing.

How to Install a SolarHawk panel on your iKamper Skycamp 4X Roof Top Tent

We suggest anchoring the SB50 connector near the rear hinge of your iKamper Skycamp 4X to avoid interference with Roof Top Tent opening and closing mechanisms. Connect to complementary gray SB50 Anderson connector of charge controller or battery set up as desired. Optimize wire connectivity before adhering panel to tent.
Clean iKamper shell with soap and water, then with alcohol (ideally isopropanol) before application. Lay Solar Hawk module onto Skycamp 4X, get into position centering it front to back and side to side (there are a few inches of play front to back to fit). When in the proper position on the tent, peel the front VHB tape and stick the front of the panel down to the tent. You will then unpeel and stick the remaining adhesive from the front to the back. When the entire panel is down and stuck, apply pressure around the entire rim of the panel with your hands, 30 seconds or so at a time. Make sure there are no air gaps between the panel and tent.

By purchasing a solar panel from Altitude Industries, I agree to the following:

Section A: SOLAR PANEL MOUNTING

) I understand that it is my responsibility, not that of Altitude Industries, to properly mount my solar on my particular vehicle, roof rack, and/or application.
) I understand that many solar panels typically do NOT come with a specific mounting brackets nor instructions for mounting in all cases. Additional brackets made by the panel manufacturer, the rack manufacturer, or by another company, may be required. A specific additional bracket may not exist at all for my particular combination of gear. Custom brackets may be required at additional cost, or I may need to employ the services of a local fabrication, welding, 4x4 or Overland shop. It is not the responsibility of Altitude Industries to provide you step by step instructions on how to mount the panel you have purchased, nor guide you through how to custom mount it for your particular application. Failure to being able to figure out how to mount the awning, does not entitle the buyer to a refund, return, or cancellation outside of the Altitude Industries Terms and Conditions, and restocking and return policies will apply.
Panels that have been taken out of the box and attempted to be mounted, are NOT returnable. It will be your responsibility to determine how to mount the panel, or to sell the panel in your local marketplace if you decide not to use the product once you have attempted to mount it.
) I agree that it is my responsibility to study the manufacturer's installation instructions (if any) and determine the appropriate method of mounting. I also understand that Altitude Industries may provide, at their discretion, mounting suggestions or advice, but that they are not responsible for solving your particular mounting challenges, gear integration issues, or to tell you your mounting solution "will be ok". It is the customer's responsibility to modify their vehicle with the gear they purchase as they see fit.
) Failure to properly mount a solar panel to a vehicle, rack ro rooftop tent, can result in the panel coming off during driving. Any damage, injuries or death caused to you, your vehicle, or any other motorist, is solely the buyer's responsibility and not that of Altitude industries LLC.
) I understand that I should always test my solar panel after receiving it for proper operation and voltage output, PRIOR to attempting to install it. Some mounting methods may not be reversible. Altitude Industries is not responsible for damage, costs, or time spent mounting a defective solar panel that the customer did not test after receiving it. A manufacturer's warranty will only cover the actual product itself, not related gear or your vehicle or rooftop tent, etc.

Section B: INTEGRATION INTO POWER SYSTEMS

) I agree to respect that the electricity can be dangerous, or deadly. I understand that failure to properly wire a solar panel, can result in a vehicle fire.
) I agree to follow manufacturer guidelines for solar panel wiring. I understand that the solar panel manufacturer cannot know what I will be wiring the solar panel to, and therefore, cannot provide comprehensive wiring instructions for all power systems or applications. This is solely the customer's responsibility to determine compatibility, and how to safely wire the panel. I understand that new wiring connectors or wiring may even be required to connect to their application.
) I also understand that Altitude Industries may provide, at their discretion, wiring suggestions or advice, but that they are not obligated to. They are not responsible for solving your particular wiring or integration challenges or to tell you your proposed solution "will be ok". It is the customer's responsibility to modify their vehicle with the gear they purchase as they see fit. If the customer has any doubts, they should seek the help of a local qualified 4x4 or Overland shop, wiring expert, electrical engineer, solar panel expert, etc. Installation services may be available for some solar panels that we sell at Altitude Industries, but not necessarily for all possible vehicles, power systems, etc. Any additional help, advice, or installation services in this area, will be charged at our current per hour labor rate.
) I understand that a solar panel is "dumb" and whether it is compatible with your particular power system has very little to do with the solar panel itself in many cases. The solar panel simply creates voltage and amperage. It is on the side of the power system that the user must understand how to integrate any particular solar panel. Take care to review the exact published output specifications of the solar panel prior to purchasing it, and compare those to the input specifications of your particular power system application. If you have any doubts, call the power system manufacturer with the solar panel specifications, to verify the panel can be connected. Also note, that connecting multiple solar panels (wired in parallel, or in series), or panels of differing sizes or manufacturers, will also likely change compatibility or wiring requirements.
) Most solar panels made for overland use are compatible with 12V batteries including lithium batteries, lead acid batteries, and AGM batteries. However, in most cases an MPPT charge controller is required. This means that portable battery units with built-in non-MPPT charge controllers will likely not work with the solar panel.
) It is your responsibility to ensure you fully understand how solar panels will integrate with your 12V system (starter battery, aux battery, charge controller, powered appliances etc). There are nearly infinite set up options possible. There are excellent educational resources about 12V systems and solar panels available online. Additional items such as a REDARC DC-DC converter, lithium aux battery, solar charge converter, or wiring connectors may be needed depending on how your setup is configured and how you intend to use it.
) The solar panel is not designed to have a phone, light, or fridge plugged directly into the panel output cable; rather it works as part of a 12V battery system.

IN-STORE PICKUP

Once your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email with your order details. This is NOT a confirmation that your order is ready for immediate pickup. You will receive a second email when your order is prepared and ready for pickup at our store.

To take advantage of in-store pickup, simply choose the in-store pickup option available during the checkout process. Below is a step by step guide:

From the cart page be sure that 'Package Protection' is turned off (slider button turns from light blue to grey). Then click "PROCEED TO CHECKOUT".
After entering your email address, under the Delivery method section select 'Pick up', then 'Continue to payment'.
Verify that your delivery method says Pick up in store at our Wheat Ridge, CO location and enter your payment info.