T7 solar panels

[Melyn]

Came across this from Facebook - https://www.califaktur.de/en/products/califaktur-solarmodul-fur-vw-california-t7-260wp and looks like a really good way to get around the glueing to the roof and affecting warantee

It does remove the use of the roof rails however - but definately feels less invasive or involving glueing

With the amounts of issues I’ve had so far anything that could affect the warantee worries me a little!

Any other options folk can suggest?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Looks like far too much metal used, which will add to weight on the roof, and blocks any gap that can be used for roof bar feet.

Would guess that @Roger Donoghue will come up with a better design (ie - similar to that used in T5/T6, see photo, rear roof bar base feet are mounted within solar panel footprint):

 

[WelshGas]

Came across this from Facebook - https://www.califaktur.de/en/products/califaktur-solarmodul-fur-vw-california-t7-260wp and looks like a really good way to get around the glueing to the roof and affecting warantee

It does remove the use of the roof rails however - but definately feels less invasive or involving glueing

With the amounts of issues I’ve had so far anything that could affect the warantee worries me a little!

Any other options folk can suggest?

Free installation on the new T7

Hi all, when you start getting the new T7 Cali I'm going to need to see one to work out the new cable routing etc. To that end, the 1st person to bring one to me for a solar install will get the installation free, and the kit discounted. All I ask of you in return is you go into town on the bus...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

UK and Forum member.

 

[Melyn]

Looks like far too much metal used, which will add to weight on the roof, and blocks any gap that can be used for roof bar feet.

Would guess that @Roger Donoghue will come up with a better design (ie - similar to that used in T5/T6, see photo, rear roof bar base feet are mounted within solar panel footprint):View attachment 136383

Ah nice that looks a lot cleaner.

How does the cable come in?

 

[Roger Donoghue]

Ah nice that looks a lot cleaner.

How does the cable come in?

I can now supply a T7 kit, cable comes in through a ncie ply placed grommet/blanking cap:

The kit is in its infancy - a very helpful Cali member installed it today - I need to make some proper instructions, but I have enough to go on. It will cost no more than the T6 kits.

 

[Archie]

Is the van still under 2m with the panels installed? The van is listed as 1.99m but not sure if the awning is actually the highest bit, and the panels still fit under this height?

 

[Roger Donoghue]

I can't tell you for sure. but, the T6 was also listed as 199cm but a lot of owners, on here, and elsewhere, measure their vans at around 203cm+ with the awning in place ( https://www.carsguide.com.au/volkswagen/california/car-dimensions/2021 ) - and none of our 1000's of customers have ever come back with height issues, and I'm asked a lot.

Our panels add 14mm at the highest point

 

[dspuk]

Is the van still under 2m with the panels installed? The van is listed as 1.99m but not sure if the awning is actually the highest bit, and the panels still fit under this height?

The awning remains the highest point after fitting by a few mm.

 

[WelshGas]

The awning remains the highest point after fitting by a few mm.

I can only vouch for the T5.1, on standard wheels and tyres, that the highest point is the centre of the roof , fore and aft and R to L. This was done with a builders 2m aluminium level on a flat surface and it cleared the awning and the bolts of the one solar panel I had from Roger. The roof curves from front to rear and side to side.
The vehicle was semi loaded, no water in either tank, a full tank of diesel, a spare wheel fitted but no driver/ passengers . I measured 1.990 m.
I can't vouch for the T6 or T6.1 but according to the VW specification they are all 1.99m

 

[dspuk]

I can only vouch for the T5.1, on standard wheels and tyres, that the highest point is the centre of the roof , fore and aft and R to L. This was done with a builders 2m aluminium level on a flat surface and it cleared the awning and the bolts of the one solar panel I had from Roger. The roof curves from front to rear and side to side.
The vehicle was semi loaded, no water in either tank, a full tank of diesel, a spare wheel fitted but no driver/ passengers . I measured 1.990 m.
I can't vouch for the T6 or T6.1 but according to the VW specification they are all 1.99m

I went on top of mine on a flat drive and measured from the awning to the angle iron on the panels with a level. There is about 3 mm clearance between the two. I guess if the person asking wanted more you could trim the angle iron a little, tbh it is a little overkill.