Well, why not just get a canopy that covers the whole van and then-some, with a hole for the panel... You're either setting up the solar panel, or you're setting up the canopy. 

From: Mike Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Solar

> Living here in the U.S. southwest, I couldn't put our panels on the roof
> as we prefer to camp in the shade. YMMV due to personal comfort zone or
> climate zone.
> 
> Our rig: http://camping.elliott.googlepages.com/aboutoursolarpowerrig
> 
> Of course, if we move to more northern latitudes, roof-mounting might be
> just the ticket. In the meantime, some possible useful information:
> 
> http://vanagonwiki.net/index.php/Solar
> 
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
> KG6RCR
> 
> On 5/1/2008 8:18 AM Mark C wrote:
> 
> > I'm in the market for a really good solar panel. It will go on the roof. I know some people have used Kyocera with a 120 watts. Does anyone have any good leads or recommendations? This will be for on the roof. Thanks.
> >
> 

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