I need a lot of storage space, including on the roof.
Also want a Fantastic or MaxxAir fan.
But I also want as many solar kW as I can get to fit up there.
Hmmm. . .
I'm thinking a large DIY cargo box, with a sturdy full-width lid that opens sideways assisted by gas spring supports. Panels mounted uppermost on the lid, no shading at all from mounting hardware. Ideally slide-outs to increase PV capacity, but that's another topic.
Tilting when opened to also be used for angling the panels when far from the equator or in wintertime, that can double PV output.
I will have sturdy compressed air, so ideally I won't have to keep opening manually as I get weaker in my old age.
Also ideally, can be opened **from either side**, pointers on that please, my main challenge currently.
Don't care about the MPG hit so much, but strength & stability, **safety comes first**.
Bottom portion of box shaped to closely follow the roofline, deflector etc for as good aerodynamics as possible, also allowing for the fan toward the front.
To reduce the air gap below the panels, maybe circulate water for hot showers etc, but that's another topic.
In general I'm thinking framed in aluminum for any load-bearing, foamie/PMF techniques on the box enclosure part, that will be just clothing other light stuff, cognizant of vertical COG issues.
So, what say you hive mind?
Especially on the opening-either-side hinge engineering, and reasonably priced ideas for pneumatics lift assist, or hydraulics?
Links to previous implementations of anything similar to this crazy idea would be most appreciated, TIA!