Keith W wrote:
But more seriously, would the material of the canopy absorb the frequencies
used by the solar panel - if not, would there be a problem with mounting the
panel inside the 'glass'.

I don't think it is significant, but these particular panels don't have
any specifications that would let you know. The Strobl panels the German
factories supply on their gliders seem to have the similar ratings when
used under a canopy.

Even mounted outside, I suspect that the joint
around the canopy would cause sufficient turbulent layer that the extra
'roughness' would not be noticeable, if the panel were to be mounted behind
the canopy.

These panels are attractive in part because they are very thin (0.008
inches), about the same as wing tape. I"d put them on the engine doors
where the boundary layer is quite thick, but even behind the canopy
might be in a thick enough layer. The further back from the canopy, the
less drag.

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA