Hatch

Our panels are running length ways same as the van, Cross ways and I think you may have a cleaning problem and will need to use an extension handle to reach the far end of the panel, Width wise I dont think you will get 2 panels end to end, I think it would be longer than the width of the van, but I could be wrong on that.

Frankly I dont have any problems with the hatch, rain or dust, so no need to change what works on an BT in my opinion

Ken,

The 4 season hatches have always had opening on all 4 sides.
We have had our van since 2001 and it has travelled over 200,000Km.

Early on we were advised to put a piece of foam rubber inside the hatch to catch any dust as we were going to travel on some very dusty roads.
We did this and found that there was no dust on the foam so we took it out and found that no matter how dusty the roads are that we never get dust inside the van.

The only time we have had dust in is when the windows or vents have been open while camped and a dust storm has blown through.

As for changing the location of the solar panels from length way along the van I would also advise against it. The roof may look flat but it is slightly higher in the centre than the edges, so fitting would not be as neat or a practical.

The only thing that you need to consider with the fitting of the solar panels is the TV antennas that if fitted beside the solar panel will cast a shadow over the panel and reduce its efficiency considerably. TV antennas are not fitted by BTi so you will need to contact the installer about that.

BTi have been fitting solar panels lengthways for many years. It works so why try to get them to change something that works.

Brian