EnviroProf, I've not had any issues lifting with the panel on top. I'll note that we ordered our shell with the heavier-rated lift struts (40 lb?) since we knew we'd be adding solar within the year. The front is the harder of the two ends, but it's really that first 2" to get it started, then it is very easy. The last half of the lift, it practically goes up by itself.
Still amazed what this panel will do. I was at the gas station the other day under the canopy in total shade and was making almost an amp. I usually don't bother prechilling the Engel on AC power because the solar makes so much there is no need. Very nice.
Chadx, good to know. I'm not sure what I ended up with for struts. It wasn't a conversation I had with Denny S. when I ordered it. I ordered the Fleet with Yakima tracks but not the solar setup as I prefer to design my own system. I thought I read somewhere in this forum that if you order your camper with solar they include the heavier struts in the build. It would make sense that they would do that for someone ordering Yakima tracks. Anyone know?