How to Install Solar Panels - Budget Van Build Ep 10
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- It's time to install the new solar panels on our budget camper van build.
We show you how to fit Renogy Solar panels direct to the roof of your van.
If you would like to purchase any of the products shown in this video here are the links you need:-
Renogy 175W Solar Panels www.ebay.co.uk...
Solar Panel Mounting Brackets www.ebay.co.uk...
Renogy DC to DC charger with built-in MPPT www.ebay.co.uk...
MC4 Y Branch Connectors, Cables & Fuses www.ebay.co.uk...
Dewalt 18v Drill www.ebay.co.uk...
Sikaflex 522 adhesive sealant www.ebay.co.uk...
Sikaflex EBT+ Black Adhesive Sealant www.ebay.co.uk...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Mule Vans Roof Bracket & Website link
mulevans.co.uk...
Please do consider subscribing to the channel, it's FREE, and set up notifications so you don't miss the next videos in this series.
If you would like to say thank you with a small donation please do so here www.paypal.me/...
Thank you very much for watching
Best wishes
Greg & Lou
#renogysolarpanels #fiatducatocamper #selfbuildcamper #vanlife
PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE COMMENTING
1. I put electrical tape on the ends of the cables so they would not touch anything metal as they were threaded through the van. It’s best to leave a panel disconnected to make sure there are no short circuits while running cables.
2. The gland box was deliberately placed that way round to avoid cables hanging in mid air over the back of the van. They do not leak this way around if you tighten the glands around the cables.
I will add to this thread if I continue to get repeat questions. Thank you 🙏🏼
Greg any particular reason for using sikaflex EBT on the gland box? Would Silaflex 522 be okay?
@@darrensmith403 only because it was black and I had it already. I wanted the black to match the gland box.
@@GregVirgoe perfect. I have plenty of sikaflex 522 so I’ll just use that. Thanks mate
Very instructive . No blaring music. Simple quiet and educational. Thanks
Really appreciate your feedback. Glad you liked it. 👍🏼😃
Love your work Greg! I’m about to embark on my first build with zero experience. Thanks for your awesome videos! 🙌
Another excellent video. I'm completely in the dark about solar but I have a mate who's a qualified solar installer for domestic properties - now I can talk about my van solar installation with him and not sound completely clueless!
If you would like to watch this video you will be more armed to chat off grid van electrics. th-cam.com/video/xCw7eARJKOg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8N_OFSZiyy9G-J_B
For fixing the solar panels to the roof, I used plastic corner fittings bonded to the roof with Sikkaflex. You definitely don't need to drill the roof, and you don't need bolts or screws into the roof. It's been up there 3 years now. Absolutely bombproof.
Until years of wind force loading/lift and vibration weakens the adhesive and it one day becomes a 10kg missile into the back of a minivan when you brake hard. I hate the idea of putting holes in the roof, but it's not worth the risk of the thing sliding off at 100kmph.
You will end up using this van more than the Sprinter until you sell it, just because of the smaller size. It's a pleasure watching these series.
It would be great to use on my own but I suspect that won't be allowed lol :D
Great video again for the ill informed - the reason I like this series is you explain the why in a manner I can understand
Thanks
That’s great 😃 I’m glad you’re enjoying the pace of these videos 👍🏼😃
I’ve installed solar systems myself but it’s good to watch someone doing it correctly, thanks Greg. 👍🇮🇲
I really appreciate your kind comment thank you 🙏🏼😃
I feel now enlightened by your install, and all the knowledge 😄 I can see you also taped the ends of the wires 🙂
I should have made a point of mentioning it in the video so I do get the few health and safety comments are good advice 😊
Good on you once again. Love watching your videos 👍
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
I have converted 1 van but want to go bigger and have watched hundreds of videos. Yours is the best. You explain it all in so much detail!. Thank you so much. I cannot wait for the next chapter. This will be so helpful when I get my next van.!
Thank you. I’m glad that you are finding these to be useful 😃👍🏼
Really good job!!!!!! I use solar panels but have no clue to mount them. I just sit them up there and remove then when I am done. Wish I had this skill.
I am a 75 yoa DIYer from Washington state. Thank you for the clear and useable presentation. It was very useful as I am about to start my first conversion build. I am very interested in how the cables/couplers were secured beneath the panels to prevent rattling/ etc. Thanks again!! Subscribed😊
Nice and clear information again. Thanks for your time. Cheers. Jim
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a nice comment that really does help me 😃👍🏼
fit my panel this morning before watching you this evening almost the same put my panels left and right so i could use all the wholes in the brackets I enjoy watching this build and nothing scary this time lol
After I did it I thought I could have fitted the brackets to the end of the panels and possibly done the same. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe you could fit an extra bracket if you think it needs it or just for peace of mind
I love this series couldn’t wait to watch the next video. Appreciate all of your efforts. 🩵☮️
You are so good at explaining your thought processes. Invaluable resource this series!
I just bought a van to convert. I hope I can figure this all out. My life will begin when I'm ready! (Going to tour Australia).
I am in Western Australia, just discovered Greg while looking through other van builds! I am taken straight away by his quiet friendly instructive manner ! I am building a Ford Transit campervan , but as it was 37 degrees centigrade ( 102 Fahr) outside this afternoon I was happy to to sit indoors in the Air/con & learn about installing the Maxair roof vent/ Fan which will certainly be my choice when the time comes ! Looking forward to watching all your other helpful videos as I tackle each procedure! Cheers Mate!
I like how you only screwed the panel mounts into the high spots on the roof, but not in the valleys. It is funny how some people will spend $500 on a 50lb roof rack just to avoid making a few screw holes in their roof, then cut 2 giant holes for fans. I wonder though if you would not be better off using a bolt/rubber washer/van roof/lock washer/nut attachment, as those sheet metal screws might vibrate loose after a couple years.
Yes there’s a dozen screws in each roof fan so a few more makes no difference. I would expect the sikaflex to hold them very solid
Really nice job, and a very helpful video!
Bought a Peugeot boxer lwb. I’m following every step of this budget van build and cannot wait for the electrical part which I’m struggling to get my head around. Thanks Greg your channel is a massive help.
I’m sure you’ll find it to be useful 🤩👍🏼
Brilliant as always Greg.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks for another informative video Greg. Invariably there will be a lot of vibration of the solar panels and the nuts securing the solar panel to the bracket may loosen. If you haven't got nylon insert nuts as you suggested, a couple of drops of locktite threadlocker on the bolt should prevent vibrational loosening. Or you could use a second nut as a jam nut to prevent loosing. Looking forward to the next video.
They have spring washers and I don’t expect there to be any issues. Thanks
Another super helpful video in this series Greg and very similar setup to what I’ve gone for so even more helpful to me, I’ve fixed my solar panels on via a homemade unistrut roof rack using the “Mule” brackets. Can’t wait to see what’s next 👍🏻
I wanted these to sit lower to the roof more stealth and obviously to keep the costs down too
Good morning, I hope you're well... I love the videos. Very helpful and informative. Just purchased my van, and your videos are helping me to tackle jobs that I would often get others to do for me.
Would love a couple of grommets if you've still got any going. Will be copying your solar power system installed.
Many thanks. Keep the videos coming.
Ken
Please pm me on social media with contact details. 👍🏼🤩
Thank you for this video, I am also fitting out my van and you answered all my questions. Bob Australia.
Really excellent instructional video Greg. If I fit solar panels to my 2005 Carthago i47 motorhome I think that I will simply follow your blueprint.
Just make sure the surface is clean 👍🏼😃
Great video, really good to see you back at another van conversion Greg.
I’m half way through my own Transit Mk8 MWB van and just completed the first fix electrical, I used a similar set up to yourself but just smaller for my needs; 200w panel,
Lithium 175Ah, 30amp DCDC MPPT.
I found the Renogy gear to be fantastic value for money, great quality, and a hassle free installation, I hope you do to.
Looking in forward to the next update, all the best! 👍
Yes I agree the brand has got good reputation for quality and still at affordable prices. I think the combined units are really good idea too. 😊
Can you mention the boost and float modes on your next video, I think it would really benefit your viewers.
Not sure if your going with an inverter on this build, but I would highly recommend the Renogy ones, the automatic switch over is superb!
@@craigwatson4631 yes I will do and I have got their inverter too. The mains changeover is a fantastic feature 👍🏼😃
You could have saved on the grommets and just slid the conduit through the hole in the roof.
But great build Greg keep up the good work.
That would be a good idea yes 👍🏼
If you want extra panels Ona roof use some long drawer slides to position one over the other with locking catches and a length of wire. Use one for full time use and pull the other out when you need it.
That’s an interesting idea 💡😃
Cheers greg could you recommend a video tutorial please 😃
Would that effect the other panels if one is not being used and in shade?
@@neilkelsey3178 if you wire the two sets of panels in parallel then it would work fine in both positions as the shaded panels would have no affect on the others. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoethis is interesting, do you or anyone reading this comment have a video/photo solution of them being stacked with a drawer style pull out for when using/parked up?
This would be a good solution for us I think as we have the TentBox on the roof too. We have a Caddy Maxi by the way 😅
That’s mint mate all clear in my mind can’t wait for next video
Thank you Peter 😊
Another fantastic video very educational 👍
Thank you very much Gary
I’m just starting my self build. I’ve just bought a Citroen relay, LWB, H3L2. I previously had a Talbot Express 5 birth which I’ve now sold. These videos are great and I’m going to follow along to get my build done. Thanks for all your efforts, it’s because of people like yourself it gives confidence to first timers like me. I’d have never have started a project like this if not for your videos. 🙏🏻
That’s brilliant 🤩 I hope there is plenty of good tips to make your job much easier. Please do tag me in any posts on social media so I can follow your progress. Hope all goes well 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg I will do you are a true gent.
Well explained and laid out.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Again superb Greg. Quick Q from an electrical total novice. Will you shortly be explaining how much power these panels give you and what they will power and for how long, when the batteries are fully charged? The reason i ask is i am going to follow you 100% in this, but i am not sure if my power needs will match yours? I'm not going to be living in it full time, just holidays etc. Like you i imagine.
We live in our Sprinter van full time and coming up for 5yrs now. Have you seen those videos?
@@GregVirgoe oh shoot. Thanks will look there. Wow did not realise you’re a full-timer. 👍
Another great video Greg cheers👌.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Great videos and great video series Greg! It’s nice to have some content out their for new builders from people who really think their conversions through!
Hopefully it will give some sound advice to anyone who needs help to achieve their dreams.
It is so rare to see DIY van build videos that are actually useful, informative, and not just clickbait - thank you!
Always useful, master
A bit of hamerite on the exposed metal would also be suitable
I painted the hole 🕳️ with hammerite 👍🏼😃
Excellent video Greg, as usual. Didn’t realise you were building another van! Will have to find part one and catch up.
If you have a couple of those grommets it would be appreciated mate.
Keep up the good work!
There is a video link to the full series at the end of each video on the final end screen. PM me on social media with your details and I’ll pop some in the post to you. 😊
Hi Greg ,Love your videos very informative and precise, Other you tube videos say that their Renogy B2B Mppt controllers dont put out their best amps and they have to reset theirs constantly, Hope you do a video on all the inputs and outputs see what you get compared to others, Cheers Danny
I shall be checking the figures in that case 👍🏼 cheers 😃
I am planning to install four 200W panels on two set of sliders (54" long). I want to pull out the solar panel to become the awning.
Wow sounds very ambitious but will give you tons of free electric. If you have the two arrays wired in parallel it won’t matter when one array is shaded.
Great video Greg, top quality work as always 👌👌👌👌
Thank you very much Kelly
Very helpful video. Your good explaining .. thanks 🙏
If you live in a hot climate like we do (Australia) it is best to mount the panels to a roof rack, leaving at least 10cm of space between the underside of the panel and the roof for air to flow. A cool panel is an efficient panel. Like all electrical devices, heat leads to inefficiency and eventually failure. This is why it’s important to mount panels to roof racks and not directly to the van roof as shown here. In cold climates it doesn’t matter as much.
The brackets provided do elevate the panel above the roof to allow airflow underneath they are not sitting directly on the roof. Please take a closer look. Thank you 🙏🏼
Great vlog.Please could you cover the relative additional pros and cons of series v parallel (e.g solar shading and anything else) in your next vlog please.
I will add something later 😊
This was going to be my comment too - I decided the extra cost of a bigger MPPT to handle the higher voltage was worth it to get better low light generation. But appreciate this is a budget build so a worthwhile trade off to keep costs down. As always, a cracking video Greg. Best wishes.
As an elec and electronics tech here, I will give you my tuppence worth... The only advantage of series panels is if you have a 24v system (as I have btw) then you need at least 28v or more input to your controller, otherwise parallel is best(if one or more panels are shaded, then you still get output (not the case if series connected) plus you get less losses if you match panel voltage to a few volts above your chosen battery/s, (the mppt controller has to work harder the higher the input to output ratio) hope that helps you to understand the principles. 👍
@@r33gts my Victron MPPT starts charging only at Vbat + 5V, so on my 12v system it would not harvest as much at the beginning and end of the day. Most Campers are 12v but I appreciate there are lots of different ways to go - hopefully Greg can work his magic and explain it in a simple way 😀
Great vlog 👍 thanks
Thank you both 😊
Brilliant video. Thanks for all the detailed tips 👍🏻🙏🏻
Another fantastic video in detail and very well presented. It's given me the confidence to fit panels should I ever need to. I would have absolutely no problems buying a nav that you have built. Keep these coming Gregg. Absolutely loving them. Paul and jilly
You're the boss !!
Greg.......nice video but your access cover for the cables ( gland box) entering the fan is back to front .....its shaped like a wing for a reason . Your entry points will be exposed to very high speed wind over the roof top , always faster than your actual speed.......love your videos though so keep going. Thank you
😃 So I’ve got to ask you, do you think it will affect my fuel consumption with that extra drag?
The Renogy combined units are great, just make sure you install a solar isolator switch in a super accessible position so you can get the full charge amps from the alternator when the sun isn’t so good. If the charge controller sees any current from the solar panels it halves the current draw from the alternator.
Please explain this more please?
@@ChrisTewkesbury the controller will only allow max 25 amp charge from the alternator if it senses any charge coming from the solar panels. This is ok if there is plenty of sun and you are getting plenty of amps. If it is dull, raining, evening etc and the solar is only charging at 1 amp for example you are missing out on charge from the alternator. If you put an isolation switch in the solar circuit you can temporarily disconnect the solar so you get the full 50amps from the engine/alternator.
Most folk have an isolation switch but it is often buried deep in a cupboard or in the garage of the van so it isn’t easy to get to when you want the full charge rate from the alternator.
Great video Greg
Hi 1st if can I say I am enjoying your videos that are very well put together and easy to follow. Do you mind if I ask the order you are putting out the videos is that the order of the jobs
Yes exactly that, you should be able to follow the entire playlist from start to finish. Fiat Ducato Campervan - FULL BUILD SERIES
th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi41gnkw6l36L-GGYC2xcLJr.html
Nicely presented and detailed. Thank you. Subscribed and liked.
I would have thought you'd go for an solar generator here. Gets all your bits in one place. They take a wider span of PV voltages too.
I shall be comparing both systems in upcoming videos and discussing the pros and cons 👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe oh, great.
I'm installing an Bluetti AC200. Will integrate it as a drop in. Have 400w solar plugged into it in series. Getting as much solar as we can on less sunny days.
Hi Greg! I've no better words to rate your job, this series is absolutely amazing. The best online! You have no competitors! Clear, precise, safe, scientific explained! I'll start my conversion soon on a Ducato base and surely follow your instructions from zero!
Greetings from Verona (Italy)
Oh what a lovely city Verona. WD have visited a couple of times and been to see the opera there at the amphitheater. Amazing place. Thank you for a great comment. 🤩
@@GregVirgoeI
Great and informative video again
I always wonder what people do with the screws excess coming through the roof.... are they just covered within the lining?
Looking forward to the next vid
They are lost inside the depth of the PIR insulation. You will see in future Insulation videos 😊
Greg, Just thought I'd message to show my appreciation of your work. I watch a fair few TH-cam channels and have to say your calm steady manner in which you explain and demonstrate fitting of items is first class. Thank you for all the effort you put in to help the wider community.
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a nice comment. I really do appreciate it 👍🏼😃
Amazing amazing amazing videos. You're the best. Soon I'll start my own conversion here in Portugal and will follow most of your instructions. I have 2 questions:
1. Why have you decided for hard panels - Are they much better than the flexible ones (I am comparing the Renogy ones)?
2. If I have 3 x 175W panels it's ok to use parallel connection with that very same controller?
Thanks in advance and keep sharing your amazing content \o/
The rigid panels last a lot longer than the flexible ones. 25yr warranty on performance which you won’t get with flexible because they fail much sooner.
You can use 3x 175w in parallel but you must get the 50a version of the charger which can handle more solar input.
@@GregVirgoe thanks! 🙇♂️
Another great video Greg 👍 Just about to install my panels and this is really helpful. If you’ve got any of those grommets left it’d be great to have a couple. Also I’m assuming there’s no problems with having the panels up but not hooked up to battery and appliances etc? No need to cover them whilst not being used? Cheers! 👍
I think the controller can handle 100vdc so you could wire in series
We used to call tape a 3M clamp.
EXCELLENT SO INFORMATIVE I just happened to stumble across one of your videos when you said tap the bottom link it will show you all the videos so I did that AND now I'm actually going to put a solar panel on the roof. EXCELLENT work EXCELLENT job on your videos job well done step-by-step step-by-step even I can do it😂 well fingers crossed. 😮
Where are you from?
Honestly I'm LOVING this build series, the fact it's a budget idea is very apt in the current world eh. Brilliant, thank you.
Absolutely. Many people including my own kids are struggling with housing costs and this really is a viable alternative to live an independent life with less bills and stress. I hope it will help many in similar circumstances 😊
Hi Greg, first id like to say thanks for putting in the time and effort with your videos i find them very helpful. Quick question for you, i plan on using the same panels, already have maxfan deluxe in the same location as you. However i want a maxfann skymaxx at the rear end. So what i'd like to know is, is that space between you maxfan and the start of your panels big enough to fit a 400x400mm cut out in? obviously mine would be a slightly differant layout to yours but i assume if you could get one in the space i also could at the rear if that makes sense........cheers mate!
The overall length of the roof is 2.9m the panels take up 1.5m so that should leave plenty of space for two fans.
Not even 5 seconds in and I know I can press 'Like' on every video Greg does!!!
Thats brillaint, thank you for such great support
Hey Greg. Great video. Did you use aftermarket fasteners for the brackets that are self tapping? Or did you use the ones that came with the kit
I used the self drilling ones that came with the fitting kit 👍🏼😊
Hey Greg another great video. I have sent you a message on messenger (hopefully to correct address) asking about a slightly different setup. By the way picked up great tip on one of your other videos with noise caused by loose panels rattling as you drive. Found 4 where panel had come away from strut😢. Sikaflexed so should be all good now🤞👍
Hi mark, was it the split charge question I answered? Thanks for getting in touch. Hope it helps you 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg, enjoy your videos. Are you putting a in a hot water system?
Yes a kettle 👍🏼😂😃
A great, fuss free video. No showboating or irritating background music. Perfect!
Use a short piece of petrol hose, or similar, between the bracket and roof. Then when the bolts are tightened the sikaflex is not squeezed out. There are also caps available for those bolts.
Thick plastic washers pushed into the sealant will do the same and is good advice 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg, fantastic video as always!
I have some questions
- Do you only hold the panel with one screw for each braket?
- I have exactly the same kit but when I try to put the tek screws on, they keep turning and they never seem to stop. In your video I saw that you don't make a great effort to bring the screw until it stops turning, but once it hits the bottom, you stop and add sikaflez on top.
is that so?
Thank you so much
Worth noting its good practice to NOT connect your output wiring to the Panel connectors until the supply end is connected to your isolator (bare exposed live conductors). Risk of shorting on bare metalwork. If these were higher voltage panels ( such as on a domestic install) there could be dangerous DC voltages present ?
Good to share info anyway !
Hi Greg. Great video as usual. Can you tell us what size fuse (30amp) I presume but not super sure?
12:40 👍🏼😎 30A
Another brilliant video Greg. The electric/solar is one of the scariest parts of my future build but you have made that nice and simple to understand. I’m not too scared to try it now and my bro is an electrician so I can double check it with him. The tip of red tape on the positive is such a simply yet perfect suggestion. Thank you.
It’s the little things that make it easier later on. Hope all goes well for you 😊
Great video. (Again) A possible advantage of using the Unistrut mounting system is the flexibility it allows if you need or want to fit different size panels in the future. No need to worry about brackets being in the wrong place.
Yes there is that but these should last for years and years 👍🏼😃
Really brilliant Vlog Greg and easy for anyone to follow. One question have you found any degradation to the Sikaflex on your first van across the 4 years or is it still sound? Just wondering if there is a need for touch up at certain intervals? Look forward to each Vlog with great interest many thanks
I did have a leak on the front fan once but that proved to be not putting enough on one of the screws. It does stay very flexible over time. It only discolours with weather as not often get up to clean roof.
Clearly a quality product Greg thanks
Great video. Do you think the 1.5m long 200w solar panels would fit this van in an east-west configuration?
They should easily fit widthways on the roof 👍🏼😊
Wd 40 sprayed onto hole saw keeps temperature down an gives nice clean cut
Very nicely done and explained Greg. Guess what - I have got a box of those grommets - box of 100 and I have used about 20 of them.🤣 PS: Do you not think it would better to just run the cables from the panels straight into the van and have the MC4 connectors inside - they are big and clunky things to have ‘tucked away on the roof?
The cables on the panels are very short so that would mean trying to route the cable across the shallow roof. The MC4s are totally waterproof and designed to be out in all weathers.
They are hidden underneath the panels and tied to the roof.
@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg, understood.
I am thinking of doing this as my panels might have a decent gap between them and don't want to have cable running all ovet the roof
Nice video Greg. Did you ever consider putting the solar panels on a frame that could be angled to improve solar efficiency whilst the van is stationary?
Not on this build it’s all extra money and weight that probably would not be used that much. Wanted to keep it fairly simple and stealthy 😊
Hi Greg. I am loving all your videos. One question do you have to have two solar panels? Sorry f its a silly question as Iam very new to all this. Keep up the great work. Gary
Nope
Good jobs going on there Greg very informative for those who are converting or thinking of converting a van. Keep it going it's nice to watch and if you sell the van the buyer will know exactly what went into the build. A no brainer if that's actually a word. All the best Sean 👍🏻
Yes it will be like a complete build manual for the new owners. 😎👍🏼
We are planning to build our own campervan as well. We have no experience. So therefore your video's are very helpful to us! They are very clear, like a step by step manual. Thanks for that Greg! Greetings from the Netherlands.
That’s awesome 🤩 nice to see you here and I’m really pleased you are enjoying this series 👍🏼
Awesome videos Greg and looking at doing the same as ive just brought a Ducato. Would 2 x Renogy 200w solar panels fit and be fine with all your components you used in the build?
Yes that is the max you can put on the 30A charger but will work well
Question is then between series and parallel, which gives you the better charge rate? is it the doubled voltage or the doubled ampage?
I’ve found that in series works well in winter and low light to still give you a small charge. We didn’t have an option this time as the controller would not accept higher voltages.
Nice.
Thanks 🙏🏼
Greg, just asking why your preference is to install the electrical system on the near side of the Ducato? Is this because it will be easier to route cables along that side and will also result in shorter cable runs?
...any bloody excuse for Sikaflex :) btw - I was going to buy a tiny paint brush to hammerite some rusting screws: I've got plenty of Q Tips, so thanks for that idea
I’m sure I can find a use for it in every video 😂🤣🤩👍🏼
Hi Greg
Thank you for posting your video on how to install solar panels to your camper roof, I found it to be really interesting and helped me a great deal
In the video, you mentioned the possibility of you posting out the 20 mm roof hole grommet, if you have any left, could I please ask for you to send me one or two ?
I am about to start my own camper self-build project, I have bought a single 200 w panel kit.
With thanks
Dave
Glad you enjoyed it. If you can PM me your details I will do that for you.
Hi Greg you are helping me so much and for that I am truly grateful, I have a question if I May pls? I have a renogy rover 40amp MPPT with 2x100 watt renogy panels producing 20.1 volts 11-19 amps and a 435 watt longi solar panel which gives 11-19 amps and 35.1 -40 volts am I best to run these in parallel or series pls? Thanks Jay
I’m trying to convert a SWB Ford Transit. Wish you were nearby to help. Really struggling. It’s so much harder than I had thought. Your videos are great by the way.
Hi Rachel, thanks for getting in touch. What I find helps is to break it down into small manageable tasks and just give yourself a small bit to do then when you tick that off it’s like a little goal and helps to keep motivated. It can seem like a daunting task if you look at the whole project. Hope the videos do help ease the work for you. 👍🏼😃
I would like to ask a couple of questions.
Do you think having panels wired in series and bumping a voltage down helps with low light conditions?
How much solar if any can we get in the UK in a winter on a horrible wet very cloudy day? How much solar would one need to keep diesel or gas powered heater like propex hs2000, couple of max fans, some lights, and couple other devices like laptop phones and just maybe tv screen running on a bad weather day in winter so battery is somewhat topped up?
have you uploaded a video of your previous conversion usage on a cloudy day etc? thank you and really appreciate these videos
Ok 👍🏼 so yes I do believe that wiring panels in series helps in low light conditions because the volts are added together and would still give you enough voltage to get a small charge even on cloudy days.
You have to pick an MPPT that allows a larger input voltage. My original Tracer unit goes up to 100volts however this new Renogy one is limited to 25volts so that wouldn’t be suitable. We manage ok in winter for last 5 yrs off grid and I have 3x160W wired in series.
Limit what you use at night when there’s no solar and in the depth of winter we often turn the fridge off overnight as it’s not being opened and generally colder in the van 🚐
Manage your power consumption and you’ll be ok 👍🏼
Hi Greg thanks for making these videos so easy to follow, with the panels what do you think of sticking the brackets to the roof any good?.
Cheers steve
If you just want to stick the panels down I would go for the moulded plastic brackets as they have a larger footprint so more contact area.
Greg, looks like my van isn't a write off after all but one of the first things ill be doing when I have got it fixed will be fitting some solar. Is it just a case of isolating my current split charger and swapping it out for the Ronogy unit you used?
Most split chargers use the chassis for the negative so it’s best to run a negative cable both ways from the dc to dc as well as the positive cable. Far better that way. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe Cheers Greg.
Absolutely brilliant and helpful - have already ordered some of those roof brackets but for another purpose as have been looking for something like that.
One quick question, on the cable install into the van via the roof gland thingy (the black thing you got sent) - I noticed you installed it very neatly but with the cables in the forward direction - have you ever had any issue with water being forced in when driving in rain or has it been ok. I’m going to install some CCTV and was thinking of similar gland to route the cables as handy onward routing from there as you said. Also maybe cheeky opportunity to mount an additional rear camera on the top of it.
Thanks again, super helpful 🌟
Have a great weekend, David 👍
No never had a problem put a little smear of sealant around the gland.
It would not have fitted the other way round as the cables would be hanging off the back of the roof.
@@GregVirgoe thank you, makes sense - I had figured ref the cables if reversed, looks neater anyway as everything runs the right way, thanks again 🌟
I wish I saw this video before I bought my renogy 50a DC to DC/ mppt charge controller! When I found out my victron 250w solar panel was over 25v meaning it was not compatible 😢 it didn't blow it up though, just shows a fault. I bought some more flexible panels to put in the windscreen and wired them up to it and they work fine 😅😅
It’s an easy mistake to make as most other charge controller do handle way more volts.
Glad you got it sorted in the end 👍🏼😃