http://davidsandel.com/vanlife-diy-campervan/
http://davidsandel.com/2016/10/10/how-to-install-renogy-solar-panels-on-your-van/
Music clip from http://bensound.com
Mounting Renogy solar panels to your van or RV is incredibly simple once you get over the fear of drilling holes into your roof! It only took me a couple hours to mount the panels, and I had sweet, sweet sun powered electricity an hour after I hooked it up to the charge controller.
My charging system is now complete with 3 complete systems to charge my van batteries: Alternator, Shore, and Solar. Special thanks to Renogy Solar for hooking me up with the panels!
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Cable harness isn't needed… You could have just hooked the positive to negative on two of them and ran the postive and negative from the end panels to the charge controller. Like this 1st solar panel + to charge controller, – to the + on the 2nd solar panel, – to the + on the 3rd solar panel and – from the 3rd solar panel to the charge controller.
Better to coat the rubber grommets with silicone before inserting them instead of applying silicone around them. The pressure will keep the silicone in place. Also, apply silicone on the bolt threads to prevent water from soaking into the van through the threads from the top of the bolts/brackets.
I am getting Soo many ideas ….I want to convert a van into a compact living quarters with solar and add satellite TV …. still learning and what I need to do….. thanks
Great video
thanks I just got a 300 watt, 2 panel system and this will really help with my conversion – that's how ya do'er!
Nice presentation. I have 4 100 watters sitting around. Like to put all 4 on roof. You make it look pretty easy. Always concerned about holes in the roof leaking. Have you had any problems with leaks?
Hey David, I’m about to pull the trigger on cutting a hole in my new van. Before I do, I wanted to survey all of van builds that I watched leading up to this moment. My question is, “Have you had any leaks with your roof vent?” Cheers, Andrew
Has anyone ever noticed this and found out about your van?
Is this a dead giveaway someone lives inside?
Thank you so much x
Great video, very informative. I always thought that the Solar panels had to be angled towards the sun, unless you are near the equator in which case its more or less directly above you most of the day light hours.
In the UK, they recommend an angle of around 14 degrees from the vertical in Dec to 62 from the vertical in June
Thanks for the info. It's been a year since you posted this,how are they holding up? I'm going to install the same panels on my van very soon, my biggest concern is wind from highway driving. I'm wondering if I should install some sort of spoiler to direct wind flow (60+ mph) over the panels. Or am I over thinking this. Again thank you for taking the time to share.
why are you drilling metal with a wood bit?
you're awesome – thank you!
I was under the impression that you needed a few voltage output higher than 12v to properly charge a 12v battery.
if you wanted to be stealth out there,you used the wrong panels,should have used the thin ones.
We're hoping to install a very similar system and we found your video incredibly helpful! May I ask, how many batteries are you using and what kind? Also, now that some time has passed, would you recommend the setup you have? And (I know, it's a lot of questions) how much power does this system generate and how much do you honestly use? Thanks!
is would say: attache the panels with different screws. for instance torque. so nobody can remove them with a simple screwdriver
Where did the brackets on the solar panels come from? Where can I get some like them?
Thanx for share your experiences, David.
To remove the burs of a new drilled hole, I would recommend to use a bigger drill bit, instead using a file. Also I preffer a step drill in sheet metal, rather than a regular one.
Cheers.
I just watched your video for the 11th time. I like the pattern of the solar panels u layouted on the roof. Is your van an extended van? It looks like u can add another panel or 2. Is it possible u can add one more panel?
David Sandel thanks so much, well done video this is a big help!
Can anyone give some insight:
I am working on a very similar project and i have a window of 50 more days before my schedule tightens back up. I need to get a solar system on my van quick style. I have a couple questions maybe you'd be kind enough to throw some ideas my way…
I want 1000 watts of panels as well. It seems extremely tough to get help on the subject though.
I don't want to get a kit because like making your own computer i'm sure there's better products available. This is what i need your guys' experience in.
Pretty standard:
If i had a 960-1000 watt panel system:
-What would be the best controller.
-What would be the best/Safest Inverter.
-How many batteries (I like the Vmax 155ah deep cycle ones)
-What should i use for fuses/fuse box
-and what kind of wire is safe to put it all together with. I really need to know what wire i will be connecting the controller to the panels because i need to run that wire and start closing up the walls.
Anything will help guys.. and if you happen to know a good source for more info
I just want to make sure i put this together with the correct components. My budget is the exact cost. which means i'll be over guaranteed.) no room to fudge up