@@Everlanders With using air-operated actuators, what happens if you lose compressed air whilst travelling? Will they stay put? I had this idea a few months ago for a fifth wheeler RV that we want to buy in about 6 months for fulltime living. The only difference that I was thinking for ours was to use gear DC operated actuators. I look forward to your thoughts on this?!?!
Amazing, you've done exactly what I've been dreaming of doing with a Sprinter van, except the second later of solar panels would be mounted the other way and deploy entirely on one side of the van so as to double as a canopy (though my idea was to put them on some sort of tray on runners) automatic deployment and retraction is just taking it to the next level, perfect.
Stunned and amazed by your solar set up video on every level! From the brilliance of the sliding design, to the bravery of soldering a tiny component on a printed circuit board! I wandered here by chance but I will be staying to watch some more!
I designed something exactly like this back in 2004 or 2005 for popping out (doubling) the solar panel capacity on my Prevost motorcoach using air slides similar to you and already used throughout the coach, but I never had it fabricated, and a lot of that had to do with realizing that all the solar in the world I had a non-energy star fridge and not great energy storage options for overnight, the state of the art then was still AGM for the most part. That meant after all that fancy solar I wold still need to cycle the genny at least once overnight, deleting the purpose of the exercise. It delights me to see you did it, gives me hope for the future should I want to sit around boondocking, with enough solar to run all the air conditioning should we want to. Our coach has 40’ length, most usable for panels, so we could potentially generate quite a bit of power at peak day, right when we need the power for cooling the interior.
I loved seeing the test work properly the second time. I'm glad I didn't have to do all the problem solving, but got to experience the result haha. I might have missed what it is you do for work, I'm assuming you're an electrical engineer? That must be so satisfying having the solar array work.
omg...this is VERY techy...I am not even mildly prepared to do such a build. lol...Solar and Lithium batteries scares the heck out of me. This is why I would pay someone like you to build it, install it, and set it up so all I need to do is deploy and retract it...and turn stuff on and off inside the camper and live my best life off grid. lol.
This solar deployment reminds me of the space balls RV. Awesome build. Definitely see a business here. I think low profile container unit solar is another area that would sell.
@@Everlanders I'd agree with you on what is there to sell but we are talking about the vanlife era. People are paying conversion companies $12k and up to cut and install a few sheets of plywood in their suburbans.....
Damn that's so cool. I've got 4 4x6 panels I'm trying to figure out how to mount on the curved roof of my bus. I'd love to be able to do something like this though and be able to have a few more panels deploy when I'm parked
I did't finish binging yet but did Mr Everlander forget to mention the hockey tape?? That must hold up pretty well for I have seen kids play street hockey in NYC with it wrapped around their sticks. Trying to stop the wood from splintering. I would say Mr Everlander was a Grinder when he puts the skates on. If Mr Everlander puts on the skates, the opposing team had better watch out because "He Is A 300 lb. Grinder". He Gets It Done For Sure!!! Yep, Hockey is King in Canada.
Great idea separating the upper and lower solar panels so you can power the upper only when the lower is retracted and shaded. And your running Python scripts. Very cool!
This setup is absolutely awesome. By being able to scale up the amount of solar capacity (doubling) people can incorporate things like air conditioners much more sensibly making mobile living a much more viable full time option. Increased shade thus less heat retention and increase power to allow for greater cooling efforts. I bet there would be a large demand for setups like these on van conversions or otherwise.
@@Everlanders I used a fin piece of wire like a cheese cutter works well, I used silkoflex 522 couldn't move it only been on less than 24hrs really works well
Genius, ive been wanting to do the same thing but had only thought of manual control with pulleys and awning cord. i will deffinatly use your idea for air contro ŵith your permission of course. I think your only getting 800 watts because your main cable is sized too small. For 1400 watts it should be at least 2 gauge. Just a thought! I did my motor home 5 years ago with solar and lithium, the first year paid off the cost of solar and the third year paid off the whole works. The cost of gas running the generator is where i made my savings. It is amazing how easily and fast they charge the lithium and how all the appliances run like they are plugged into a power pole. AGAIN GENIUS Cheers Steve h.
I got it years ago at ThinkGeek.com, but they've sold out to GameStop or something now. But there are lots of other people making it if you google the phrase.
Be aware the flexible panels are not nearly as efficient, and the ones I've had crack after 2 years of sun exposure. The warranties are there to keep you quite until you give up...
Wow this guy is great. Friggin Canadians. I can say that cause my family is from Toronto (Akrey,Acri) and wife's from Quebec (Lalonde). Haha. Totally awesome ideas.
Just met you in the Tractor Supply parking lot in Yucca Valley... if you ever have to do something like this again, get a small piece of cable or wire with a handle on both ends and you can "saw" through the adhesive down the length of what you are removing.
I tried, SikaFlex adhesive is approximately the durameter of tire rubber... It's either skates off or grabs it so tightly you can't pull it... I tried a thin stainless cable and a fine solid wire, like music wire... I was going to try the survival wire saw, but I didn't want to damage the expensive composite panels.
@@Everlanders I've used the method with 3M tape but I have never used SikaFlex, given your experience I guess I will when it's time to mount my panels... you also did exactly as I had planed with stacking your panels but never thought about making them automatic, I was thinking a rod like you see with pull out awning. Are you running separate charge controllers for the top and bottom panels, or I guess how do you manage the shading of the bottom panels when they are in the stored position?
We use a SBMS100 charge controller which properly manages cell voltage for our lithium battery bank. It has two inputs, but even without that, the panels are wired in parallel so shaded cells or panels don't affect the others...
This is the video I wanted to see! Love this design and installation. Do you think that this amount of solar panels will be enough for most days of the year, with cloudy and rainy days figured in where you aren't getting full sun, or do you have the ability to add more panels (perhaps movable ground panels) to get even more solar production when it's overcast? I'm guessing that it would be easier and cheaper to add more solar panels to your system, than it would be to add additional LiFePo batteries. Myself, I'm looking at the "End of Year" sales to purchase the first components for a mobile solar system, even though I haven't begun to build my camping trailer and only have sketches and ideas of what I want, and my plans are to begin construction this Spring. Thanks for all of your videos, they are a big help to people like me who want to build our own.
4:29 chassis as ground is inefficient You'll always have voltage drops across connections, and the chassis connection will always have a larger drop Stick with copper and gold plated brass. Most efficient at every power level But great work! Great ideas! Love it!
some soapy water would help the knives cut the sicksflex. plus some sort of tension, like small wedges. how are the slides holding up to dust and grit ingress?
Love the design! What brand of stainless rails did you use? I am looking to do something similar on our sailboat. Do you think these rails would be OK in the harsh marine environment? thank you!
Good morning, I have a similar project but I go beyond: I'll keep a fixed set on the roof, I'll put another set on a slider that will be opened to the right (like a awning), and another set that opens to the left - all This to get enough energy to supply a huge battery bank on the chassis, to move 2 electronic engines (yes, 2 axes of traction). Crazy idea, right? But as it is a motor-house while loading, I will be enjoying the surroundings, writing, working ... and to reduce energy demand, the heating of the bath water will give you through a solar heater (sun we have a lot this way)
It's not a crazy idea, it's just very optimistic. It has been done several times before: ua-cam.com/video/pcj2lQwH7N4/v-deo.html But they need to wait two days to charge the batteries for a very short drive... At times they have been at the side of the road for 2 weeks waiting for sun...
@@Everlanders my project is a little more elaborate: to begin with, i don't intend to visit areas like alaska or tierra del fuego; and my idea is to travel every 15 or 20 days; and an air conditioner for the batteries; and a solar heater for bath water; divide the battery bank into 2, charging one side and spending the other
Man that roof rail removal was a pain!!! I wish someone would have loaned you a Fein Oscillating tool with the flat blade. Makes short work of a difficult glue seal removal like that. Love the Rig! Only thing I would love to see is windows!
No worries! Fantastic rig! Hands down the slickest solar setup I’ve seen yet. I had a test bench setup using elec linear actuators to tilt panels L/R direction but not keen on weather sealing, weight and complexity. Your air system is genius and you can use air for all kinds of things. I used to dive and have scuba tank with hp/lp regulator and adapters for tires, shower systems and a few air tools.
Hello again. Is there any way to get drawings of your solar panel mounting rails that you fabricated? I have ten 100watt solar panels that I want to install above my truck camper, with 6 panels always being exposed, and 4 panels being retractable like yours (two each side). My rack system will be attached to a lumber rack, and if possible, I'll also make the solar racking able to tilt up on either side, to maximize solar exposure and gain better energy production during the months where the Sun is lower toward the horizon.
Everlanders With using air-operated actuators, what happens if you lose compressed air whilst travelling? Will they stay put? I had this idea a few months ago for a fifth wheeler RV that we want to buy in about 6 months for fulltime living. The only difference that I was thinking for ours was to use gear DC operated actuators. I look forward to your thoughts on this?!?!
Have you considered flexible panels on the roof with one layer of slide outs above them? Have to keep the wiring from rubbing on the panels, but you'd get a lower profile. These are 100W panels, right? Considered upgrading to 200W panels? With that much on the roof you could remove the side panels.
I would never consider flexible panels. These are 185 watts each, and with our new side panels we have 2500 watts and make just over 10kWh per day. ua-cam.com/video/lcck1ejlXt8/v-deo.html
Man this video is so awesome I want to setup something like this on my enclosed trailer. can you tell me what interface you are using to monitor your solar array and the setup? software etc... do you have video on that setup thanks
I would really love any specs or further details about your solar rack. Mechanisms, motors, wiring, etc how to make it or where to buy it! It would be perfect for my off grid ambulance conversion. Please let me know!!!
hi from Australia the land of sunshine. i have a solar system but suffer the battery problem as you describe, too many dollars outlay so i have two 170 ah in parallel still suffer the sag as you say. looks like i have no choice but go lithium or put 10 batteries in thanks for this great video.
very informative video . i need to make this expanding frames made of Aluminum , so if i join your monthly channel can i get the full details & design calculations . also to build an off grid solar system to run one 1.5 ton AC unit , 1 TV , I small fridge and few LED lights ? thanks a gain
Do you think it would be possible to make a solid 3-storey installation by placing the panels perpendicular to the vehicle? There would be the total length of 1 panel above the void on each side of the vehicle.
i saw the other video and was like, this guy must be an engineer. then i saw your shirt then your pi setup and the description of the open source hw and was like oh for sure. then you said reflow station and did your rework. my guy, i want to be just like you one day. are you an HW EE?
You have fixed our roof real estate problem! I'm going to skip the pneumatics but stack our panels. Question is what did you use for drawer rails? I found some on Amazon that are supposed to be rust resistant but everyone is telling me they will still rust...
Would highway wind rattle the crap out of the lowers if not retracted? I expect so. That being said, is there an auto retract incase you forget in an emergency “get the heck out” situation? I expect that would be a fairly simple upgrade. Maybe triggered from the ignition wire? Just a thought. 😁
It's triggered to retract with the brake pedal, so they always come in when we start the truck. I also have an override switch so I can have them extended when we're stuck in traffic, moving slowly on smooth roads etc... But it's very sturdily built, we've probably driven a thousand kilometers or more with them extended, with no problems.
Love the build series. A question regarding using the chassis of the solar array as a ground. Did you use some sort of braided strap from the panels to the chassis? I ask as because it is required in the industrial/utility scale plants I build as carbon fouling will occur between any bearing surfaces and would result in a) micro pitting of the bearing surfaces until failure, and b) loss of continuity and or intermittent voltage leading to spikes and all kinds of weird signals. If this wasn’t a problem, we could save millions of dollars in labor, stainless braided straps and half of the cost of copper cabling.
I'm planning on putting together an overlander rig also, where did you get the rims and tires? Are you happy with them? How long are the tires lasting?
Hi Jason, so running this setup for a while, can you make a comment on what would be an appropriate wiring scheme for a similar four-panel (two ontop two) layout? Considering situations where only two or three panels may be active due to physical or environmental limitations. Thank you!
I have all my panels paralleled, this way if any one panel is shaded it doesn't take the others down with it. If you intend to series your panels for 24 volts or long wire efficiency, you'd want the top two paralleled with the bottom two.
@@Everlanders Thanks, that I was thinking as well, series in pair horizontally, with parallel out. Any tips on how to better manage cable connection for the sliding panels, do you use cable management arms inside the panel frame to prevent cables to get jammed? Thanks again.
No arms were needed in my case, 3 years of daily use and still no problems. I did make a video showing how my wires are run... ua-cam.com/video/0GDvu0AUrgs/v-deo.html
Hey Jason, I am going to bond aluminum angles to our fiberglass RV as well. You seem to have good luck and experience with sikaflex bonding. Did you weight the solar panel angle mounts or does gravity work well enough?
Gravity is more than enough, but be sure to scuff both surfaces, use the 206 primer and the correct sika 252... I used some random 2 sided tape in small sections to keep it from all squeezing out.
@@Everlanders thanks. Some of the brackets will be near the radiuses edge of the camper roof. Is 252 pretty thick? Will it run down a radiused edge or stay in place?
@@Robbbbooo Crazy thick... No chance it will run.Get or borrow a high quality electric or pneumatic gun. You'll crush the cheap tin gun trying to apply enough pressure to get it out.
I did, watched the whole one and then went to their website to learn more and then got confused lol. So went back to you as the horses mouth so to speak. Didn't understand how it handled the high amp charging current and did mppt, etc... anyway, perhaps not a comment question. Thanks again and really enjoying your channel!
Ok mate, brilliant, although is it not affected by galvanic reaction? I'm trying to build my own RV and looking at how others have done it... I mean aluminium and steel...?
Ive just begun a very similar project, I have an sbms120 on order and still deciding on which Batteries to get, eg. the 180ah you have or go up to the 400ah winstons. I have heard a few stories about the CALB having problems with quality control, how have yours been? Also what kind of Sikaflex did you use for the alloy on the roof, I just bought some 11fc and was not happy with its bonding of 2 pieces of alloy for a test.
@@Everlanders Ok thanks, I will have to look into that primer, the tests I have done trying to bond alloy have failed easily even with an alcohol clean and wire brush/drill scuffing both surfaces.
You are an extremely clever bloke, can I ask what you used for the slide actuators and where you got them from. Have often thought about doing this, as someone has already stated, your a genius.
Wow that is awesome! I suggested "solar awnings" a few times in various threads but to see it in action is awesome and sure requires some good engineering skills. This definitely could help make RV living more autonomous by increasing solar gain. What mechanism did you use for the retract? Linear motor?
Oh thank you kindly! It's been a while that's why I didn't find it ha. I've actually been looking for alternative dimension solar panels to fit more fully on a 2.55m wide box truck roof but those won't fit perfect either. Best solution I've found is to actually cut a 1m wide solar panel in half and resolder it. From what I've read it's relatively straight forward. Just cut a 1m wide solar panel into one 0.5m wide and connect new wires to the front/back and mind the voltages.
If you think that's good, you should see our last video where I wrecked it really good and managed to reflow a 48 pin QTFN package on the side of the road: ua-cam.com/video/7RdbXw5mJsA/v-deo.html
Just seen your channel LOVE it 👍 nice set up, specially loved it when you soldered that SMT device with a flex coverlay as a protection for the rest of the circuit! How many amps did you harvest by the most part in a sunny day so far with 1,4 kw total Pv cap? .. If of interest: I run a 160 Ah Lipfos ( Super B) with 2 MT Cis panel flat mount they do max 10-11 amps summer one pm..but winter sun out still up to seven..yes I know I would need one more..but these 2 Mt Cis 90 wp do 2,5 amps even when over cast..well what is 2,5 amps? Nothing...The jocker would be my 2 parallel chargers and booster which can pump 50 amps in and that charges the batt in no time..my consumption pattern is coocking with up to 2 kw for 20 min day, esspresso machine 1,2 kW often, hairdryer 1,8 kw 10 min not every day., TV 32 inch often 4 hours, back fan at refrig all day, Alde recirculation pump few hours / day when cold out, water pump with 0,9 bar pressure storage for washing, dishes and cooking, Led lights at night..radio all day, 2 Notebooks, 2 Phones, 2 Tablets and some times drone recharge, cams and 2 e bikers recharge...so far fine..again one more panel would be great!..
Can you sell your plans or something? This would be awesome on my ambulance build, and I am no where near as tech savvy as you. I am interested in the pneumatic slide outs and charge controller system and batteries used. My mini-split A/C search led me to you and I am glad it did.
Sell plans? I gave all the details for free... The components you need are all listed in the Part 1 video description. The sides just bolt to some angle aluminum and the width is governed by the panels you choose . Everything is shown in this playlist. DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: ua-cam.com/play/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf.html
While I agree you are VERY intelligent, I think for myself I would rather not ad to the complication of my systems, in other words K.I.S.S ! I will do the same but will just pull the panels out manually so as to not heave to worry about air lines etc. Just my 2 cents......
Thats what I was thinking, however, my panels are on top of a huge truck in about 3.9 m hight. Including a locking mechanism I expect it to be very hard to open it manually.
0:23 - what adhesive did you use to make it THAT strong? 😮 I'm just afraid anything, even with Epoxy, would just break off suddenly and eventually... Much appreciated for the video
@@millanferende6723 preparation is the key, get it absolutely clean sikaflex can sometimes be too good! we use it in mining to seal gaps in armour plating in crushers, still there when the moly steel plates ave worn away
You would do better with a good MPPT charge controller. MPPT uses like a transformer to match the voltage so it will change higher voltage from the solar panels to more current to charge the batteries
awesome setup!! I'm sure I'd be even impressed if I understood the tech speak! :) Question about the durability: mounted on the hard slides as they are, are you concerned about the panels being damaged over time by rough roads? Keep up the great content! Love the cartoon faces and the commentary!
I have no concerns about the slides, they are not your grandma's rattel box slides, they are super solid 100% stainless, no plastic anywhere in these slides. Plus the air cylinder is pulling them in tight, so they are held super firmly.
so something i've been wondering about. was the ac always in that convienent out of the way spot? or did you have to remove stuff from the roof to fit all of this?
Everlanders sorry was thinking the thing infront of the solars was a AC unit. I've been looking into rv's tho on of my concerns is not having enough room to mount solars for my needs
![009 - [Redo] Solar Mini Split Air Conditioner Runs 24/7/365 Day & Night](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rjVIxqTHahY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Did you just solder microelectronics under a MICROSCOPE ?!?
Yup! If you think that's impressive, you'll love this one... ua-cam.com/video/7RdbXw5mJsA/v-deo.html
@@Everlanders With using air-operated actuators, what happens if you lose compressed air whilst travelling? Will they stay put? I had this idea a few months ago for a fifth wheeler RV that we want to buy in about 6 months for fulltime living. The only difference that I was thinking for ours was to use gear DC operated actuators. I look forward to your thoughts on this?!?!
Probably used the freaky robot arm that points things out lol
You could seriously create an entire company around everything I just watched over the last 13 minutes.
A guy who soldiers his own electronics. Respect.
Amazing, you've done exactly what I've been dreaming of doing with a Sprinter van, except the second later of solar panels would be mounted the other way and deploy entirely on one side of the van so as to double as a canopy (though my idea was to put them on some sort of tray on runners) automatic deployment and retraction is just taking it to the next level, perfect.
Stunned and amazed by your solar set up video on every level! From the brilliance of the sliding design, to the bravery of soldering a tiny component on a printed circuit board! I wandered here by chance but I will be staying to watch some more!
Thanks so much!
Great system design, you should sell this. Goo video also with challenge and a happy ending.
This is the most genius solar system I've seen on UA-cam!
Thanks, thanks for watching!
You sir, are a genius.
Thanks very kindly!
I designed something exactly like this back in 2004 or 2005 for popping out (doubling) the solar panel capacity on my Prevost motorcoach using air slides similar to you and already used throughout the coach, but I never had it fabricated, and a lot of that had to do with realizing that all the solar in the world I had a non-energy star fridge and not great energy storage options for overnight, the state of the art then was still AGM for the most part. That meant after all that fancy solar I wold still need to cycle the genny at least once overnight, deleting the purpose of the exercise. It delights me to see you did it, gives me hope for the future should I want to sit around boondocking, with enough solar to run all the air conditioning should we want to. Our coach has 40’ length, most usable for panels, so we could potentially generate quite a bit of power at peak day, right when we need the power for cooling the interior.
So impressed with your talent and knowledge! That turned out awesome!
I loved seeing the test work properly the second time. I'm glad I didn't have to do all the problem solving, but got to experience the result haha.
I might have missed what it is you do for work, I'm assuming you're an electrical engineer?
That must be so satisfying having the solar array work.
A question better answered in person.
@@Everlanders no, no. Better done in a new video! Dont think I can wait for overland expo to find out! Excellent videos. Ty
Very unlikely that we'll attend another Overland Expo.
Absolutely genius I would pay you to do this setup on my camper. Very nice craftsman work.
Some things money can't buy, for everything else there's MasterCard. 😄
omg...this is VERY techy...I am not even mildly prepared to do such a build. lol...Solar and Lithium batteries scares the heck out of me. This is why I would pay someone like you to build it, install it, and set it up so all I need to do is deploy and retract it...and turn stuff on and off inside the camper and live my best life off grid. lol.
Come to Perú, I'll whip it right up for you.
@@Everlanders lol...I wish that was possible.
This solar deployment reminds me of the space balls RV. Awesome build. Definitely see a business here. I think low profile container unit solar is another area that would sell.
What is there to sell? It's just 3 lengths of aluminum angle and some drawer slides...
@@Everlanders I'd agree with you on what is there to sell but we are talking about the vanlife era. People are paying conversion companies $12k and up to cut and install a few sheets of plywood in their suburbans.....
Idiots...
Damn that's so cool. I've got 4 4x6 panels I'm trying to figure out how to mount on the curved roof of my bus. I'd love to be able to do something like this though and be able to have a few more panels deploy when I'm parked
Perhaps you should have got thin flexible panels might have solved your problem with the curve
I did't finish binging yet but did Mr Everlander forget to mention the hockey tape?? That must hold up pretty well for I have seen kids play street hockey in NYC with it wrapped around their sticks. Trying to stop the wood from splintering. I would say Mr Everlander was a Grinder when he puts the skates on. If Mr Everlander puts on the skates, the opposing team had better watch out because "He Is A 300 lb. Grinder". He Gets It Done For Sure!!! Yep, Hockey is King in Canada.
Great idea separating the upper and lower solar panels so you can power the upper only when the lower is retracted and shaded. And your running Python scripts. Very cool!
Yup, it also adds airspace to under the top set to give more airflow and cooling...
Great ideas! Really enjoy watching your channel.
your solar set up is genius love it
This setup is absolutely awesome. By being able to scale up the amount of solar capacity (doubling) people can incorporate things like air conditioners much more sensibly making mobile living a much more viable full time option. Increased shade thus less heat retention and increase power to allow for greater cooling efforts. I bet there would be a large demand for setups like these on van conversions or otherwise.
Exactly! We did a video on our Solar Powered Air Conditioning here: ua-cam.com/video/woZH85EiHNY/v-deo.html
Just for future reference next time use a vibration multitool to get between the silkoflex makes the job alot easier, great set up
Don't have one.
@@Everlanders I used a fin piece of wire like a cheese cutter works well, I used silkoflex 522 couldn't move it only been on less than 24hrs really works well
Genius, ive been wanting to do the same thing but had only thought of manual control with pulleys and awning cord. i will deffinatly use your idea for air contro ŵith your permission of course. I think your only getting 800 watts because your main cable is sized too small. For 1400 watts it should be at least 2 gauge. Just a thought! I did my motor home 5 years ago with solar and lithium, the first year paid off the cost of solar and the third year paid off the whole works. The cost of gas running the generator is where i made my savings. It is amazing how easily and fast they charge the lithium and how all the appliances run like they are plugged into a power pole. AGAIN GENIUS Cheers Steve h.
My main cable is 2x 4AWG welding cable...
That is an impressive solution to mounting more panels.
Thanks, we want to be able to run the Air Conditioning and still have a surplus solar income.
You've done an installation which was still in my mind! Thank you for the nice video!
Thanks! And thanks for subscribing!
I love your computer t-shirt.
Where do I get one?
Also a man who repairs his own electronics instead of just binning it. Good one.
I got it years ago at ThinkGeek.com, but they've sold out to GameStop or something now. But there are lots of other people making it if you google the phrase.
Nice work on the solar panels.
I want to do something like this but in arragement horizontaly with flexible panels, this to also make a shadow to the van to reduce heat inside.
Be aware the flexible panels are not nearly as efficient, and the ones I've had crack after 2 years of sun exposure.
The warranties are there to keep you quite until you give up...
Wow this guy is great. Friggin Canadians. I can say that cause my family is from Toronto (Akrey,Acri) and wife's from Quebec (Lalonde). Haha. Totally awesome ideas.
Friggin Canadians...
Just met you in the Tractor Supply parking lot in Yucca Valley... if you ever have to do something like this again, get a small piece of cable or wire with a handle on both ends and you can "saw" through the adhesive down the length of what you are removing.
I tried, SikaFlex adhesive is approximately the durameter of tire rubber... It's either skates off or grabs it so tightly you can't pull it... I tried a thin stainless cable and a fine solid wire, like music wire... I was going to try the survival wire saw, but I didn't want to damage the expensive composite panels.
@@Everlanders I've used the method with 3M tape but I have never used SikaFlex, given your experience I guess I will when it's time to mount my panels... you also did exactly as I had planed with stacking your panels but never thought about making them automatic, I was thinking a rod like you see with pull out awning. Are you running separate charge controllers for the top and bottom panels, or I guess how do you manage the shading of the bottom panels when they are in the stored position?
We use a SBMS100 charge controller which properly manages cell voltage for our lithium battery bank. It has two inputs, but even without that, the panels are wired in parallel so shaded cells or panels don't affect the others...
This is the video I wanted to see! Love this design and installation. Do you think that this amount of solar panels will be enough for most days of the year, with cloudy and rainy days figured in where you aren't getting full sun, or do you have the ability to add more panels (perhaps movable ground panels) to get even more solar production when it's overcast? I'm guessing that it would be easier and cheaper to add more solar panels to your system, than it would be to add additional LiFePo batteries. Myself, I'm looking at the "End of Year" sales to purchase the first components for a mobile solar system, even though I haven't begun to build my camping trailer and only have sketches and ideas of what I want, and my plans are to begin construction this Spring. Thanks for all of your videos, they are a big help to people like me who want to build our own.
Yes
You, sir, are a badass one day I hope to be at your level.
I love following this channel.
4:29 chassis as ground is inefficient
You'll always have voltage drops across connections, and the chassis connection will always have a larger drop
Stick with copper and gold plated brass. Most efficient at every power level
But great work! Great ideas! Love it!
Not the truck chassis, the Box Chassis, all 3/16 aluminum, TIG welded throughout, although a gold plated camper box sounds pretty nice...
Just brilliant! Super impressed!
Great ideas for the way you employ your solar panel. I love it. can you share in details on how?
All our solar videos are here: DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: ua-cam.com/play/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf.html
some soapy water would help the knives cut the sicksflex. plus some sort of tension, like small wedges. how are the slides holding up to dust and grit ingress?
Throughout North America, Central America and well into South America and still going strong...
Been thinking about doing that myself. Thanks for sharing how you did it.
Love the design! What brand of stainless rails did you use? I am looking to do something similar on our sailboat. Do you think these rails would be OK in the harsh marine environment? thank you!
The links are all in the description... They are 304 stainless, so I can't see why not...
Good morning, I have a similar project but I go beyond: I'll keep a fixed set on the roof, I'll put another set on a slider that will be opened to the right (like a awning), and another set that opens to the left - all This to get enough energy to supply a huge battery bank on the chassis, to move 2 electronic engines (yes, 2 axes of traction). Crazy idea, right? But as it is a motor-house while loading, I will be enjoying the surroundings, writing, working ... and to reduce energy demand, the heating of the bath water will give you through a solar heater (sun we have a lot this way)
It's not a crazy idea, it's just very optimistic. It has been done several times before: ua-cam.com/video/pcj2lQwH7N4/v-deo.html
But they need to wait two days to charge the batteries for a very short drive... At times they have been at the side of the road for 2 weeks waiting for sun...
@@Everlanders my project is a little more elaborate: to begin with, i don't intend to visit areas like alaska or tierra del fuego; and my idea is to travel every 15 or 20 days; and an air conditioner for the batteries; and a solar heater for bath water; divide the battery bank into 2, charging one side and spending the other
Man that roof rail removal was a pain!!! I wish someone would have loaned you a Fein Oscillating tool with the flat blade. Makes short work of a difficult glue seal removal like that. Love the Rig! Only thing I would love to see is windows!
I didn't want to use a saw for fear of gouging the expensive panels. We refuse to add windows, Need to make a video on that I guess.
No worries! Fantastic rig! Hands down the slickest solar setup I’ve seen yet. I had a test bench setup using elec linear actuators to tilt panels L/R direction but not keen on weather sealing, weight and complexity. Your air system is genius and you can use air for all kinds of things. I used to dive and have scuba tank with hp/lp regulator and adapters for tires, shower systems and a few air tools.
Hello again. Is there any way to get drawings of your solar panel mounting rails that you fabricated? I have ten 100watt solar panels that I want to install above my truck camper, with 6 panels always being exposed, and 4 panels being retractable like yours (two each side). My rack system will be attached to a lumber rack, and if possible, I'll also make the solar racking able to tilt up on either side, to maximize solar exposure and gain better energy production during the months where the Sun is lower toward the horizon.
There is no need for drawings, it's just 3 lengths of 3" angle aluminum and some stainless drawer slides...
Bro, all I wanna know is what can you not do? How did you get to this excellence? I wish I had what you have, all your projects are tops!
When cutting parts apart with adhesive I use piano wire and 2 sticks.
Everlanders With using air-operated actuators, what happens if you lose compressed air whilst travelling? Will they stay put? I had this idea a few months ago for a fifth wheeler RV that we want to buy in about 6 months for fulltime living. The only difference that I was thinking for ours was to use gear DC operated actuators. I look forward to your thoughts on this?!?!
I now have a Frequently Asked Questions post on this very topic on our website that gives lots of details... everlanders.com/FAQ-air-powered-slides/
Have you considered flexible panels on the roof with one layer of slide outs above them? Have to keep the wiring from rubbing on the panels, but you'd get a lower profile. These are 100W panels, right? Considered upgrading to 200W panels? With that much on the roof you could remove the side panels.
I would never consider flexible panels. These are 185 watts each, and with our new side panels we have 2500 watts and make just over 10kWh per day.
ua-cam.com/video/lcck1ejlXt8/v-deo.html
Absolutely amazing! I always look forward to your videos.. Such inspiration.
Man this video is so awesome I want to setup something like this on my enclosed trailer. can you tell me what interface you are using to monitor your solar array and the setup? software etc... do you have video on that setup thanks
XT60 connectors usually used for RC model electric airplanes. Creatively done.
Yup, did lots of RC planes back in the day, but never used these until now, Deans connectors were the new hotness back then.
Everlanders hotness ha haven’t heard that in ages.
I would really love any specs or further details about your solar rack. Mechanisms, motors, wiring, etc how to make it or where to buy it! It would be perfect for my off grid ambulance conversion. Please let me know!!!
It's all in the description...
... of the original video: ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
hi from Australia the land of sunshine. i have a solar system but suffer the battery problem as you describe, too many dollars outlay so i have two 170 ah in parallel still suffer the sag as you say. looks like i have no choice but go lithium or put 10 batteries in thanks for this great video.
Amazing job
wow, impressive. thanks
very informative video . i need to make this expanding frames made of Aluminum , so if i join your monthly channel can i get the full details & design calculations . also to build an off grid solar system to run one 1.5 ton AC unit , 1 TV , I small fridge and few LED lights ? thanks a gain
The full details are freely shared in the original video... ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
Curious what you used between the stainless runners and aluminium sections to prevent galvanic corrosion
Sikaflex 252
Your system is awesome. Is there a realistic way to get an even bigger panel surface?
More Panels and More Slides...
@@Everlanders
You mean one more floor? (I don't master English langage).
Do you think it would be possible to make a solid 3-storey installation by placing the panels perpendicular to the vehicle? There would be the total length of 1 panel above the void on each side of the vehicle.
I'm interested in the gear for the panel slides, and where these might be sourced. Nicely done!
It's all in the description...
ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
@@Everlanders Awesome, thanks. Nice to see your use of the Pi, too.
amazing design! Thumbs up!
i saw the other video and was like, this guy must be an engineer. then i saw your shirt then your pi setup and the description of the open source hw and was like oh for sure. then you said reflow station and did your rework. my guy, i want to be just like you one day. are you an HW EE?
Ingenious as always
I wonder if one of those oscillating tools would have worked to remove the solar mounts .
Unfortunately it didn't, it's a common suggestion.
You have fixed our roof real estate problem! I'm going to skip the pneumatics but stack our panels. Question is what did you use for drawer rails? I found some on Amazon that are supposed to be rust resistant but everyone is telling me they will still rust...
Links are all in the description of the build video. ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
@@Everlanders thanks and thanks for the awesome idea!
Would highway wind rattle the crap out of the lowers if not retracted? I expect so. That being said, is there an auto retract incase you forget in an emergency “get the heck out” situation? I expect that would be a fairly simple upgrade. Maybe triggered from the ignition wire? Just a thought. 😁
It's triggered to retract with the brake pedal, so they always come in when we start the truck. I also have an override switch so I can have them extended when we're stuck in traffic, moving slowly on smooth roads etc...
But it's very sturdily built, we've probably driven a thousand kilometers or more with them extended, with no problems.
Everlanders - Wow, you have thought of EVERYTHING! 👍🏻 Excellent work my friend!
If you don't mind me asking where did you Source those hundred pound slides for the solar panels
I don't mind you asking, it's all linked in the description.
@@Everlanders oh okay thank you sir keep up the great work!
Love the build series. A question regarding using the chassis of the solar array as a ground. Did you use some sort of braided strap from the panels to the chassis? I ask as because it is required in the industrial/utility scale plants I build as carbon fouling will occur between any bearing surfaces and would result in a) micro pitting of the bearing surfaces until failure, and b) loss of continuity and or intermittent voltage leading to spikes and all kinds of weird signals. If this wasn’t a problem, we could save millions of dollars in labor, stainless braided straps and half of the cost of copper cabling.
The panels don't pass any current through the frame or slides. It all goes through the cables, and is grounded outside of the solar array assembly.
I'm planning on putting together an overlander rig also, where did you get the rims and tires? Are you happy with them? How long are the tires lasting?
Hi Jason, so running this setup for a while, can you make a comment on what would be an appropriate wiring scheme for a similar four-panel (two ontop two) layout? Considering situations where only two or three panels may be active due to physical or environmental limitations. Thank you!
I have all my panels paralleled, this way if any one panel is shaded it doesn't take the others down with it. If you intend to series your panels for 24 volts or long wire efficiency, you'd want the top two paralleled with the bottom two.
@@Everlanders Thanks, that I was thinking as well, series in pair horizontally, with parallel out. Any tips on how to better manage cable connection for the sliding panels, do you use cable management arms inside the panel frame to prevent cables to get jammed? Thanks again.
No arms were needed in my case, 3 years of daily use and still no problems. I did make a video showing how my wires are run... ua-cam.com/video/0GDvu0AUrgs/v-deo.html
Hey Jason, I am going to bond aluminum angles to our fiberglass RV as well. You seem to have good luck and experience with sikaflex bonding. Did you weight the solar panel angle mounts or does gravity work well enough?
Gravity is more than enough, but be sure to scuff both surfaces, use the 206 primer and the correct sika 252... I used some random 2 sided tape in small sections to keep it from all squeezing out.
@@Everlanders thanks. Some of the brackets will be near the radiuses edge of the camper roof. Is 252 pretty thick? Will it run down a radiused edge or stay in place?
@@Robbbbooo Crazy thick... No chance it will run.Get or borrow a high quality electric or pneumatic gun. You'll crush the cheap tin gun trying to apply enough pressure to get it out.
Wow, with all that solar, what MPPT charger do you use to add to the solar management system, the Victron (model here?)? Or a Morningstar?
None of the above. I guess you'll need to watch the whole video to get your answer.
... there is no additional charge controller required, it's all handled by the SBMS100 shown at 8:25
I did, watched the whole one and then went to their website to learn more and then got confused lol. So went back to you as the horses mouth so to speak. Didn't understand how it handled the high amp charging current and did mppt, etc... anyway, perhaps not a comment question. Thanks again and really enjoying your channel!
Great job.. can u run air conditioner on that solar?
Yes we do!
Nice -- but all that technology and a hand grinder for coffee beans? :D
That was many years ago, we have an electric burr grinder now.
How did you automate your wideant to seek automatically? Havent seen a video on that nice job though1
A small motor and python scripts querying the router for signal strength - not enough interest to make a video on that.
Damn. That was what I was really interested in seeing. Are there small electrical wheels driving the panels out?
I saw a mention in another video that the power is 8k watts. Doesn't that mean each solar panel is somehow 1000 watts?
Where did you get those panels?
No, not 8kW... They are 185 watt panels, 1.48kW total.
Ok mate, brilliant, although is it not affected by galvanic reaction? I'm trying to build my own RV and looking at how others have done it... I mean aluminium and steel...?
I have limited contact between the steel and the aluminum and have used UHMW spacers when I can... No sign of problems yet!
Wow just incredible
Ive just begun a very similar project, I have an sbms120 on order and still deciding on which Batteries to get, eg. the 180ah you have or go up to the 400ah winstons. I have heard a few stories about the CALB having problems with quality control, how have yours been? Also what kind of Sikaflex did you use for the alloy on the roof, I just bought some 11fc and was not happy with its bonding of 2 pieces of alloy for a test.
I've had no problems, our whole truck is bonded with SikaFlex 252 and the 207 primer...
@@Everlanders Ok thanks, I will have to look into that primer, the tests I have done trying to bond alloy have failed easily even with an alcohol clean and wire brush/drill scuffing both surfaces.
You are an extremely clever bloke, can I ask what you used for the slide actuators and where you got them from. Have often thought about doing this, as someone has already stated, your a genius.
I now have a Frequently Asked Questions post on this very topic on our website that gives lots of details... everlanders.com/FAQ-air-powered-slides/
Love it...
How is setup going after some time on road with vibration and so on?
We're traveling full time, driving through Mexico now, in and out every day, no problems so far.
Wow that is awesome!
I suggested "solar awnings" a few times in various threads but to see it in action is awesome and sure requires some good engineering skills. This definitely could help make RV living more autonomous by increasing solar gain.
What mechanism did you use for the retract? Linear motor?
The retracts are powered by air cylinders, all the parts used are linked in the first video.
Oh wow I missed the first video then. Thanks!
Sorry, what first video?
And how wide are the individual panels and your van roof? I've only ever found panels that are about 1m wide (39")
The first solar array video:
ua-cam.com/video/cM5s4F-7AOk/v-deo.html
Our panel dimensions in Inches and mm:
58.75 1492.25
26.750 660.4
1.875 47.625
Oh thank you kindly! It's been a while that's why I didn't find it ha.
I've actually been looking for alternative dimension solar panels to fit more fully on a 2.55m wide box truck roof but those won't fit perfect either. Best solution I've found is to actually cut a 1m wide solar panel in half and resolder it. From what I've read it's relatively straight forward. Just cut a 1m wide solar panel into one 0.5m wide and connect new wires to the front/back and mind the voltages.
Are your panels in series or parallel? Are you setup as a 12 volt system?
Parallel for sure, and yes, 12 volts.
What about these drawer slides and rust? Is it inox or just plain steel ?
304 Stainless Steel
Brillant idea ....
Wow! Very cool! 👍
Impressive fix.
If you think that's good, you should see our last video where I wrecked it really good and managed to reflow a 48 pin QTFN package on the side of the road: ua-cam.com/video/7RdbXw5mJsA/v-deo.html
amazing thanks for sharing, now I'm getting ideas, kudos, peace and blessings ... subscribed
Just seen your channel LOVE it 👍 nice set up, specially loved it when you soldered that SMT device with a flex coverlay as a protection for the rest of the circuit! How many amps did you harvest by the most part in a sunny day so far with 1,4 kw total Pv cap? ..
If of interest: I run a 160 Ah Lipfos ( Super B) with 2 MT Cis panel flat mount they do max 10-11 amps summer one pm..but winter sun out still up to seven..yes I know I would need one more..but these 2 Mt Cis 90 wp do 2,5 amps even when over cast..well what is 2,5 amps? Nothing...The jocker would be my 2 parallel chargers and booster which can pump 50 amps in and that charges the batt in no time..my consumption pattern is coocking with up to 2 kw for 20 min day, esspresso machine 1,2 kW often, hairdryer 1,8 kw 10 min not every day., TV 32 inch often 4 hours, back fan at refrig all day, Alde recirculation pump few hours / day when cold out, water pump with 0,9 bar pressure storage for washing, dishes and cooking, Led lights at night..radio all day, 2 Notebooks, 2 Phones, 2 Tablets and some times drone recharge, cams and 2 e bikers recharge...so far fine..again one more panel would be great!..
We're traveling in Mexico now, getting 1250 watts peak, about 90 to 100 amps into the battery.
@@Everlanders 👍 impressive thanks, my batt would be full in 1 h..neat ! Happy and safe travels 4 u guys!
Can you sell your plans or something? This would be awesome on my ambulance build, and I am no where near as tech savvy as you. I am interested in the pneumatic slide outs and charge controller system and batteries used. My mini-split A/C search led me to you and I am glad it did.
Sell plans? I gave all the details for free... The components you need are all listed in the Part 1 video description. The sides just bolt to some angle aluminum and the width is governed by the panels you choose . Everything is shown in this playlist. DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: ua-cam.com/play/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf.html
What software is that you are using for you solar array?
I wrote it in Python.
Everlanders wow ok then. You wouldn’t mind sharing would you.
I know its a little late but a heat gun on the surface of the aluminium helps to release stikaflex.
While I agree you are VERY intelligent, I think for myself I would rather not ad to the complication of my systems, in other words K.I.S.S !
I will do the same but will just pull the panels out manually so as to not heave to worry about air lines etc.
Just my 2 cents......
Thats what I was thinking, however, my panels are on top of a huge truck in about 3.9 m hight. Including a locking mechanism I expect it to be very hard to open it manually.
0:23 - what adhesive did you use to make it THAT strong? 😮 I'm just afraid anything, even with Epoxy, would just break off suddenly and eventually...
Much appreciated for the video
Sikaflex 252 with 207 primer.
@@Everlanders thank you so much!
@@millanferende6723 preparation is the key, get it absolutely clean sikaflex can sometimes be too good! we use it in mining to seal gaps in armour plating in crushers, still there when the moly steel plates ave worn away
Are those connectors ‘linked’ in another video, or …. ?
Nope, just Google XT60
You would do better with a good MPPT charge controller. MPPT uses like a transformer to match the voltage so it will change higher voltage from the solar panels to more current to charge the batteries
I got no additional gains when testing with MPPT. Our panels are already matched to our Lithium Bank.
awesome setup!! I'm sure I'd be even impressed if I understood the tech speak! :) Question about the durability: mounted on the hard slides as they are, are you concerned about the panels being damaged over time by rough roads? Keep up the great content! Love the cartoon faces and the commentary!
I have no concerns about the slides, they are not your grandma's rattel box slides, they are super solid 100% stainless, no plastic anywhere in these slides. Plus the air cylinder is pulling them in tight, so they are held super firmly.
Brilliant!
so something i've been wondering about. was the ac always in that convienent out of the way spot? or did you have to remove stuff from the roof to fit all of this?
We built the truck from scratch, from the ground up. So the air conditioner was never on the roof... If that's your question.
Everlanders sorry was thinking the thing infront of the solars was a AC unit. I've been looking into rv's tho on of my concerns is not having enough room to mount solars for my needs
Oh! Nope, that's the maxxair fan... Just a ventilation fan. www.maxxair.com/products/maxxfan/maxxfan.php
A fein tool with a sharp scraper could've helped.. i like your sliding solar system design. Nice goin
Excellent job - I'm jealous! Just subscribed....
I used rework station too.
I did the same. Dacian repaired mine.
Yup, he's a good guy...
How do you keep them locked in when driving
The double acting air cylinders have 150psi on them holding them in.