Thanks for showing this. Too many times people don’t show the step by step and what may be obvious to you may not be to others. Really appreciate the details. Wonderful!
Thank you for making this so understandable. I've watched dozens of videos on this, and it just left me dizzy. It really is easy, and you show that. Again, thank you very much.
I strongly suggest you place fuses in line with the positive lead from the solar panel to the charge controller and from the charge controller to the battery. Of course anything you plan on running off the battery should be fused as well.
i just strapped 2 solar pannels to the roof rack and they fit width wise end to end perfectly snug between the roofrails and i just zip tied them together, easiest thing ever, no tools required. they already have holes on the underside of the bottom corners that u can run a zip tie through. its like they where designed to fit together inbetween roof rails.
@@KT-ed8hj i kind of run a shit post youtube channel and i dont want to show people what car i drive or where i live. geo guessers n shit. I upgraded since, i have 4 solar pannels now. horizontally across the car in a row from back to front. they are zip tied to eachother and then 4 extra holes where drilled on the underside of each pannels frame that i have zip tied to the roof rails. the roof rails are retracted and the pannels sit flush ontop of them and are zip tied under. each 2 pannels gets their own charge controller which runs into a bank of 3 batteries that go under the floor in the stow and go seating compartment. this feeds the 4000 watt inverter.
@@wompstopm123 thanks for sharing that. I am planning on driving up to seattle next week and living out of my suv for a couple months while doing side gig apps. I am wanting to get a 42L fridge/freezer in my car and will run a box fan at night. Was wondering how i can go about this without screwing my alternator or car battery. I have no idea what im doing. I just know i need a freezer and box fan in my car and will be running the car all day every day.
@@KT-ed8hj Your fridge/freezer should plug right into your car/vehicle's Cig Lighter outlet. I have a 100Amp Hour LiFePo4 Battery $200.00, in a Battery Box that I bought on Amazon for $89.00 just for backup. 330watt Solar Panel on top of my old Hummer H3. I'm in the process of installing a Chinese Diesel Heater in my Hummer now.
I like how you used the Z brackets upside down so you could sort of recess the panel between the crossbars. dont understand why so many minivan builders like to have the panel jutting out above the crossbars.
I just tied mine on with parachute shroud. All I had to do was drill extra attachment holes in aluminum panel frame. Only drawback is they would be easy to swipe.
Thanks, I like the way you mounted the panel. 1 ? though would be alright to put pool noodles under the panel to help with movement at least while driving?
Thanks.. where did you get those brackets? Did they come with your eco worthy solar kit?.... blessings unto you and your van life...in Jesus mighty name amen
so is the solar panel lying directly on the roof top? If so, wouldn't that cause it to experience a lot of vibration? seems mounting directly to the cross bars might be better? And also I heard it's better for there to be an air gap under to solar panels so they are a little cooler? thoughts? ty!
Hi, how will you mount the same solar framed panel using standard thule T-slot bar and do you think what size of solar panel is safe to mount? 20kg, 380 W 170x100cm?
You could use in fact, on 1 side, U brackets that slide just over roof bar, pinching it without having to attach in on that side. Easier and faster to install. Just an idea
hello. in the beginning of the video you are connecting wires to the battery, where did those wire come from? are they from the van? an inverter? i'm still learning. thanks!
2 роки тому+1
The other end of those wires connect directly to the solar charge controller :)
How much power is generated and what are the uses for your application? Looked like a simple install!👍 😎 👋
3 роки тому+7
We havent measured any actual output, but its enough to run our water pump, lights, charge all our electronics, and run a small fridge (if theres enough sun)
can you tell me what brackets you used to mount the the solar panel to the roof rack been searching Home Depot and Lowes all day and can't find a thing?
2 роки тому
Theyre just flat mending plates, i believe 6" long. We just bent them slightly to fit around the rails
@ Thanks for the reply man. Trying to do what you did here for my Element. I found similar z brackets from home depot but they are too short for my renogy 100W. If I have to drill holes into the panel’s frame to fit, that might void the warranty no? :/
Рік тому
@@kevinnghe1 it might, better check the warranty info before drilling!
@ The long angled with holes can't find them anywhere. I have the Z ones. What store did you buy them from?
3 роки тому
@@minivancamping6556 home depot. Should be this one! www.homedepot.com/p/Hardware-Essentials-6-x-3-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Mending-Plate-5-Pack-851500-0/203810324?MERCH=REC-_-PLP_Browse_Mobile-_-NA-_-203810324-_-N&
@@minivancamping6556 yes i wanted to ask the same question. Did it naturally bend and conform to the rail when you put them on or did you bend them before installing the brackets?
Great idea, any issues going thru a car wash? I want 2 panels on my grand caravan, I used my local car wash and I'm worried about the roof brushes ripping the panels out. thanks
Those perforated strips of steel, usually galvanized, can be found at your diy home store where you'd find hardware for assembling a deck. As "mending" plates they are meant as a splint for cracked or splintered wood.
Thanks for showing this. Too many times people don’t show the step by step and what may be obvious to you may not be to others. Really appreciate the details. Wonderful!
def, it was nice to see the details.
Thank you. I am curious how people mount to the crossbars. You came up with a good solution.
Flat mending plates. Who knew!!! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Passing the wires from roof into the van took some research. Glad to have found your suggestion.
Thank you for making this so understandable. I've watched dozens of videos on this, and it just left me dizzy. It really is easy, and you show that. Again, thank you very much.
Great & easy solution for attaching to cross bars without buying brackets meant for something else, like a ski rack (like I was going to do).
You made the process very easy I’m in. A 2010 Lancer can’t wait to get my solar panel and my extra battery. Thank you so much for this video.
Nice solution to mounting a solar panel on your minivan camper conversion! Thanks for sharing! -Marshall 🎸
Thanks for watching!
I strongly suggest you place fuses in line with the positive lead from the solar panel to the charge controller and from the charge controller to the battery. Of course anything you plan on running off the battery should be fused as well.
That's why we like using solar power stations. A layperson will end up burning down their car.
Got any good vids on how to do this?
Genius Idea. Better than drilling holes on top of my van. THANKS...
Thanks for the video. This is the first time it made sense.
i just strapped 2 solar pannels to the roof rack and they fit width wise end to end perfectly snug between the roofrails and i just zip tied them together, easiest thing ever, no tools required. they already have holes on the underside of the bottom corners that u can run a zip tie through. its like they where designed to fit together inbetween roof rails.
Upload video
@@KT-ed8hj i kind of run a shit post youtube channel and i dont want to show people what car i drive or where i live. geo guessers n shit.
I upgraded since, i have 4 solar pannels now. horizontally across the car in a row from back to front. they are zip tied to eachother and then 4 extra holes where drilled on the underside of each pannels frame that i have zip tied to the roof rails. the roof rails are retracted and the pannels sit flush ontop of them and are zip tied under. each 2 pannels gets their own charge controller which runs into a bank of 3 batteries that go under the floor in the stow and go seating compartment. this feeds the 4000 watt inverter.
@@wompstopm123 thanks for sharing that. I am planning on driving up to seattle next week and living out of my suv for a couple months while doing side gig apps. I am wanting to get a 42L fridge/freezer in my car and will run a box fan at night. Was wondering how i can go about this without screwing my alternator or car battery. I have no idea what im doing. I just know i need a freezer and box fan in my car and will be running the car all day every day.
@@KT-ed8hj
Your fridge/freezer should plug right into your car/vehicle's Cig Lighter outlet.
I have a 100Amp Hour LiFePo4 Battery $200.00, in a Battery Box that I bought on Amazon for $89.00 just for backup. 330watt Solar Panel on top of my old Hummer H3.
I'm in the process of installing a Chinese Diesel Heater in my Hummer now.
@@Snailmailtrucker I've heard people say you will drain your main car battery using it for that stuff you need a second battery
I like how you used the Z brackets upside down so you could sort of recess the panel between the crossbars. dont understand why so many minivan builders like to have the panel jutting out above the crossbars.
You need a couple inches for airflow or else you heat the roof of your minivan.
Amazing thanks! Was wondering how to route the wires without drilling a hole!
Step by Step, very clear, thank you!
What are those flexible metal strips called and where do you buy them?
It looks like "Punched Steel Flat Bar". Search the big A or HD.
I just tied mine on with parachute shroud. All I had to do was drill extra attachment holes in aluminum panel frame. Only drawback is they would be easy to swipe.
Boss where did you get that mounting bracket?
Thanks, I like the way you mounted the panel. 1 ? though would be alright to put pool noodles under the panel to help with movement at least while driving?
GREAT idea using the straps to mount it to the roof rack, did you make those?
Very nice. But what is the battery being used for??
Have your solar panel cable held up with the door opening and shutting on them frequently over time?
Yes there's enough gap that they don't get crushed or anything. Plus that door is rarely opened
Will this fit on RAV4?
Did you really mount the contoller where the airbag is....?
How long are your mending plates? I can’t find with same holes (not zigzag).
hello, where did you buy the brackets for the solar pannel, do you remenber how long are they?
Pretty simple. Thank you!!
Thanks.. where did you get those brackets? Did they come with your eco worthy solar kit?.... blessings unto you and your van life...in Jesus mighty name amen
Where did you get the bracket for the solar panel? Can you send the link where you found it?
They're flat mending plates found at hoke depot. They bent as i torqued them around the roof rack bars
So you wouldn't recommend them? I need something to make my solar panels reach my roof rack or might have to build a platform with thick wood
so is the solar panel lying directly on the roof top? If so, wouldn't that cause it to experience a lot of vibration? seems mounting directly to the cross bars might be better? And also I heard it's better for there to be an air gap under to solar panels so they are a little cooler? thoughts? ty!
He answered another person that it is held in place an inch above the roof.
What are those brackets called you clamped to the crossbar?
They're flat mending plates. They bent around the bars as I tightened them
@ ❤️
and where did you get that from that came with those brackets that is a perfect fit
The metal are brackets are just flat mending plates that we bent slightly around the roof rack rails
Hi, how will you mount the same solar framed panel using standard thule T-slot bar and do you think what size of solar panel is safe to mount? 20kg, 380 W 170x100cm?
You could use in fact, on 1 side, U brackets that slide just over roof bar, pinching it without having to attach in on that side. Easier and faster to install.
Just an idea
hello. in the beginning of the video you are connecting wires to the battery, where did those wire come from? are they from the van? an inverter? i'm still learning. thanks!
The other end of those wires connect directly to the solar charge controller :)
What sealant did you use?
How much power is generated and what are the uses for your application? Looked like a simple install!👍 😎 👋
We havent measured any actual output, but its enough to run our water pump, lights, charge all our electronics, and run a small fridge (if theres enough sun)
Where you got these metal pieces
Couple questions 1 what year is your van? 2 what are the demendions on your solar panel?
It's a 2010. The panel is approximately 20in x 49in
Not sure what size your 100 watt panel is but you could have a 200 watt panel up there. approx 27.5" x 55".
Can u connect with out z brackets and hist use the connect straight to bottom of pannel
It's possible, I guess. It would just change how high the panel is above the roof of the van
How thick are the brackets and how did you bend them? I got some 6 inch zinc steel ones and they are extremely hard to mend.
We put the bolts through and tightened them with a socket wrench, which slowly bent the mending plate as the nut tightened
Great video. How did you bend the mending plates?
I put the bolts through the holes then just torque it until the metal bends lol
Hi could you link this solar panel? And how do you plug your items into the battery? Tia :)
Awesome details...❤
What if solar isnt enough and you want to charge using the car starter or alternator?
can you tell me what brackets you used to mount the the solar panel to the roof rack been searching Home Depot and Lowes all day and can't find a thing?
Theyre just flat mending plates, i believe 6" long. We just bent them slightly to fit around the rails
@ thanks so much saved so much time
What's the solar panel brand? Those dimensions you listed are hard to find quickly...
I believe it was Eco Worthy
So helpful! Thanks!
thank you. ....two.
Thank you.
Hey man, where did you buy this panel from? What brand is it? Thanks
I believe this one was Ecoworthy
@ Thanks for the reply man. Trying to do what you did here for my Element. I found similar z brackets from home depot but they are too short for my renogy 100W. If I have to drill holes into the panel’s frame to fit, that might void the warranty no? :/
@@kevinnghe1 it might, better check the warranty info before drilling!
Hi can pls tell me I have old ford territory I want it to convert in camper
Where did you buy the brackets? Can't find them anywhere on the internet.
Thank you in advance!
The flat ones can be bought at any hardware store. The angled ones came with the solar panel
@ The long angled with holes can't find them anywhere. I have the Z ones. What store did you buy them from?
@@minivancamping6556 home depot. Should be this one! www.homedepot.com/p/Hardware-Essentials-6-x-3-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Mending-Plate-5-Pack-851500-0/203810324?MERCH=REC-_-PLP_Browse_Mobile-_-NA-_-203810324-_-N&
@ That's a straight piece. Did you bend it yourself?
@@minivancamping6556 yes i wanted to ask the same question. Did it naturally bend and conform to the rail when you put them on or did you bend them before installing the brackets?
Where did you buy the equipment? Was it a kit?
The panel, wires, and controller came in a kit. You can buy kits like that on many online retailers. The battery i bought separately
Is there anything that you have done to prevent theft if the panel?
No, solar panel theft is pretty rare. I haven't heard of anyone getting them stolen
No one is going to steal a used $200 panel to be sold on ebay for $40 or pawn shop for $20
Did you notice any reduction on gas mileage after you've installed the panel? Thanks for sharing!
Didn't notice any changes
looks like you have space for 2 or a bigger one
What size panel was this.
Have you had any noticeable difference in gas mileage? From the drag of the panel?
I don't think so, no
@ okay awesome thanks.
Great idea, any issues going thru a car wash? I want 2 panels on my grand caravan, I used my local car wash and I'm worried about the roof brushes ripping the panels out. thanks
Couldn't tell you, i've always hand washed !
Salut! J’aimerais savoir si le panneau solaire fait du bruit pendant que vous roulez? Si oui comment avez-vous réglé le problème? Merci
Oui il fait un peut de bruit, mais je n'ai rien fait pour réduire le bruit
Cant you just connect a panel directly to a Jackery or Bluetti and not use charge controller?
You can
after wiring is there any leakage of water to inside
No, never had any water leak in
This is such a janky set up. Crimp proper connectors on all your wires.
How about showing how you put a solar panel on a new car,for the very first time
Nice design. Is the panel sitting directly on the roof?
Nope, bolted to the roof rack rails, it's an inch or two above the roof
@ Perfect. Thanks
Did you make the metal pieces you attached to the roof rack ? Or did you purchase them ? Thanks
Purchased them! They're called ''flat mending plates''. We bought them flat and bent them around the roof rack rails
@ Thank You Love the video I'll subscribe
Those perforated strips of steel, usually galvanized, can be found at your diy home store where you'd find hardware for assembling a deck. As "mending" plates they are meant as a splint for cracked or splintered wood.
Any wind noise issues?
A little bit yeah
What is that curved bracket called? I can't find it
It's just a 6" flat mending plate that we bent around the rails
has anyone ever told you that you look like Louis Tomlinson
What are these brackets called?
6" flat mending plates
what are the dimensions of the panel?
I believe its around 24" x 49"
Is it automatic car wash safe? 😮
What name
What if it rains?