How To Install a Flexible Solar Panel on an RV
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Through trial and error I've found the best way to install flexible solar panels on my RV roof? Watch me install two new 100 watt monocrystalline solar panels and generate more amps for battery charging.
2019 UPDATE - I NOW HAVE A BETTER WAY TO MOUNT FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS
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MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
I like flexible solar panels because they allow your roof to remain accessible. You can increase that stealth factor by remaining undetectable from ground level. Read more here www.rvwithtito.com/articles/in...
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This video also covers these topics:
Flexible solar panel air gap, Sunpower flexible solar panels, semi flexible solar panels, Flexible solar panels for rv, flexible solar panels for motorhome, Flexible solar panel for rv roof, flexible 12v solar panels, do flexible solar panels get hot, 100w flexible solar panel, problems with flexible solar panels
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The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
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Whether rigid or flexible panels you have to secure them to the roof. Rigid still needs a mount point and the support is still attached to the roof. I have a camper and solar panels and been to all 50 states. Solar panels and controllers in camp are silent and much better than the noise from a gas generator. You and Melissa will enjoy the fruits of your labor over many decades to come. Best wishes. Stan in California. Married to the same girl for 52 years.
I've watched two of your videos and I like them! You two are great! Subscribed and following.
Living in Arizona we love our solar panel systems
Great way to save weight. I am ordering 2 very soon.Thanks for sharing another great video.
Sweet setup you've got, Brian. Nice additional output you just added. 😊
Thanks! Yeah I was pretty excited when I first got them hooked up and measured...not gonna lie. Had a chance to do some boondocking for about 6 days around the 4th and they worked really well, even when it was pretty cloudy out.
RVwithTito
Excellent! We're overdue for a solar & battery upgrade. Too busy this year though.
Great video mate. I learned a bit from it... thanks. I normally would have no more to say, except that a week ago while travelling on a narrow road, a huge semi-trailer come hurtling down the road in the opposite direction at hi speed. The wind factor as it hit my camper head on was like a tornado cat 5 haha, and nearly tipped my humble little campervan over. Well that was fine, but latter I wondered why my regulator was not showing charge. I climbed on the roof to find both my panels ($600 worth) gone, and the wiring ripped off. I never heard a thing... I guess because of the noise of the semi-trailer passing. The lesson I learned is , no matter how good you secure it... its not enough. I had those panels glued, screwed, and hinged down down on 3 ply.... and they still got loose. I studied it a bit and come to the conclusion that the "windward" side of the panels needs extra securing, so with the new ones when they arrive, I will bracket the whole leading edge of the panels down with a type of flashing, so as NO freakin wind can get under to lift off. Its really easy to do... just a strip of aluminium say 1" wide, glued and screwed along the leading edge which is for me, the shortest edge.
watched a couple of your vids now (and yes, I've subscribed to your channel) :)...alot of your upgrades are currently above my price range but so great that the two of you make these vids...very helpful, thorough and informative..thanks so much! ;)
Thanks for the sub!
Great video, just the idea of running the frig alone is super👍👍 Thx! nice..looking more into that.
I only run my frig once my batteries are fully recharged and I'm getting full sun. A lot of times, I'll power the refer from inverter while driving on a sunny day. This enables me to disconnect the propane while driving if I want. The refer switches on and off via thermostat as needed to keep cool. So while driving I'll keep it on the low setting and run my inverter. Most of the time I run my refer on propane.
Put sealant on the screw threads and run them in, that's all that's needed for waterproofing them. Sealant all the way around is going to be fun if a panel needs to be replaced. It also means no possibility of air flow underneath to help keep them cool on hot days.
I like the idea of those flexible panels you used along with an additional portable setup for those times when you can point them towards the sun for more power.
+jMon Agreed. The nice thing about flex panels is that they are easy to stash in your RV to use as needed. I've put them under bed or in the back of my closet.
Great video. Awesome information on performing the task. Thanks!
Beautiful nature , also awesome description .
Thanks
What a great view while you work. Good vid.
For the cables, you can mechanically secure them using p-clamps because adhesive ziptie holders come of.
For the dycor, or silicone, it helps to wet your spatula or fingertip with windex or soapy water so you can get a nice smooth bead. From your video, it looks like it self flattens nicely.
Really nice and well explained video. Thank You from the UK.
I love the flexible ones for all the reasons you mentioned... I'm still waiting till someone comes out with one flexible enough to make an awning fabric out of it. I realize it'll cost 20 grand+ for the awning, but it'd be worth it...
Also The Tape for AC Duck work very Strong and the Adhesive side wster tight. and it also has a. Aluminum reflection side to be used to back drop the rays back on the panel that would be something you would put up Separately.
Thanks for clearing up the parallel/series issue. Could never get an exact answer.
Use 3M VHB 4930 tape. It holds 180 lbs per square inch. That stuff is so strong you need a pry bar to get it off!
Claude Rains I had to chisel mine off!
In the future just use a heat gun to soften the bond.... less damage
They make wire tie stick on bases that you could
Velcro too. No holes and easy to change if one goes bad.
Also I think more Velcro
strips strategically placed would work plus would allow air under to cool panels.
Nice video! 👍👍
About the only tip I can think of is to perhaps use some TPO tape over the cords to better protect them from being jostled by the wind.
I’m becoming a big fan of yours.
Love your attitude.
Hey thanks! Just keepin it real 😎👍
Haha.. I’m not gonna lie.
I kinda like that your wife isn’t in all the videos.
She just makes special appearances.
She’s lovely but I like that you do it mainly alone and give great instructions.
I will get solar for my rig sometime soon i hope....Nice Job on the install..
Thanks. You'll love it, especially if you plan to do some boondocking.
It's the same ones I got for Amazon but minor black black yeah I haven't got mine hooked up yet but when it's not 20 below it's out there eventually I live in North Dakota so it's a bit cold over here right now have a good day nice video thank you
Finally getting back to it eh. Good to see ya
If you study the instruction for c-Si so-called semiflexible panels, you will see that there is a very low deflection allowed. When a micro-crack occurs, the electrons must skip the crack and thus heat will develop. Because your panel is made with a back of plastic, there is a risk of fire.
If there is no fire, there is definitely some insulation that melts at a time by your camper.
You have the same rv I have. Thanks for all the tips and your vids are really going to help me do stuff to my rv.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!
Another amazing video.
Thanks for all the info very helpful !!!
i would also invest in a few wind turbines as well, when you have a cloudy day
2019 UPDATE VIDEO ( ua-cam.com/video/hROYaqY83v4/v-deo.html ) - I now have a better way to mount semi flexible solar panels.
Nice video thanks for sharing! Although I don't think it was a good ideal to seal all the edges! It was actually good that you had those bits of putty tape lifting it up giving air circulation underneath and help heat dissipation. I heard a number of stories from people that had their flexible solar overheat and break because it had no way to cool.
Hi Tito, just wondering if you have any information to share back with the flexible panels and also if they would work on a rubber roof RV...thanks
Thank you for the great information
Good epoxy or Double sided foam tape (Like they use on windscreen mirrors or Gopro mounts) are way more secure, saves drilling holes in fibreglass roof.
Tito. great video like your idea on what type of Panel. to cover the wires depending on the thickness you could use the plastic pvc cut in half and Square up the cables to give you access walking around for Maintenance. 😎🌴 Ft.Lauderdale Fl.☀
Hi, Question/suggestion. Instead of sealing the panel completely around the edges, which possible may permanently seal in any atmosphere moisture, how about sealing in only the front forward facing edge and only and inch or two on either side? That would help prevent road wind from lifting the panel while driving and also allow any moisture that would now be under the panel to drain and evaporate.
1) So what can you run with these or are they just for charging batteries?
2) How did they work in winter after adding the additional panel vs. tilting?
Just a thought, instead of mounting them in direct contact to roof what about creating some lift so air can flow underneath.. I wonder how the provided grommets and adhesives would perform at high winds as far as being secure.
Suggestions: More panels ;o) I would be tempted to cover every inch of the roof with panels... Nice job and thanks for sharing!
Sun is a blessing
Nice job for an amateur. Use of Dicore ( screwed and Eterna bonding tape. First, the use of silicone in screw holes is a must for severe weather. Second, he admits to solar panels blow off from effort to vent then underneath and fails to admit it on video. If used pinhole in greenhouse roofing material polyurethane it could transfer the heat from under the panel. cheap aluminum is not good but stainless is ok. The instruction say to vent bottom of panel too, an effort to increase the voltage in heat of day temperature of 170 is typical without a sprayer,
Good stuff Tito. I have had a look at a few of your vids. They have been v informative. I love the comment by R A Monigold, he does make a bit of sense in his suggestion.. I'll keep looking through your work.
Has anyone used 3M Lock Reclosable fastener? We use them in the NE to keep the toll road module adhered to the windshield.
I might have just used weatherized tape, around the edges...but 24 v, if you shade just one panel, you shutdown all the panels...
That was great
Thank you. Vince
Brian, new to your channel. Good vlog (video), well done. Where were you (location) for this install, and since the install (haven’t yet viewed more of your vids) how have the panels and wiring held up?
very nice solar system
using aluminium marine tape is the best. it's strong and you don't need to make any holes.
Do you have any videos of your install
I have a question about solar. I have installed a solar panel on our old RV and it worked great. We have a 2017 RV ( Forester 3051s) now and thinking about adding solar to it. The main question is when it is charging will it charge the Truck battery also? The reason I ask is that my truck battery went dead while in storage. Thanks
All great but to seal all around stops the flow of air from underneath that cools off the panels.
so you drilled those holes from the top... don't you have to fix the interior roof? the nails doesn't show inside the RV?
Great Video Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! Have you seen my latest mounting method? ua-cam.com/video/uJIEXhnF8MU/v-deo.html
One thing that you may be doing wrong here which will reduce solar output is using a wide variety of solar panels. There seems to be two rules here - if have same amps on all solar panels can connect in series & if have same voltage output but different amps can connect in parallel. If have varying voltage and amps whatever you do using one solar controller will have severe losses (ie. in series amps of lowest panel will be determining factor) so will loose badly if they are vastly different panels. The panels you have installed look to be 32 cell so about 16V output whereas the long panel I suspect is more cells and therefore different voltage.
Nice install
Ruff... nice setup!
I've found most white/translucent zip ties are labeled "indoor" and won't hold up to sun. Black and some colored ties will. My favorite, when appropriate, are stainless!
great video. Have you went through any hail storms yet and if so does the solar panels hold up well through the ice beating.
How did you connect it into the inside? Did you run the wire in the window?
Great information. Thanks.
You're welcome. Be sure to check out this one too ua-cam.com/video/hROYaqY83v4/v-deo.html.
Tito - still really happy with these HQST panels? I've read that the Suaoki's have bypass diodes where the HQST do not. Has that been an issue for you at all? Thanks for the videos!
Actually, can i know how to connect the electricity after i install all of the component of solar panel?, i mean what is the next step? thank you
Good Morning. It has been over one year with the new panel. How is it holding up? has the tape held up.
Hey Tito, I just wanted to start by saying how much I enjoy watching you try new ways of doing things. I wanted to ask if you’ve had any leaks with your roof vent? I’m about to cut through my new roof and want to understand how realistic I should be about a leak free experience. Cheers, Andrew
+Andrew Peel No Andrew. I've never had a leaky roof vent. Happy cutting.
Good information here. Question: Now that you have had them for a while are you still happy with the flexible panels and are they generating high Amp at the same level as initial days? Not familiar with RV setting but in general don't you want to have some ventilation, under the panels to keep them cool (Seems ironical but solar is best operated under cold conditions). Does mixing with lower power different type panel come with any drawback?Great job and enjoy rest of your way.
So....when will you come to COLOMBIA????
Thanks for the video. On 6:24 you're drilling the roof, but in the newer videos you stick to non-drilling approaches. Which one is better/safer in your opinion? Do you want to add a note to the video about "check non-drilling approach in another video"?
I'd prefer not drilling unless it's necessary. At this point, nothing is screwed in.
Tesla need a Powerwall you can slap on an RV and integrate with custom panel setups
Thanka for the video. Would like to install these on a reefer container for storing perishable goods while being transported. The reefer has a max power usage of 15 KW but uses an average of 8kw. Would it work?
You would need a lot of real estate for 8 KW worth of solar panels. That would be around 80 x 100 watt panels. Plus you would need thousands of dollars worth of batteries to power the refer.
Thank you Tito for taking the time to do this. Always enjoy your videos and since I'm still researching about solar possibilities, this was very interesting. My wife and I are fellow pacific north westerners so I understand about the weather...especially this year. Yuk. Since we are on the western side, camping around trees is a norm unless you go across the mountains. Anyway, a few questions:
1.) Understand the reason you mentioned about why you installed the panels in series but from what I understand, doing so makes the solar system more susceptible to shading issues. Some tests I've observed significantly reduced the performance of the entire system just from shading a few cells on one panel. Is this not a concern for you or were the benefits (higher voltage, smaller wires) more important?
2.) Have you looked at the robustness of the coating on the cells themselves? I had heard of an issue with the surface degrading faster/damaged easier that glass panels.
Take care and happy RV'ing!
When I initially had just a couple of panel, I had them wired in parallel. As I started adding more panels of different sizes, it made more sense to change it over to series in order to not lose any wattage from the larger panels. With that said, I can quickly switch them over to parallel in a matter of minutes. On the shading issue, I prefer to camp out in the open. If I'm going to be dry camping with solar, I try and find a nice open spot. The shading issue is always going to be an issue, even when in parallel. All of my panels have bypass diodes in them but I haven't actually done any testing on them. Regarding the coating of the cells, I don't have any information about that. I always do try and look for a bargain on panels with understanding that if one goes bad, I can easily replace it. But I'll let you know if I notice any degradation. So far, none. Thanks for the comment!
Have you tried the cell phone Tower Batteries? They are between 700.00-800.00 a peace but warranted for about 15 years! You can get them cheaper on amazon used with lots of warranty left to them !!!
I'm aware of them but haven't tried them. I'll probably be upgrading soon to sealed 10yr AGMs.
Another great RV with Tito video! Nice work. My only concern is heat with those flexi panels laying flat...solar panels get uber-hot. Looks like there is enough space up there for a 1,000 watt array!
I was wondering about that also. If you are in a hot area like the southwest usa temps can get over 100 and higher how will those panels handle that kind of heat with no air under them?
They do get warm at times. My other ones do as well. I haven't had issues because of it. It could be because I generally avoid that kind of heat.
RVwithTito what is the max outside temperature that you run them at?
And what if the panel gets a defect? Can you easily replace it? I would build a frame with alu-profile or similar and screw the panel on the frame...
Do you think they will do as well as ridged solar panels?
You mentioned a video of your's where you explain connecting the panels in series... Can you provide a link please?
It's an older one. Here it is ua-cam.com/video/dfMVHLVcMWo/v-deo.html
Instructions from the Avasva site are perfect for beginners.
Instead of screw/drill into the roof - couldn't those 50lbs magnet hook does the same ? assuming the roof is metal
great job
Why drill and mount then seal? Just use flexible sealant. It will not come off. No penetrations to leak or fix later.
Use low profile PVC cable conduit to ensure wires are protected from elements and animals. The rounded top 1/2 will be less noisy too.
Love your vids. I may have tried eternibond tape for sealing the edges on the flat panels. What do you think?
Thanks! I thought of that too. I went with Dicor because it would be easier to remove should the panel need replacing for any reason. Eternibond is much more difficult to remove.
well done tito stay safe out there :)
Hey Brian great video as always and it looked like a beautiful location. I'm really interested in the solar power possibilities but know virtually nothing about it. I was surprised that your install provided enough power to run the fridge. Will that be the case while you are driving down the road too.....assuming it's a sunny day or will you have to revert to propane for the fridge? Take care and keep up the terrific videos! (I think my wife is really starting to warm up to the RV living/traveling when she retires in less than 2 years!)
+A Davis Yes, that is my plan. I prefer not to run the propane while driving. So, yes, while its sunny I can use the solar to power my fridge.
The dislikes are from the people that don't like good information...
I guess so :)
Question about this flexible panels. Do they have by-pass diodes like rigid panels? Nice video and audio... great actually. Thanks
+Clint Johnson Usually yes, but I'm not 100% sure on these HQST panels. I've read YES, but I haven't cracked open the jbox to confirm.
Did you get the GoPower panels? Your link just brings me to an Amazon search. Thank BTW. I was wondering how the flexible panels performed.
They are HQST panels. I have a link to them on the website here (www.rvwithtito.com/solar-panel-kits#oursolar). The 100W panels keep selling out so you'll have to keep checking back. Go check out my response to Mike Johnson's comment for more.
Great vids, Did you mention how much battery storage that you have? I just finished a 400 watt Renogy install on a travel trailer. I run a couple of 6 volt costco batts. Would like to add a couple more and have room for 2 more panels. This stuff is addictive. Fun though, am working on a couple of e bikes and just thought it seemed a natural.
I also have two 6 volt Costco batteries (210 amp hours). I'll be upgrading soon to two AGMs for a total of 350 amp hours. I do love my two Costco 6v batteries. They are great. I just don't have the space for two more. If I did, then that's what I would get.
I read somewhere that you need air under the panel to cool it otherwise the efficiency goes down. Could someone clarify for me please?
What brand are the panels please and how have you liked them?
Make a follow up video in a year or so, after the plastic has had a chance to warp and cause EACH cell to "cup" - thus seriously reducing output. Just the voice of experience. P.S. let's not forget how HOT they get when mounted DIRECTLY to any surface without a proper lift for cooling.
Thanks for sharing...
Sounds like a plan. I'll be sure to keep an eye on those panels and report back. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I had no air get under my sola panel and cooked it.
Yeah, and all that heat in contact with your roof too. Kinda scary. I just had a panel failure and was considering mounting a flexible right over the top of it.
So where's the one year update??
@@Lauren-vd4qe ua-cam.com/video/h1nmUjiNq2s/v-deo.html
Curious if you have a propane fridge and if so whether you leave the propane ON while you are driving down the road?
Yes. My fridge runs on both propane and electricity. I have always used the propane while driving even though some advise against it. Now, if it's sunny, I power my fridge on electricity while driving.
First time viewer buddy...great video. Planning to install solar panels on my homemade cabover im gonna build soon so looking for ideas. Does that butyl tape really help with leaks? that's one thing i want to avoid too is drilling. anyways thanks for the video share...subscribed!
+Retired Tony 1970 Thanks. Yes, the Butyl tape is used widely on RVs to seal up openings and seams.
New Sub!... Hi! Thank-U Tito I'm also learning all I can on solar panels this was very Helpful. One question though? when you did your research on buying your panels... what made you decide to go with that Brand as to oppose to Renogy or others? in other words... WHAT SOLD YOU? TFS.
+lacsa727 Renogy doesn't sell flex panels anymore. HQST (the panels in the video) took over the production of the Renogy flex panels.
I've had a panel fail, so I'm putting a flexible one right on top of it with glue. Concerned about heat.
I like the flexible solar panels
Is it the same way for a mini camper? I am planning to make a mini camper for my bike and I want to install it with solar panels for electricity.
+Durplepurple94572 Oh sure. I've seen lots of small campers with a similar setup.
With flexible panels such as these how tolerant are they for light weight on them. Could you walk on them? Kneel on them etc. Anyone please reply.
Thanks Good video
Mikebkk
Quick question but first..we love your guys videos!! Thanks for sharing all education. We are looking at flexible solar for our setup. Which performs better for,you. The first solid black rolled up long panels or these new ones? Really loved the butyl tape idea so it attaches to the screw and helps seal the hole! Andy and Kathy
The newer panels are more efficient. They are monocrystalline panels and the most efficient of the three types (monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film). The long roll-up panels are thin-film panels. They work really well but are the least efficient. So it takes a larger thin-film panel to produce the same output as a monocrystalline panel. For example. The three roll-out thin film panels I have (the only kind of flex panel available at the time) generate 250 watts. The two smaller new ones together put out 200 watts. Those larger ones, are very durable and good quality though. But they take up more space on the roof.
RV with Tito DIY Great video. Is there a certain name brand on the monocrystalline?
what was the coast of each panel and other component
No venting underneath required? Helpful video! Subscribed.
The bottom line is that all solar cells generate a little heat and perform better when it's cooler. The manufacturers usually test the panels at around 78 deg F. So I'm sure if you could figure a way to mount them so that they could be vented, then I suppose it couldn't hurt. In my opinion it defeats the purpose of using flex panels and it's not required. I've done a couple of temperature tests on my panels and found that performed at around the same temperature whether they were mounted flat on my rubber roof or not mounted at all. The white colored panels seem to stay 5-10 degrees cooler than the dark colored panels. Hope that helps!
RVwithTito That helps a lot, thank you for the response!