This is perfect, totally solved my head-scratcher. The only thing I’ll try different is hose clamps, the screw-to-tighten kind, instead of baling wire, which would also make my 100W panel easier to remove and store inside if I need to stealth camp. And I was all over Amazon looking for modifiable clamp mounts when the simple ones work fine. Thank you so much!
Hi, I always think about having a permanent solar panel on my minivan, but for me I think a skybox for storage is a better idea and stealthier looking. I do have a portable suitcase type solar panel that I use and like. Adding that self-tapping screw was a good idea. Keep that video camera rolling, I do enjoy your videos, see you on the road.
This is an upsize from my previous 100w panel, and I am surprised how unnoticeable it still is. You can put a lot of stuff in some of those roof boxes. I went ahead and put one screw in each hole. Eight in all. Thanks for stopping in.
@@OffGridAdventure I can't give your van enough compliments you're starting out with an all-wheel drive Toyota and it just goes up from there but you keep everything simple which is why I love everything you do yes that panel is very stealthy you did a great job and you can always go back and forth between a roof panel and briefcase panels too if you want to park in the shade !! You are set up for all kinds of versatile success my friend thanks for sharing I will keep watching!!
I just watched your video on mounting solar to the roof of your mini-van. Very Helpful.!! I wanted to mount my solar panel down between the roof rails using cross bars, the key word being "BETWEEN" the roof rails at approximately the same elevation. I was trying to achieve concealing the panel between the mounting rails. My panel dimensions will not let this happen, HOWEVER, watching your installation has given me some new ideas. THANKS AGAIN for your videos, they are most helpful on building out my Honda Odyssey.....
@@OffGridAdventure I was more worried about theft. Now that I have it mounted and it is noticeable, it's a fairly low profile and its in the middle of the roof rack area, making it more of a challenge to take. I might be more conscious of its presence than the average person just because of my concerns.... (grin).
I'm not an engineer but I think your original set up would have held the panels down just fine. The new set-up makes them much more secure, and from theft. I made an elaborate system to hold two 100w panels end to end which are cantilevered a bit over the slider to act as a rain guard on my minivan. With about a 6" space between, next the panels is a Thule. Both about equal lengths. Not to obvious, I have the ability to remove the panels from the rack system in just a few minutes.
I like it. I’m always afraid of someone stealing portable panels if I’m out hiking, etc. Seems like someone would be less likely to steal in from on top of the van.
About to do this to my jeep renegade . Similar cross bars and I have renogy solar panel that will charge a power station. Plan on stealth camping for a year ..maybe longer to save money. I'm in TX, and we do have rough winters...should be interesting. Also, have a low watt heater and a north face sleeping bag ( the one bag) so I should be good. Super simple set up. I couldn't imagine going stealth without a power station or panel. Or gear for winter/summer. Appreciate the video... I'll try the zip ties/wire to secure the panel. I'll also drill a few screws just in case.
front deflector might be helpful...if possible. abit more aerodynamic and would protect the wiring abit. Solid! might be a good way to go for a PACIFICA hybrid...30 miles at a time
you've inspired me to convert my sienna. thanks for all the info you've provided. I noticed in another video, your solar panel is sitting on 2 sets of OEM crossbars. Did that have anything to do with making the solar panel more secure? or did you add them for another reason? Thanks again!
Hi, I did that so that I can take it off when I don’t need it. The panel is still up there now with no issues. Someone could steal it easily if they really wanted to.
I have a 190 watt panel. Waiting to move to figure out how I`ll use it with my camper. I have a 12 volt cooker that`s 160 watts and was thinking of connecting it directly to that panel.
Definitely need an inverter. The panel puts out over 20v and the inverter will drop it to 12v. You could try something like I use here to hook up directly, but need to makes sure the amps match up: ua-cam.com/video/jZAF0taYWj8/v-deo.html
I keep toying with the idea of the permanent panel on the roof... I have a 100 watt briefcase panel and a 125 watt briefcase panel that I can tether together and then I have the 30 ft cord so I can keep my van parked in the shade and run the panels out into the sun... There is an upside and a downside to doing it this way too.. The upside is it will keep your van cooler the downside is you have to do a lot of deploying and maneuvering of panels lol
@@larryc1616 honestly yes I babysit the panels at times lol it is slightly annoying but I love free energy ...bigger probl is just available direct sunlight...is cloudy more than one might think here in Ohio...they make automatic panel swivels that follow the sun but because I already know they would be well out of my price range I never bothered to price them up it's a great idea though...I have stuck my panel on the windshield but I am careful about doing that when it is too warm inside the van
Hi, it's me again. Since I spend quite a bit of time stealth city camping, the rigid solar panel will attract unwanted attention. Therefore my thoughts are now on installing a flex panel directly on to the roof. I just need to figure out how to attach it. I really don't want to drill holes in the roof. If you or anyone else has any ideas, please let me know. PS Do you still have the van?
Hi, I recently traded the minivan for a Jeep. I can’t remember which brand, but I tested some flexible solar panels about one year ago that come with sufficient adhesive for rooftop mounting. I believe they were BougeRV CIGS panels. More expensive, but more versatile.
It worked fine for the smaller 100w Renogy panel that I originally had on there. But, I wasn’t convinced that this one would hold up, because of the play in the brackets once mounted.
I tried several heavy duty installs. Very difficult to put on and take off. I travel with the panel inside my van. And now I actually use ball bungees. Easy on, easy off. I don't have the panel on the roof all the time. And I wouldn't drive on an Interstate. But I'm ok driving surface streets and getting solar while at a campground.
All of the details about the solar panel HERE: ua-cam.com/video/GTo7VQIKQUM/v-deo.html
This is perfect, totally solved my head-scratcher. The only thing I’ll try different is hose clamps, the screw-to-tighten kind, instead of baling wire, which would also make my 100W panel easier to remove and store inside if I need to stealth camp. And I was all over Amazon looking for modifiable clamp mounts when the simple ones work fine. Thank you so much!
I think the screws were the safest addition. The panel doesn’t move at all now.
Thanks for the step by step,, great info
Thank you!
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Thank you!
Nice job. I sure appreciate the video. Well done.
Thank you!
Great job!!!
Awesome video man!
Thanks!
Loving your channel bruthaMan. Good stuff.
Right on! Thanks for stopping in. Are you mounting a solar panel?
Yes. Currently doing the preliminary investigative due diligence since it’s the first time.
Hi,
I always think about having a permanent solar panel on my minivan, but for me I think a skybox for storage is a better idea and stealthier looking. I do have a portable suitcase type solar panel that I use and like. Adding that self-tapping screw was a good idea. Keep that video camera rolling, I do enjoy your videos, see you on the road.
This is an upsize from my previous 100w panel, and I am surprised how unnoticeable it still is. You can put a lot of stuff in some of those roof boxes. I went ahead and put one screw in each hole. Eight in all. Thanks for stopping in.
@@OffGridAdventure I can't give your van enough compliments you're starting out with an all-wheel drive Toyota and it just goes up from there but you keep everything simple which is why I love everything you do yes that panel is very stealthy you did a great job and you can always go back and forth between a roof panel and briefcase panels too if you want to park in the shade !! You are set up for all kinds of versatile success my friend thanks for sharing I will keep watching!!
You gave me a great a idea!,thanks
I just watched your video on mounting solar to the roof of your mini-van. Very Helpful.!!
I wanted to mount my solar panel down between the roof rails using cross bars, the key word being "BETWEEN" the roof rails at approximately the same elevation. I was trying to achieve concealing the panel between the mounting rails. My panel dimensions will not let this happen, HOWEVER, watching your installation has given me some new ideas.
THANKS AGAIN for your videos, they are most helpful on building out my Honda Odyssey.....
It you’re worried about stealth, nobody has ever noticed it except maybe big truckers as I drive by.
@@OffGridAdventure I was more worried about theft. Now that I have it mounted and it is noticeable, it's a fairly low profile and its in the middle of the roof rack area, making it more of a challenge to take. I might be more conscious of its presence than the average person just because of my concerns.... (grin).
I'm not an engineer but I think your original set up would have held the panels down just fine. The new set-up makes them much more secure, and from theft. I made an elaborate system to hold two 100w panels end to end which are cantilevered a bit over the slider to act as a rain guard on my minivan. With about a 6" space between, next the panels is a Thule. Both about equal lengths. Not to obvious, I have the ability to remove the panels from the rack system in just a few minutes.
I appreciate your perspective. The panel still sits on top of the van no problems. I only wish I had more wattage.
I like it. I’m always afraid of someone stealing portable panels if I’m out hiking, etc. Seems like someone would be less likely to steal in from on top of the van.
It’s possible that I could have issues with it, but nothing yet in several years.
Who's going to steal a $200 used panel to pawn for $20? Just steal the car or catalytics
@@larryc1616 You would be surprised what people will steal. Take it from one who knows.
Great idea and video! From a fellow VET thank you! BTW, my 2011 Sienna is exactly the same as yours. Say hello to the wife.
Thanks for stopping in. What did you do in the service?
About to do this to my jeep renegade . Similar cross bars and I have renogy solar panel that will charge a power station. Plan on stealth camping for a year ..maybe longer to save money. I'm in TX, and we do have rough winters...should be interesting. Also, have a low watt heater and a north face sleeping bag ( the one bag) so I should be good. Super simple set up. I couldn't imagine going stealth without a power station or panel. Or gear for winter/summer. Appreciate the video... I'll try the zip ties/wire to secure the panel. I'll also drill a few screws just in case.
The zip ties worked for my first 100w panel, but I just wasn’t convinced with this one.
Come to Denver and help an old (short) lady (me) lol
Great job!
Starting off with a Jackery 300 plus.
Good luck with your setup!
front deflector might be helpful...if possible. abit more aerodynamic and would protect the wiring abit. Solid! might be a good way to go for a PACIFICA hybrid...30 miles at a time
Two words: U Bolt
you've inspired me to convert my sienna. thanks for all the info you've provided.
I noticed in another video, your solar panel is sitting on 2 sets of OEM crossbars.
Did that have anything to do with making the solar panel more secure? or did you add them for another reason?
Thanks again!
Hi, I did that so that I can take it off when I don’t need it. The panel is still up there now with no issues. Someone could steal it easily if they really wanted to.
I have a gen 2 Sienna, which is very similar. I think I will put my panel UNDER the cross bars. Have you tried that?
Love the video. Details of the roof rack please.
Hi, this is an OEM roof rack cross bar system.
Awesome
Thanks!
I have a 190 watt panel. Waiting to move to figure out how I`ll use it with my camper. I have a 12 volt cooker that`s 160 watts and was thinking of connecting it directly to that panel.
You have to run that to a control panel and probably an inverter to do that safely
Definitely need an inverter. The panel puts out over 20v and the inverter will drop it to 12v. You could try something like I use here to hook up directly, but need to makes sure the amps match up: ua-cam.com/video/jZAF0taYWj8/v-deo.html
Self tapping metal screws and screw it to the cross bars.
Did it here: 7:51. I decided to use eight screws.
I keep toying with the idea of the permanent panel on the roof... I have a 100 watt briefcase panel and a 125 watt briefcase panel that I can tether together and then I have the 30 ft cord so I can keep my van parked in the shade and run the panels out into the sun... There is an upside and a downside to doing it this way too..
The upside is it will keep your van cooler the downside is you have to do a lot of deploying and maneuvering of panels lol
I have a few folding panels and almost never use them. I’m afraid I’ll forget they are there and drive off without them.
And baby-sit it. Anyone use the foldables on the dashboard like a sunshade?
@@larryc1616 honestly yes I babysit the panels at times lol it is slightly annoying but I love free energy ...bigger probl is just available direct sunlight...is cloudy more than one might think here in Ohio...they make automatic panel swivels that follow the sun but because I already know they would be well out of my price range I never bothered to price them up it's a great idea though...I have stuck my panel on the windshield but I am careful about doing that when it is too warm inside the van
Hi,
I'm new to this vanlife.What exactly is the use of solar panels for?
I use it to charge my power station.
Hi.
I have a sienna and contemplating doing what you did. Did it have an impact on gas mileage?
Thanks
I have not noticed a difference.
Hi, it's me again. Since I spend quite a bit of time stealth city camping, the rigid solar panel will attract unwanted attention. Therefore my thoughts are now on installing a flex panel directly on to the roof. I just need to figure out how to attach it. I really don't want to drill holes in the roof.
If you or anyone else has any ideas, please let me know.
PS Do you still have the van?
Hi, I recently traded the minivan for a Jeep. I can’t remember which brand, but I tested some flexible solar panels about one year ago that come with sufficient adhesive for rooftop mounting. I believe they were BougeRV CIGS panels. More expensive, but more versatile.
Wind noise while high speed driving ?
A little more than stock. I previously had a 100w panel that was not noticeable at all. This one sits farther forward.
you could fit of them on the car why not more?
Link further crossbars please?
I picked the cheapest ones I could find at the time. Something like this: amzn.to/3yYn6Pt
Thanks!
Why do so many people use "Zip Ties" seems crazy to me.
They're strong and easy.
It worked fine for the smaller 100w Renogy panel that I originally had on there. But, I wasn’t convinced that this one would hold up, because of the play in the brackets once mounted.
I tried several heavy duty installs. Very difficult to put on and take off. I travel with the panel inside my van. And now I actually use ball bungees. Easy on, easy off. I don't have the panel on the roof all the time. And I wouldn't drive on an Interstate. But I'm ok driving surface streets and getting solar while at a campground.
28 YRS Active Duty..Logistics
Can I just have you install it for me? I would love to sup up my van like yours. Keep following your nose.
Thanks! It’s not too difficult to install.
I think you skipped over the part about the drill
I didn't understand how that drill worked it wasn't even plugged in is it solar as well
Hi, it’s a Dewalt impact driver.