Your 150 watt panel is rated in a controlled environment of 25 degrees at 1000 watts per m2 of solar irradiance. Placing this panel on your roof with no airflow underneath to help keep it cooler will drastically cut your solar production. Shading and Heat is the biggest killer for solar efficenty and is why most roof panels are raised off the roof to allow for adequate airflow to help keep them cooler. Shading also causes internal resistance which manifest as heat so you get a double whammy effect by shading your panels. when a cell is in shade the other cells try to compensate and heat up. In an electrical string it can only work as effectively as the weakest link in the chain. I would not recommend doing this to your vehicle, you have most likely oxidised your paint work as well from the extreme heat. This panel will also have a very short lifespan.
Completely agree. My renogy 200W flex panel mounted in this way burned out after 2 days of sun in northern Scotland 😅 now left with a Sikaflexed useless panel. These are good price though compared to rigid, so thinking for next time to mount it to a thin board and hang it under the roof bars using U bolts.
Flexible panels on a black roof are very hot no ventilation underneath them that reduces the output of your panels as well. Always get twice the wattage of panels that you think you will need
I had a flexible solar panel on my T5 for 3 years but then when removing to have a pop top in didn't realise that it had burnt the top of the van even though I had a small space under for ventilation. I don't use flexible any more 😂
I had the exact same issue, and had the exact same results when I removed the roof bar covering the panel. I also make sure I carefully wash the panel before going away.
Many people suffer especially when they go away, as it then you need the roof bars. They are easy and quick enough to move. Especially when I keep the tool in the glovebox 😃
So I see all the advice, but bought my van done by someone with some put aside to repair as required, my solar panel is fitted pretty much like this one, but no glue where it doesn’t touch the roof so there is some air flow, it has been on for over 5 years now, it is very close pulling its rated wattage, no issues what so ever, no paint damage/fade etc so interesting to see all this advice !
I believe it's important to leave some space between the panel and the roof for cooling purposes. Excessive heat accumulation can lead to a decrease in efficiency.
It’s really surprising how much a small blocking of the light can make such a difference to the output, it’s not proportional at all is it. Some great advice on keeping it clean.., one on the to do list😊 All the best, David 👍
It sure is. Just watching the output fluctuate as a slight shadow is cast is fascinating. I know many don’t always clean the roof due to the hassle (I don’t all the time 🫣)
I'm on my 4th panel, 1st on died due to heat of roof directed mounted to roof with 3m doubled sided tape, 2nd panel was 150 renogy its worked great although hung over the sunroof a little and in time bent back and contents broke, 3rd panel was DOA now 4th panel 200w and prior to permanently or semi-permanently fix it , I did many tests. 1st test panel out on a flat surface say a camp table using a multimeter set on amp check the amp age i was getting 8 to 10 amps, 10amps setting off the multimeter over current alarm. So we know the panels good. 2nd test place panel on roof area with a small amount of double stick tape, multimeter now reads 1,5amps very surprising Removed the panel and placed back on table now 7 to 10 amps. This all prior to connecting the panel the above measurements Currently I have the following ghetto setup Old panel still on the roof, it won't be coming off with that much 3m tape 1 piece of plywood in between old and new panel forms an insulation heat gap. New panel on top, again 7 to amps in full Australian sun. Once connected up to the dc to dc charger battery monitor shows 3 to 8 amps. Again out with multimeter and measuring current prior to dc to dc charger at solar input terminals results 6 to 9amps Going forward a piece of twinwalled polycarbonate roofing will replace the plywood, with air channels running front to back. They are solar panels but heat effects the flexible ones. If you look through UA-cam there's a few people running airgap setup in various styles. Try the multimeter test where the panel wiring connects to your mppt, I think you will be surprised at how much work the mppt is doing to not over charge you battery. Measure both current and volts then times the 2 for watts measurement. I would be interested in the results
I can't remember which one it is but. I think yours is the poly one and the mono one is the other type. Now if you block a cell with anything like your hand it cuts down power. But the other type shuts down completely. If one bit is shaded. So you have the best one I think.
Pros and cons. The suitcase ones only work when you put them out (obviously 🤣) the fixed will work all the time, but subject to any shading from trees etc. Suitcase ones take up more internal space and you have to remember to put them out, however you do get the perfect angle when required. Just a personal preference 👍
My 28 watt portable panels seem to work fine with leaves and bird poo on them. I park under oak trees on the border line of where the shade is so that I can be in the shade and have my panels in the sun, so they get lots of leaves on them.
I have a super modern 180 W flexible panel on my roof. When I tested it in early spring it got 120 W but now in summer I get max 60 W even when I come out of a garage and it is cool ... I dont have anything else on my roof, no shade for sure. I am sure it partially broken. Not sure if it was the summer sun heat or if it is an error by the manufacturer.
Nice video! Quick question. I don’t have any knowledge about electricity etc. I bought a van, completely transformed it into a campervan and want to travel Australia. I have a deep cycle battery and a foldable solar blanket. The battery also gets charged while driving. Let’s say I will install a solar panel: how many watts should my setup be? I only have an Adventuring fridge which is covered with insulation. The main goal is to keep the fridge running and charge a phone/laptop. Would love to hear from you!
I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?" 76 He answered me and said, "I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented. 77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times. 78 Now, concerning death, the teaching is: When the decisive decree has gone forth from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adores the glory of the Most High. 79 And if it is one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the way of the Most High, and who have despised his law, and who have hated those who fear the Most High -- 80 such spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 81 The first way, because they have scorned the law of the Most High. 82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of the Most High. 84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85 The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of the others are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 86 The sixth way, they shall see how some of them will pass over into torments. 87 The seventh way, which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, because they shall utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they sinned while they were alive, and before whom they are to be judged in the last times. 88 "Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89 During the time that they lived in it, they laboriously served the Most High, and withstood danger every hour, that they might keep the law of the Lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them: 91 First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receives them, for they shall have rest in seven orders. 92 The first order, because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the unrighteous wander, and the punishment that awaits them. 94 The third order, they see the witness which he who formed them bears concerning them, that while they were alive they kept the law which was given them in trust. 95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, and the glory which awaits them in the last days. 96 The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible, and shall inherit what is to come; and besides they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97 The sixth order, when it is shown to them how their face is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98 The seventh order, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified. 99 This is the order of the souls of the righteous, as henceforth is announced; and the aforesaid are the ways of torment which those who would not give heed shall suffer hereafter." 100 I answered and said, "Will time therefore be given to the souls, after they have been separated from the bodies, to see what you have described to me?" 101 He said to me, "They shall have freedom for seven days, so that during these seven days they may see the things of which you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered in their habitations." 102 I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, show further to me, thy servant, whether on the day of judgment the righteous will be able to intercede for the unrighteous or to entreat the Most High for them, 103 fathers for sons or sons for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for their kinsmen, or friends for those who are most dear." 104 He answered me and said, "Since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displays to all the seal of truth. Just as now a father does not send his son, or a son his father, or a master his servant, or a friend his dearest friend, to be ill or sleep or eat or be healed in his stead, 105 so no one shall ever pray for another on that day, neither shall any one lay a burden on another; for then every one shall bear his own righteousness and unrighteousness." .....2 Esdras 7:75 /////////////
What do you expect from a flexible panel glued flat on black car with no air gap… get a portable panel, point it in perfect sun direction and you get almost the rated WP if ther is enough breeze. If you prefer fixed instal, use a regular penal mounted on your roof Bars. This Will also keep your van cooler inside (if it is big enough) as it drops shadow with wind circulation to the car’s roof. But don’t expect wonders with a flat mounted panel.
Think you missed the point. Ie making sure people understand they can’t cover any part of it. Not all semi flexible panels are the same, you don’t need an air gap for all. I have a portable, but it’s easier to have a trickle from a permanently installed panel
Definitely better off with a fixed panel on a roof rack as you get airflow around the panel. I opted for fixed on my last van t5.1 and fixed on my current build sprinter mwb this one I'm excited for 305watts on a lithium setup for offgrid. Tbh even with a 130 ah agm with 175 watt fixed panel it was good enough for a 9 day euro trip obvs with a 30amp dc to dc charger too
putting a solar panel on a flat metal roof is a big mistake. get a few inch of air flow under it to cool the panel down and point it at the sun and in the summer you will make more power that the sticker says :D i was getting 115 to 125w from my 100w solar panels in the summer with a 3 inch gap and a near perfect angle to the sun. i hope you had a battery connected to that controller
Really surprising that....Also sl8ghtly disappeared that your only getting 95 8sh watts from what looks like a perfect day😒 Ive heard that a good airlow around/under them improves the output
My battery was pretty full and there wasn’t much power being drawn from the battery. The solar controllers are pretty clever, it only takes what the battery needs, therefore if the battery doesn’t need much, the watts can show really low. Until I plugged my laptop in, it was actually zero watts, as the battery didn’t need anything
You're never going to get 100% efficiency from these panels, regardless of any other factors. You'll be lucky to get 70% efficiency which equates to 105W for a 150W-rated panel.
This is what sailors quickly learned with their ropes hanging over their panels. Another tip is to allow air flow under the panels to allow them to cool down....increase another 10-20% output. my experimenting ...ua-cam.com/video/GXz3FR9GWzM/v-deo.html
Better off fitting extra batteries of as higher quality & amp hour rating as can be installed, we fitted an extra battery & with out any charging can go at least 5 days & we generally don’t stop for more than 3 days at any camp site, just factor in electric hook up at perhaps every other site.
Just a thought @StaycationLifestyle This may be worth a review: Yuma 200w CIGS @HOBOTECH did a review over in the US and I was amazed at how tolerant these things are to shade and damage. He fires a gun at it, drives over it and it still puts out a very high wattage.
The main reason you might find is that there's no air gap and the panels boiling. I had same problem with my boat and van Etfe is prism design for European sun angles. But there for caravans ideally not for metal. So I was told and experienced on my van. Annoying as fook....best of luck
Some panels, these included do have a purpose made backing, so that is fine. Also as this is on a ridged roof, there is a good airflow under (albeit not the entire panel). I’ve never had a problem with mine other than the shading, although i do know many people have.
I think they call it dioding or similar built into its structive that allows for shaded areas not affecting panels. Some have it. Some don't. Could be wrong
@@dmldml7886 your right ,the solar panels on my roof has something similar These days you have panels who aren't affected by clouds,shadow or dirt to put on houses Guess that's what you referring to
This is not the way to mount a flexible solar panel on the roof anyway. The paint of black and the panel is black so all that heat will drop the solar panel output before even speaking about the bird drops.
I'm sorry but the solar industry has really pissed me off. Based on your own numbers, on a beautiful day, you have a 150W panel only producing 92W at most. 92/150 = 61.3%. That is awful in my opinion. Yes I understand that the panels need to be tilted and you lose efficiency as they heat up BUT they should be sold as what you are likely to get for production, not as the best case, perfect scenario. I say that because I have 3 x 370W panels on my truck for 1,110W. I never see that number. There will never be perfect conditions to make the full 1,110W so I think it's incredibly deceptive to label the panels as such. My car's gas mileage can be proven and it doesn't rely on perfect conditions which will never happen. If you sold me a car that gets 20mpg and I only ever get 12mpg, I'd sue the shit out of you. Angry rant aside, good video.
Er, not sticking it to the roof but having an air gap behind the panel has an effect but if you point the panel at the side so it's perpendicular to the sun, that will make more of a difference. NGL very long video for a very basic point
Well it's bloody obvious why, how could you not see the problem ?, you also need to have airflow under thre panel as a over heated panel will drastically cut down your output power.
If I was selling it, I would likely sell it with the electrical components in their 🤷🏻♂️ And if it did need to be removed for any reason, it’s not a particularly difficult job
What you need, or should I say watt you need is `solar panel cam`, keep a close eye on your rooftop panel from inside your van. Oh shit it`s not invented yet !!
Please explain? The size of the panel means it can’t go any other way. It’s quite simple, when the bars aren’t being used, one is moved towards the other not blocking the panel. When the roof bars are in use, the panel is blocked anyway 🤷🏻♂️ A different size/type of panel and things could be different
watch this verse please Revelation 12:17 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring-those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
Just noticed i had no output at camperjam, checked voltage at the connection box and only getting 14.6volts……guttted, less than a year old too🥲. Posting vid soon
I know, that’s why I plugged my 230v devices in. That’s why it’s not pulling near 150w, however you can see with shading it makes a big difference 66 to 93
Your 150 watt panel is rated in a controlled environment of 25 degrees at 1000 watts per m2 of solar irradiance. Placing this panel on your roof with no airflow underneath to help keep it cooler will drastically cut your solar production. Shading and Heat is the biggest killer for solar efficenty and is why most roof panels are raised off the roof to allow for adequate airflow to help keep them cooler. Shading also causes internal resistance which manifest as heat so you get a double whammy effect by shading your panels. when a cell is in shade the other cells try to compensate and heat up. In an electrical string it can only work as effectively as the weakest link in the chain. I would not recommend doing this to your vehicle, you have most likely oxidised your paint work as well from the extreme heat. This panel will also have a very short lifespan.
Completely agree. My renogy 200W flex panel mounted in this way burned out after 2 days of sun in northern Scotland 😅 now left with a Sikaflexed useless panel. These are good price though compared to rigid, so thinking for next time to mount it to a thin board and hang it under the roof bars using U bolts.
Flexible panels on a black roof are very hot no ventilation underneath them that reduces the output of your panels as well. Always get twice the wattage of panels that you think you will need
I just work off 3 sun hours in winter and 5 in summer. Rainy days expect about 1.
This is absolutely correct. The flat panels on a dark roof not having air under it will decrease output. Hot panels are less productive
I had a flexible solar panel on my T5 for 3 years but then when removing to have a pop top in didn't realise that it had burnt the top of the van even though I had a small space under for ventilation. I don't use flexible any more 😂
Thanks for making me laugh, I know that’s not the idea of your vids but keep the humour up cos that’s a good place to be ✌️
Thank you, that’s good to hear. There are definitely more laughs coming in future videos 😉
I had the exact same issue, and had the exact same results when I removed the roof bar covering the panel. I also make sure I carefully wash the panel before going away.
Many people suffer especially when they go away, as it then you need the roof bars. They are easy and quick enough to move. Especially when I keep the tool in the glovebox 😃
So I see all the advice, but bought my van done by someone with some put aside to repair as required, my solar panel is fitted pretty much like this one, but no glue where it doesn’t touch the roof so there is some air flow, it has been on for over 5 years now, it is very close pulling its rated wattage, no issues what so ever, no paint damage/fade etc so interesting to see all this advice !
I believe it's important to leave some space between the panel and the roof for cooling purposes. Excessive heat accumulation can lead to a decrease in efficiency.
It’s really surprising how much a small blocking of the light can make such a difference to the output, it’s not proportional at all is it.
Some great advice on keeping it clean.., one on the to do list😊
All the best, David 👍
It sure is. Just watching the output fluctuate as a slight shadow is cast is fascinating. I know many don’t always clean the roof due to the hassle (I don’t all the time 🫣)
Thank you for the reminder. I knew this but not how dramatic the power cut was. I'm adding a telescoping ladder to my list.
🤣 I laugh as I was the same. I knew it, but it was more than I thought
I'm on my 4th panel, 1st on died due to heat of roof directed mounted to roof with 3m doubled sided tape, 2nd panel was 150 renogy its worked great although hung over the sunroof a little and in time bent back and contents broke, 3rd panel was DOA now 4th panel 200w and prior to permanently or semi-permanently fix it , I did many tests.
1st test panel out on a flat surface say a camp table using a multimeter set on amp check the amp age i was getting 8 to 10 amps, 10amps setting off the multimeter over current alarm.
So we know the panels good.
2nd test place panel on roof area with a small amount of double stick tape, multimeter now reads 1,5amps very surprising
Removed the panel and placed back on table now 7 to 10 amps.
This all prior to connecting the panel the above measurements
Currently I have the following ghetto setup
Old panel still on the roof, it won't be coming off with that much 3m tape
1 piece of plywood in between old and new panel forms an insulation heat gap.
New panel on top, again 7 to amps in full Australian sun.
Once connected up to the dc to dc charger battery monitor shows 3 to 8 amps.
Again out with multimeter and measuring current prior to dc to dc charger at solar input terminals results 6 to 9amps
Going forward a piece of twinwalled polycarbonate roofing will replace the plywood, with air channels running front to back.
They are solar panels but heat effects the flexible ones.
If you look through UA-cam there's a few people running airgap setup in various styles.
Try the multimeter test where the panel wiring connects to your mppt, I think you will be surprised at how much work the mppt is doing to not over charge you battery.
Measure both current and volts then times the 2 for watts measurement.
I would be interested in the results
I can't remember which one it is but. I think yours is the poly one and the mono one is the other type. Now if you block a cell with anything like your hand it cuts down power. But the other type shuts down completely. If one bit is shaded. So you have the best one I think.
Fantastic video with great tips. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you
HUGE Changes for Campervans - See here - ua-cam.com/video/P9wswugwjiI/v-deo.html
Yes considered that cenereo pal got one in suitcase type you can point where ever you want .
Pros and cons. The suitcase ones only work when you put them out (obviously 🤣) the fixed will work all the time, but subject to any shading from trees etc.
Suitcase ones take up more internal space and you have to remember to put them out, however you do get the perfect angle when required.
Just a personal preference 👍
My 28 watt portable panels seem to work fine with leaves and bird poo on them.
I park under oak trees on the border line of where the shade is so that I can be in the shade and have my panels in the sun, so they get lots of leaves on them.
I have a super modern 180 W flexible panel on my roof. When I tested it in early spring it got 120 W but now in summer I get max 60 W even when I come out of a garage and it is cool ... I dont have anything else on my roof, no shade for sure. I am sure it partially broken. Not sure if it was the summer sun heat or if it is an error by the manufacturer.
It can be dependant on a number of factors. For example the charge state of your battery, the load on it etc.
also no airflow under the flexible panel will reduce the power.
Nice video! Quick question. I don’t have any knowledge about electricity etc. I bought a van, completely transformed it into a campervan and want to travel Australia. I have a deep cycle battery and a foldable solar blanket. The battery also gets charged while driving. Let’s say I will install a solar panel: how many watts should my setup be? I only have an Adventuring fridge which is covered with insulation. The main goal is to keep the fridge running and charge a phone/laptop. Would love to hear from you!
I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?" 76 He answered me and said, "I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented. 77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times.
78 Now, concerning death, the teaching is: When the decisive decree has gone forth from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adores the glory of the Most High. 79 And if it is one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the way of the Most High, and who have despised his law, and who have hated those who fear the Most High -- 80 such spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways.
81 The first way, because they have scorned the law of the Most High. 82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of the Most High. 84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85 The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of the others are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 86 The sixth way, they shall see how some of them will pass over into torments. 87 The seventh way, which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, because they shall utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they sinned while they were alive, and before whom they are to be judged in the last times.
88 "Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89 During the time that they lived in it, they laboriously served the Most High, and withstood danger every hour, that they might keep the law of the Lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them: 91 First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receives them, for they shall have rest in seven orders.
92 The first order, because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the unrighteous wander, and the punishment that awaits them. 94 The third order, they see the witness which he who formed them bears concerning them, that while they were alive they kept the law which was given them in trust. 95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, and the glory which awaits them in the last days. 96 The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible, and shall inherit what is to come;
and besides they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97 The sixth order, when it is shown to them how their face is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98 The seventh order, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified.
99 This is the order of the souls of the righteous, as henceforth is announced; and the aforesaid are the ways of torment which those who would not give heed shall suffer hereafter." 100 I answered and said, "Will time therefore be given to the souls, after they have been separated from the bodies, to see what you have described to me?" 101 He said to me, "They shall have freedom for seven days, so that during these seven days they may see the things of which you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered in their habitations."
102 I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, show further to me, thy servant, whether on the day of judgment the righteous will be able to intercede for the unrighteous or to entreat the Most High for them, 103 fathers for sons or sons for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for their kinsmen, or friends for those who are most dear." 104 He answered me and said, "Since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displays to all the seal of truth. Just as now a father does not send his son, or a son his father, or a master his servant, or a friend his dearest friend, to be ill or sleep or eat or be healed in his stead, 105 so no one shall ever pray for another on that day, neither shall any one lay a burden on another; for then every one shall bear his own righteousness and unrighteousness." .....2 Esdras 7:75
/////////////
Looking at your panel installation have you had any problems with the panel lifting off whilst driving. What is it glued/stuck down with?
Not had any problems at all. I do check regularly and it hasn’t lifted at all. I used silkaflex
🤨 wow! ...such a tiny shadow and it's killing the panel!😮
What do you expect from a flexible panel glued flat on black car with no air gap… get a portable panel, point it in perfect sun direction and you get almost the rated WP if ther is enough breeze. If you prefer fixed instal, use a regular penal mounted on your roof Bars. This Will also keep your van cooler inside (if it is big enough) as it drops shadow with wind circulation to the car’s roof. But don’t expect wonders with a flat mounted panel.
Think you missed the point. Ie making sure people understand they can’t cover any part of it.
Not all semi flexible panels are the same, you don’t need an air gap for all.
I have a portable, but it’s easier to have a trickle from a permanently installed panel
You can get panels with a diode bypass in case debris covers one of the cells causing the whole chain to go off-line.
You wouldn't believe that unless you saw it as wee did. I have a 220w to put on yet.
I know. Crazy the difference it makes
I loved this test ❤😂
Definitely better off with a fixed panel on a roof rack as you get airflow around the panel. I opted for fixed on my last van t5.1 and fixed on my current build sprinter mwb this one I'm excited for 305watts on a lithium setup for offgrid. Tbh even with a 130 ah agm with 175 watt fixed panel it was good enough for a 9 day euro trip obvs with a 30amp dc to dc charger too
I’m probably wrong but did this guy drill into the ceiling of his van ? Or did he just smooth mont the solar panels.
putting a solar panel on a flat metal roof is a big mistake.
get a few inch of air flow under it to cool the panel down and point it at the sun and in the summer you will make more power that the sticker says :D
i was getting 115 to 125w from my 100w solar panels in the summer with a 3 inch gap and a near perfect angle to the sun.
i hope you had a battery connected to that controller
Your tailgate is making some shadows because of the big spoiler when open
The sun was at the front of van, so no shadows from the spoiler 👍
Great video....just a leaf makes it drop 10%.
I was thinking should use a leaf after bird pooed just as you did it.
😃 Would have been more effective if it wasn’t windy
Wow, who'd have thought solar panels need unobstructed light... mind blown.
Really surprising that....Also sl8ghtly disappeared that your only getting 95 8sh watts from what looks like a perfect day😒 Ive heard that a good airlow around/under them improves the output
My battery was pretty full and there wasn’t much power being drawn from the battery. The solar controllers are pretty clever, it only takes what the battery needs, therefore if the battery doesn’t need much, the watts can show really low. Until I plugged my laptop in, it was actually zero watts, as the battery didn’t need anything
@@StaycationLifestyle ah right, didn't realise that 👍
You're never going to get 100% efficiency from these panels, regardless of any other factors. You'll be lucky to get 70% efficiency which equates to 105W for a 150W-rated panel.
This is what sailors quickly learned with their ropes hanging over their panels. Another tip is to allow air flow under the panels to allow them to cool down....increase another 10-20% output. my experimenting ...ua-cam.com/video/GXz3FR9GWzM/v-deo.html
Better off fitting extra batteries of as higher quality & amp hour rating as can be installed, we fitted an extra battery & with out any charging can go at least 5 days & we generally don’t stop for more than 3 days at any camp site, just factor in electric hook up at perhaps every other site.
Shading and heat, the same with home installations.
How much was the panel
Just to get the idea
I think it was about £250
Just a thought @StaycationLifestyle
This may be worth a review: Yuma 200w CIGS
@HOBOTECH did a review over in the US and I was amazed at how tolerant these things are to shade and damage. He fires a gun at it, drives over it and it still puts out a very high wattage.
Where did u get the panels from im in plymouth
@@PaulSmith-tp1gf Batteries and Solar. They are in one of the industrial units on Mowden Road, behind where Ocean BMW is
Have you ppf your front and full ceramic coated your t6?
Not going the PPF route, had been ceramic coated, but it’s something I will be having redone/doing again soon.
@@StaycationLifestyle How come no ppf? Saves you getting loads of chips
The van had stone chips when I got it.
PPF is good from new or after a respray.
The main reason you might find is that there's no air gap and the panels boiling.
I had same problem with my boat and van
Etfe is prism design for European sun angles. But there for caravans ideally not for metal. So I was told and experienced on my van. Annoying as fook....best of luck
Some panels, these included do have a purpose made backing, so that is fine. Also as this is on a ridged roof, there is a good airflow under (albeit not the entire panel). I’ve never had a problem with mine other than the shading, although i do know many people have.
My roof isn't flat ,but having a black coloured car,
Guess the efficiency will reduce when its hot weather
I think they call it dioding or similar built into its structive that allows for shaded areas not affecting panels. Some have it. Some don't.
Could be wrong
@@dmldml7886 your right ,the solar panels on my roof has something similar
These days you have panels who aren't affected by clouds,shadow or dirt to put on houses
Guess that's what you referring to
This is not the way to mount a flexible solar panel on the roof anyway. The paint of black and the panel is black so all that heat will drop the solar panel output before even speaking about the bird drops.
I thought you was going to curl one out on the roof
I'm sorry but the solar industry has really pissed me off. Based on your own numbers, on a beautiful day, you have a 150W panel only producing 92W at most. 92/150 = 61.3%. That is awful in my opinion. Yes I understand that the panels need to be tilted and you lose efficiency as they heat up BUT they should be sold as what you are likely to get for production, not as the best case, perfect scenario.
I say that because I have 3 x 370W panels on my truck for 1,110W. I never see that number. There will never be perfect conditions to make the full 1,110W so I think it's incredibly deceptive to label the panels as such. My car's gas mileage can be proven and it doesn't rely on perfect conditions which will never happen. If you sold me a car that gets 20mpg and I only ever get 12mpg, I'd sue the shit out of you.
Angry rant aside, good video.
Er, not sticking it to the roof but having an air gap behind the panel has an effect but if you point the panel at the side so it's perpendicular to the sun, that will make more of a difference. NGL very long video for a very basic point
Well it's bloody obvious why, how could you not see the problem ?, you also need to have airflow under thre panel as a over heated panel will drastically cut down your output power.
Those leaves wanted nothing to do with this video 🤭😁.
Imagine glueing a solar panal to your vehicle and then realising you wanna sell it
If I was selling it, I would likely sell it with the electrical components in their 🤷🏻♂️
And if it did need to be removed for any reason, it’s not a particularly difficult job
Looks like it is held on with masking tape. Not great sticking it to the roof.
Isnt this obvious?
Yep. Noticed it straight away
yea but i can understand that it can be confusing..because its not like you cover half and get half the output you were getting etc.
Save 8 minutes of your life: TLDR: Just make sure it's clean and not covered by anything at all.
Cells in series
turn it up, cant hear
What you need, or should I say watt you need is `solar panel cam`, keep a close eye on your rooftop panel from inside your van.
Oh shit it`s not invented yet !!
waw massive difference
You have the shadow of the roof rack on it!!! That is your smoking gun.
Are you kidding me? That small cross rail is killing output like that? That solar panel needs a spanking man, totally.
It certainly does. Crazy eh?
lol..need to nail down the leaf :)
🤣 why I picked a location exposed on the moors I don’t know 🤷🏻♂️
Never work with animals or leaves
🤣 That did make me laugh
omg, thats pretty obvious ........
@@Heinz76Harald not for everyone 👍🏼 I know someone cut down a tree branch as it partially covered his panel when he was parked on the drive.
@@StaycationLifestyle ok, thats a bit too far lol
„comprised of“ 😂
Sadly you couldn't have fitted more wrong but hey, every day is a school day!
Please explain?
The size of the panel means it can’t go any other way. It’s quite simple, when the bars aren’t being used, one is moved towards the other not blocking the panel. When the roof bars are in use, the panel is blocked anyway 🤷🏻♂️
A different size/type of panel and things could be different
Wow, talk about boring and repetitive. I’m sure most people got the message the moment you took the roof bar off. 😮
watch this verse please
Revelation 12:17
17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring-those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
What does it mean
Daaaa
Duh
Just noticed i had no output at camperjam, checked voltage at the connection box and only getting 14.6volts……guttted, less than a year old too🥲. Posting vid soon
That cos your battery is nearly charged , it will only supply the power needed thats what the controller does 😂😂
I know, that’s why I plugged my 230v devices in. That’s why it’s not pulling near 150w, however you can see with shading it makes a big difference 66 to 93
The instant your comment popped up I looked at the state of the battery and it was float. So yeah, it makes sense what you are saying