How to Install the BEST SOLAR System ☀️⚡️ for Van / Boat / RV
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- I've been dreaming this bad boy up for a minute now and it turned out fantastic!
Product Links:
Solar Panels: www.custommarineproducts.com/...
Solar Controller: amzn.to/3y613o2
Bluetooth Temp Sensor: amzn.to/3bHs2z2
Roof Rack: vanlandstore.com/products/roa...
Scanstrut Roof Glands: amzn.to/3bCjfOP
MC4 Connectors & Crimper Kit: amzn.to/3ue7qoq
MC4 Inline Fuses: amzn.to/3ORiLT0
6awg Wire Kit: amzn.to/3OufKrX
12v Breakers: amzn.to/3bBPJbE
Big High Amperage Switch: amzn.to/3I1IkPa
Anvil Style Crimper (Cheap Way To Crimp Big Wire): amzn.to/3yvTmsZ
Big Hydraulic Crimper (Expensive Way To Crimp Big Wire): amzn.to/3OP73IB
You deserve more recognition. I swear i always go back to your channel when trying to tackle an idea. Your channel always pops up every single time with what i want.
Awesome Alex! Love your builds and your channel!
You did it!!! Great job! It looks amazing. Can’t wait for the tour!
Awesome videos my friend - super helpful. Thank you!
That is one clean setup my friend!! I can tell you've got the budget!! Awesome job at using it beautifully!!
love how you build it ! learn a lot about "being a perfectionist" for an amateur. good job Alex.
Great video as usual. Will definitely be watching the next one, was waiting to see an install vid for a starlink.
Beautiful van, very rugged and elegant simultaneously. Appreciate your videos, I've learned a lot throughout your build as well as I've gotten some great ideas from you for my own build so thanks.
True fan.
Outstanding❗️ … very cool project, impressive implementation 😎
congratulations! learned a lot from your videos.
Dude! I just found your channel the other day and you have no idea how much your content is helping me. Thank you so very much for every tip and all the effort you put on creating these videos. I’m buying a VW Crafter here in Sydney/AU and your videos are giving me the confidence I can do it. Will hop on your patreon to support you! ✌🏼 All the best man!
hi mate, i'm from Melbourne, his videos are pretty cool, i'm building a renault master myself, hope it turns out ok and we cross each other on the road!
@@andreazza hey! That’s cool! Can you stand inside the Renault. Does it have Enough height? Yeah, the dude is such a legend. I bought my previous van from Melbourne. Essendon VW.
@@drivesurfcamp not really 😅
I'm 1.87m and I have to bend my neck a bit. the van has around 1.75 clearance with the ceiling and floor installed. it's a LWB mid roof, high roof is really hard to find
🌺 This is the best solution I’ve seen. Nice Howzit in the end. Aloha
Great roof rack - will help keep the solar cool (esp. while driving).
You should check out the erigger starlink mount. That's what I'm using for my van and it folds the starlink flush to the roof for better mpg
Great recommendation!
Starlink is a game changer for VanLife
@@RayzeR_RayE couldn't agree more!
Very cool!
Looks like you upgraded to the roambuilt safari rack, they're fantastic. I'm waiting for the SLB version of the rack.
Enjoyed the solar vid down in 94598- representing Tahoe !! Cool panels
Bro, very dope 🤙
Great information and video.
I went with 3 commercial 400 watt panels to feed 900 amp hours of lithium batteries to run the mini split AC/heat pump.
Definitely a thumbs up for the video 👍
Which panels and split did you get? AC is important to me as I am in Florida.
@@LouveniaMusic pioneer mini split, good but not the best.
Panels are Jinko 80" x 39"
Really appreciate the vids!! I find myself circling back to your channel to compare what they’ve said to yours because I trust how much time, research, and attention detail you commit to! My van build is coming along nicely thanks to you man. Thanks!
Isn’t this guy a legend, Matt? I’m in the same position here in Australia. What Van are you working on Matt?
@@drivesurfcamp Def is! Niice! A 2020 Transit 148” High Roof out here in San Diego. Which van are you going with? Hope to visit there one day!
@@mattprice421 I really tried to get the Transit, but we are not even able to order here in Australia. I’ve ordered the VW Crafter MWB High Roof and waiting for it. But while I wait I’ve started to buy some of the stuff so when the van arrives I can start working on it right the way. Where are you based?
@@mattprice421 just saw you mentioned San Diego… nice.
@@drivesurfcamp dang that’s a bummer but the Crafter looks awesome! Yeah I had to buy mine long distance and drive it back. Good luck with your build!
Love this setup. I'm sure its already been said but just be careful with operating that black switch you have wired on the positive line between the battery and the solar controller. If you disconnect the battery from the controller while the controller is still connected to the solar panels it will damage the solar controller
Man this is so sweet, I hope to see more dimensions and better prices soon. Did they say anything about strapping anything down on top of these while traveling? I could see having a series/parallel and being able to cover two up if you had to. Very cool man, I watched your whole first van, second one even more impressive
very nicely done!.. Im doing a trailer with the New Bouge RV flex panels.. similar setup.. 900 watts on a 14 ft cargo trailer.. with one \max fan.. I didn't want the weight up there b/c the roof is not walkable and I didn't want 150 pounds up there.. you did a great job with that van.
Cool! Thank you for sharing this and the other vids - much appreciated by this subscriber :)
Thanks!
There are more than two of your suscribers that saw the whole build (I’m telling you this because I’m the third at least… I think).
Anyway, thank you very much for all your teachings. I’m looking forward to the road trip. Although, with gas prices as they are 😳, I recommend shorter trips😉. Safe travels!😎😎
Awesome!
Hey savage great video as always, I just purchased my sprinter 170 4x4 and I’ve already contacted Jeremy from Van Land to do the build. I’m hoping to get the chance to meet you when I’m out that way.
Damn sick!
Very cool 😎
Di-Electric grease at connector and crimp will keep corrosion in check.
Now we need a full tour of the States through the eyes of SoS!
hail wont damage them, cleaning them wont damage them, branches wont damage them, and so on. plus, if he needs to do any work on the roof, he can walk up there.
Been here since you installed the toilet and shower in this van. I really like this layout. Also, can we have an updated regarding on that toilet? Really curious how it holds up to composting toilets
Will you do an update on how these panels are functioning!? Efficiency?
Welcome to the most expensive, most complex, most high-end van build ever! I'm enjoying the series and keep up the good work!
I'd love to see a report at the end of total costs for the project.
Thank you 🤙. I’ll be doing to van tour soon and will break down costs!
Looks nice. Way beyond my budget, but it looks nice.
Great video, thank you brother. I'm looking for a solution to solar charge my electric boat that has 8 agm marine grade batteries, 215 amps each. Was wondering if you knew a product or company to guide me in the right direction
Thank you!
OMG. I’m so glad to see you. I don’t know why my UA-cam hides your video under a pile of non interesting videos. I’m so glad I found you. You are so detailed and informative. I know you are in the Tahoe area. I’m in Las Vegas.
Are you going to sell this van. If you go into the business of making and selling vans, I would love to be your 1st apprentice. 😉
Thanks Maggie! Haha not sure if I will ever get into that biz buttt I like the energy!
Awsome
love your vids. Did have a question on the amount of time it takes to recharge your battery bank. it looks like the 500 ish watts would take quite a lot of time to recharge your system since you have so many batteries... how long does it take to recharge your system both via solar and using shore power? do you see yourself using more power per day than your panels can recharge an a decent day?
Have you tried to add some heatsink to increase efficiency?
Like computer cpu
I am so glad I came across your channel and I am one of those pesky female subscribers that wants to build out her own van currently looking for me a sprinter 170 extended all wheel drive or four wheel
Awesome video! One question I had was you have the wires connecting to what looks like some sort of wiring box. What was that, exactly? It looks as though it transitions the wires/gauges. Do you have a link for that? Thanks!
Wow. Quite a rig you made yourself. I m curious, with all your équipement and your new rack with all the work you did with the 8020, your walls,your a/c.with all that,do you know how much you weight? Is your sprinter a 2500 or a 3500. Are you ok with your gvwr? BTW I really loved the video you did with Vanland. You are humble and I think you represent well those of us who are building well our van. Live long.....with your van!!
7, my Roambuilt deck is arriving in a few weeks. How did you orchestrate mounting the deck with installing the solar and antenna wires? I'm installing a Pepwave antenna with 6 leads, a Starlink flat mount and there are 4 cargo lights on the deck. So, a lot of cables to manage under a deck doesn't leave much space below to work. Did you accomplish all the wiring with the deck in-place. Or, did you lift it to work?
The surface of those panels appears to have a no slip grid pattern (for understandable reasons). If so, will that pattern accumulate and trap dirt and debris over time thereby lowering efficiency without ongoing panel cleaning/upkeep? And what about easy snow/ice clean off? Any problems with that in winter climes?
Like any solar panel, they require periodic cleaning; I can guarantee you this solar panel requires more cleaning. Tradeoffs.
Mc4 connector kit is actually pretty clutch
Wondering how it's going for you so far? I plan on having both starlink and a data hotspot so I'm covered either way, but considering trying a smaller data hotspot plan to rely on the starlink for most cases. Mostly concerned about the starlink signal interruption with rain, and near populated areas where it's supposed to be slower. Hope to go full time on the road in a few months and I will be going through major cities and rural outback areas both pretty frequently.
PS you fuckin rock, your videos are super helpful and people like you help people like me with no van experience get to their dreams :)
Hey Henry, the solar is working well although my panels failed but they’re sending me new ones free of charge. Starlink is still a bit tough for video calls because it does drop every 15 mins… but I think more satellites will fix this over time. Thanks man!!
Hi. How do you prevent water logging on the roof?
Do you have a review of these panels after the first several months?
How hot does the solar get? For instance do I need to carry a blanket or something up if I was going to hangout
Love this channel and learn so much - Great job! I'm in... Bought panels from Marine Grade Solar after watching your video. Curious, why did you 'zip tie' the one edge, and not bolt it down? Also for others with an Aluminess rack w/mesh deck, which is held down w/small button head screws (mine running ~17" apart front to back, and 9.5" side to side)... I was concerned about the panels laying on those button heads so I plan to sandwich Starboard, with the bolt head pattern drilled out (allowing the board to sit flush on the deck), between the mesh deck and the solar panels.
Sweet! I used zip ties on one side because the holes didn’t line up with the holes in my roof deck. The starboard idea sounds great!!!
@tedtapfer, How was your experience with Marine Grad Solar and the panels? I'm ready to buy panels for my deck, and I love the idea of walkable in case I want to occasionally transport something on the deck. But, SOS's first panels failed so I'm a little hesitant given the cost of these panels.
What brand bus did you use?
I am enjoying your videos a lot... I am thinking of converting a Ford E-Transit... is it necessary to place the solar panels or is it convenient to use the energy that the car provides me... with what it generates with the solar panels it could be charged the Ford E-Transit?
I am not sure on the e transit specifically, but I imagine there would be a way to simply use the cars battery bank to power the camper.
Sounds good - IF you don't want to use your roof rack as a roof rack and actually store stuff on it, blocking the solar panels.
CHECK YOUR SOLAR CONTROLLER INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FOLLOWING THOSE STEPS
I've set up several brands that specifically state in the instructions to connect the controller to the Battery BEFORE connecting to the Panels because the controller will have no place to put the power coming from the panels and could fry itself.
Is it especially hard to thoroughly wash your roof with that rack? How much space between the roof and the base of the rack?
Nice setup...But checking the prices, it's way out of my price range...Enjoy..👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Do you still feel like that specific roof rack was worth it and is climbing over the lip to get on too difficult? I love the functionality of it, just a ginormous investment and knocks a couple stealth points off due to looking so dope lol
I've heard that this type of panel has had problems vs rigid panels. Is this true?
You need a segment where we smash a beer, then continue on with the build
Love it 😂
When you wire In series don’t you just double the voltage and not the Amps? Parallel doubles the amps, which is what you really want since a single panel can easily output the 12v needed for van setup. So essentially aren’t you losing half of what those are capable of putting out by wiring them the way you did?
Are they scratch proof ?
Alex, just spoke to tom today.
Was going to use the Zantrex max flex 220 panels until seeing your video and speaking with Tom.
Since your installation, how satisfied have you been with the electoral efficiency of these solar panels?
Nice, so far they’ve been great! Pricey but I do think they are the best
Hi there. I am just getting started and doing my research before I start my project. If you don’t mind me asking what batteries did you use for you walkable solar panels?
Howdy I built mine a few years ago so it’s a slightly outdated solution. But I have 6x 170ah lithium batteries connected in parallel to create a large battery bank.
These days I’d look into battery bank solutions engineered for off grid vehicles. They have them in all different sizes.
Thank you 🫶🏼 we appreciate you.
I wana put solar on my truck for when I go camping I can watch the game or play some games while I fish
My aluminess roof rack the mesh floor was not flat. Can you mount these walkable panels to an undulating floor? :( And do you accept jobs like this? I"d love to have these flat panels on my roof rack...
I have an aluminess roof rack as well with small button head bolt heads on the mesh roof deck, that vary in pattern running ~17" apart front to back, and 9.5" side to side. I noodled on the same issue and plan to use Starboard, sandwiched between the mesh roof deck and the solar panels, with the bolt head pattern drilled out (to create a flat surface, except for the minor ~ 1" holes which will allow the board to sit flush on the deck).
Guess I’m a true fan. How are you liking Starlink?
Any updates on the panels? Did the replacements hold up? I'm ready to order but a little hesitant knowing your first batch failed.
I haven’t gotten to test them much since it’s been so cold but on the plus side it was super easy to get them replaced, tom sent new ones no questions asked
@@seven_o_savage Thanks Seven. These panels are priced for perfection--they should be exceptionally reliable and durable. Spending $900/panel for non-viable panels would be devastating! Ya know they work best when cold :)
How many hours can your AC last while charging your batteries in your solar panels?
About 30 hours of continuous use. If you’re out and about during the day though, it seems to sustain itself infinitely.
What starlink is doing mobile now, thought it was a few more years out🤔🤔🤔😯😎
It is legendary!
That 6 gauge wire is not solar wire so very likely is not UV resistant. If it is not UV resistant, it will degrade and the insulation will start to be compromised within 18 months or so. Either ensure that wire is never exposed to direct sunlight or use proper PV wire. The thickest you will find is likely 8 gauge and not easy to find versus the normal 10 and 12 gauge pv wire.
Why monocrystal? My friend said poly is more efficient and collects more energy.
I noticed you were walking on the panels. According to the manufacturer, they distinctly say NOT to walk on them. Second, there is a lot of controversy regarding thin film technologies' longevity due to the lack of cooling solar cells require. What is your experience or thinking on this last point?
Would you ever do a live walk thru of your build on Reddit?
Haha yea that’s not a bad idea!
Cool so over 2 minutes in finally disclosures that he got these for dirt cheap. Skipping thanks
Can't one install solar panels above the fans too?
Yes, there are ways to do it
@@seven_o_savage
Just add structure, I guess. I don't think I ever stumbled upon a video where someone did that in their build. And I watched a lot of van conversion videos. I'm sure you thought about it, but what was your conclusion?
So wait, you built a massive 8000 watt hour battery bank, or whatever, and you thought a 400 watt array was going to keep you rolling? THAT WONT EVEN POWER THE AC! LOL!
You used bolts and metal zip-ties? Testing which you like better?
Those solar panels are good. Glad you got a discount because at full price they are not worth it. Not saying the price is not justified based on manufacturing costs, just not worth it period.
I have been to their website before. Didn’t like it then, don’t like it now. No specs on the actual product page.
150 watt
24.4 Voc
7.76 amp (ISC)
17.4 LB
26.37”x46.56”
$899
You could have wired them in series or parallel, or both like you did. Each way have its advantages and disadvantages.
I don’t think 600 watt of solar is enough for your setup. And as it stands, that $6k roof rack is overkill for 70 pounds of solar panels. I think I posted a solar panel alternative install idea on your 8020 video.
Very clean install though. You do pay attention to details and finishing touches. It shows in all your videos. Nice work.
I think you linked the incorrect solar panels. yours are pretty clearly the perc cells vs the Maxeon.. unless their website is very screwed up
What's the point of being able to walk on the solar panels on the roof of a van? I would like an explanation.🤔
Hi. I see the 150 watt panels listed on that website but the photos look different. Mind sharing the link to the exact panels used here? Thanks for the video!
Hmm the 150 on my link are the correct ones
@@seven_o_savage thx 4 the rely. On your video they have thin lines going one direction. The ones on the site didn't appear to do that. I guess it could have been an illusion or camera effect.
Are you sure they called out for 30 amp fuses and not two 15 amp fuses? At least my understanding from my roof solar, each string called for 15 amp fuses, 30 seems extreme. 🖖
Wow six gauge wire, I’m using 10 gage. Marine type of panels must be different.
No it might be 15 but the wire can technically handle 30 before melting so I just went with that for now.
@@seven_o_savage You may want to revisit this so there is no possibility of amperage above the max panel fuse rating flowing through a shorted panel. I plan to ask Tom what the panel max fuse rating is (guessing
@@seven_o_savage Thanks for blazing the trail on walkable solar panels. Tom sent me some panel specs to clarify the fusing requirement. The National Electric Code 690.9 A (2002) requires paralleled panels, or paralleled strings of panels, to be fused exactly as in your build except if the total short circuit current (Isc) from all sources does not exceed the total ampacity of the wires and the panel itself as specified on the panel nameplate (maximum fuse rating). Tom says the CMP24150SR panels have a maximum fuse rating of 15 Amps. You have two 6.4 Amp strings paralleled which yields a maximum current of 12.8 Amps. Since 12.8 Amps is less than the panel’s max fuse rating of 15 Amps, you don’t need fuses. Your panels are rated to handle all of the amperage that could be produced. The fuses you installed aren’t a problem, but they aren’t necessary according to the NEC, and shouldn’t ever be able to be blown with a your system’s max 12.8 Amp production. Explorist.life has a very informative article on this topic (www.explorist.life/how-to-fuse-a-solar-panel-array-and-why-you-may-not-need-to/).
You sound EXACTLY like ScammerRevolts
dont put a fuse on the mptt output. if this fuste get shut off iw will destroy the mptt charger!
Rather that than van catch on fire
@@seven_o_savage you need din rail fuses and a pin to connect the levers. this way if one fuse triggers all fuses (solar to mptt and mptt to battery) will turn off.
I prefer poly not mono as the poly is producing more. I have my victron mounted up and down as the air flow and cooling is much much better.
If you ever wanted to try this on an airstream, please dm me.
That is a lot more amperage than you really want with consumer gear. The specs on those panels are 7.18A operating / 7.76A shorted. And 20.88V optimal / 24.43V open-circuit. With four panels all in parallel, you are pushing 28.72A operating in full sun, and 31.04A shorted. Most solar gear, particularly if purchased on Amazon from random vendors, is rated for 20A and is more or less safe at 15A. The 30A range you have configured is too much. (more on that in the second part). Even if you are back-hauling with 8 gauge, it's a bad idea.
All modern solar panels should have integrated bypass diodes, so partial shading wouldn't prevent a series array from working. But I don't know about those specific panels... flexible panels might not. I would test it.
Your charge controller... ok, MPPT 100|50, so 100V max open circuit. Too bad, you can't put all four panels in series. You can only do three with that particular model.
I would recommend a 2s2p configuration ... 2 panels in series, and two sets of those in parallel. That drops the amperge into the safe zone and keeps the open-circuit voltage in a sweet spot for the charge controller.
--
One additional problem with your 4 panels in parallel configuration... the panels are guaranteed to not be rated for a 30A failure mode (and unless you are running 8 or 10 gauge wire to each individual panel prior to ganging, neither is your wiring... plus, the panel's own cabling is unlikely to be rated that high either). That is, the failure mode where one panel fails and becomes a dead short. Think about what happens... the other three panels will feed into it direictly.
Which means that if you are going to stick with that configuration you need to put a 10A or 12A DC fuse on *each* panel's positive before you gang them together. Most (99%) solar panels are only rated for 2p without individual fuses. This problem goes away in a 2s2p configuration.
So ya got some fire hazards here that you need to fix.
-Matt
No point in having the 50A and 60A breakers and 4 40A fuse before them. More is not better. Each crimp lug or switch you add, wastes power. Why fuse each solar panel? 40A fuse is not going to protect the panel and the current from a single panel is not enough to start a fire in the wiring from a short. remember solar panels are a high impedance power sources, short circuit current of a panel is at 0.01V so no heating from a short! Put the wires in a plastic conduit if you want extra protection against insulation rubbing off in a vehicle. Always good practice in an environment with vibrations. Likewise use rubber grommets in the holes through your mesh in the rack. With two parallel panels, you a making a 24V system. i.e. perfectly safe to handle with nanny hands, don't need a breaker before the charge controller other than for convenience. Put one fuse on the positive connection between charge controller and battery terminal 30A rated, 60A rated if you are making a 12V system (only slightly above the peak output of your charge controller 600W), then you are protected all the way to the panels, fuse also doubles as a disconnect. $100 saved and higher output from your system.
LOL 1k per 175watt panel
$900 panels? Some people have more dollars than sense.
How tall are you? Seems like you JUST barely fit into that van standing up.
Yikes 3600 bucks for 600 watts !!
I like expensive things up to a limit . 700$ for a 150watt panel is way beyond that limit lol
They’ll come down in price in the next couple years...
boo for starlink
@Mike That's a good deal. There are several known issues with Musk Link right now ... and it is very expensive to boot. ... Foil hats also allow the RF to stay under it and in the skull ... so to some that is a good thing to others that is a bad thing ... I am in the latter camp.
Yowsa...$3600 for 600 Watts?! 👎
$900 FOR 150 WATTS?! THAT IS F#CKING STUPID!
LOL $1050 for a measley 175 Watts, pass.
u need a girlfriend bro..... u are spending your energy on van you never need..... just get a hot girlfriend bro
😂 love it