How to fit a Caravan Solar Panel - DIY
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Can it really be that hard?
In this video, Karl and Dan have a go at fitting a DIY Solar Panel Kit to a caravan. If you've every wondered if it's something you could do yourself, then this might just be the video for you!
We see if we can work our way around the installation of a 100W DIY kit from Vechline and successfully get it fitted to Karl and Rhea's Swift Conqueror 530.
To subscribe or see our written blog on the solar installation (to appear soon) visit us on:
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great one lads but please fit some cable clips to hold the cables next to the controller etc, they take the strain off the connections. Also a good tip is to put a dark sheet, maybe a couple of bin bags over the panel whilst doing the cable connections to cut down the voltage from the panel.
Great point on the cover, Something we'd definately do if we did this again. Don't worry about the clips, P Clips were fitted after the installation.
Great job lads ... I got the same kit... it's very thoughtful of you to post this video and help others like me...
Been considering this myself. Great video which has given me the confidence to get a kit & DIY it myself. Thanks for the blow by blow record. Happy caravanning chaps!
Great video boys !!
Not sure what people are on about with the volume issues heard fine through iPhone speakers, not on max either.
Yes outside was more wind noise than inside but an investment in mics wouldn’t go a miss for future videos. Please keep vlogging lads, from another young caravan owner this is quite helpful!!!!!!!!!
I'm hitting the road in my caravan in Australia soon and this video is a big help, thanks so much guys
Great jobs boys I have the same caravan so will make it a lot easier for me to fit my solar panels
Excellent, clear guide. Thanks, guys. “Gi’ it a waggle” - love it! 😂
Wery well done jobb boys!! I will mount a solar panel for the second time on my new caravan, a 160w panel from the Swedish company Jula. Its not that complete as the panel you
mount , but i think its gona work fine.
Great video I can have a go with my caravan. Thank you!
Easy to follow video lads, Well Done.
I’m planning on fitting my 170w kit this weekend, but to keep the battery box tidy I’m planning on using bus bars inside the caravan as I also have motor mover wires cluttering things up.
Brilliant video. A neat and tidy job. Might have a go myself now.
Nice job, guys! We're looking to put some solar on ours for some off grid jaunts. Thanks!
The inline fuse you installed should have been next to the battery for convenience and ease of installation. You did a good job installing the solar panel but your certainly not electricians. Still you did a decent job.
Watched your video. Order the next day.
All installed. Cheers lads
Could you share the link? Thank you in advance
@@aldaia sargentltd.co.uk/shop/product/120watt_solar_panel_kit/120
Is an MPPT controller a better option. Thanks for sharing! Brilliant!
Great video lads. Sorry only just got to see it
Very good educational.👍just the biz to fit mine
Am now a subscriber. So won’t miss anymore.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂☮️ stay safe guys ✊🏼
Brilliant I’m off to do my own when I can get out of the house
Thanks for the Video guys. Really well presented - nice and clear.
Good video. Always good to see a Hilti tool in action. It might have been useful to have put in an inline disconnect in the cupboard for the wire from the solar panel before it goes into the controller.
Is it ok to connect with battery wires live and solar active panel
great video! really simply explained. Thanks.
well done boys but you need to be a bit more careful with the electrical side of things. In both instances you had the solar panel and the battery feeding power through the cables you were working with.
To avoid causing a short, connect the wires up to the controller before the battery and cover the solar panel so its not making power.
If you must do this, put some tape on the exposed wire ends and only take it off when you're ready to fit them.
Also if you can, drill from the inside out. no need to worry about hitting anything then or having your cable come through in an awkward spot ;) not always possible though.
My controller specifically states that the battery connections must be made first, before the solar panel is connected. Good idea to read the instructions to check for these things, they could be important.
Most state to connect battery wires first to the controller, covering the panel to prevent it getting sunlight would help as well
Well done guys. Your very competent.
Cheers boys great video
I thought it was clear easy to understand
Given me the confidence to do my own
Thanks
That was wicked lads.
Thanks heaps
Great video thanks for sharing!
Just out of curiosity: When cutting the wires, should you be aware not to cut through the cable in one instance, but cut eacht wire separately to avoid short-circuiting the solar panel? I could imagine that the panel is already feeding, given the caravan is directly standing in the sun? (I'm Dutch, so hope my question is clear and understandable enough)
What was the kit used and from where ? Great video !
Great video, thanks 👍
Nice video! It dose looks easy to install.
Great video thx for upload
Thanks guys awesome very well demonstrated and explained
Hi guys, Thanks for your video. I am also looking for a complete setup kit for my caravan. Could you please give me the buying link? I am from Australia.
Thanks for your video, will the solar panel stay on the roof with that silicone adhesive thing?
Very well done to you.
Not something I would have attempted.......until now that is :-)
That looked like a aluminium skinned roof so you should have put some protective sheathing around your drilled hole because eventually the sharp ali edge with cut thru the cable covering due to the movement of the van so you’ll end with with bare metal contact between the + & - cables.
I was thinking the same thing. Or at least file it first.
yep always use a rubber grommet at least . good job .
Great informitive video, but in my oppinion its not enough to say when connecting battery make sure cables other end arent touching, i would leave the battery disconnected and also cover the solar panel so no sunlight can get to it then connect all the wires to the charge unit first as it could be potentially dangerous to do it as described in this video
Good job. Enjoyed watching. Not sure I would have penetrated above the 12v system, but I guess its adequately sealed (for now). Very informative.
What if you want to add another panel. How are you going to get it through the 2nd grommet and through into the van when it's all full of seal.
I have noticed a lot of dirt accumulates under solar panels and will lead to streaking down the side of the van. I wonder if it's worthwhile to seal off the underside of the panel using some L-section PVC extrusions glued on with silicone sealer. OTOH this would cause moisture retention underneath the panel. Don't know if that matters.
Hey guys, great video - thank you! Is it possible to add LED lights and some USB sockets to the ‘Load’ part of the solar controller? Thank again!
In this particular fitting, you wouldn’t need any screws. He has made sure it’s water tight, that the surface is clean and that it’s been primed. Adding screws, in my opinion would decrease the waterproof value of the roof. A great install in my opinion. Of course, adding screws might make you feel better; if you’re old school, however the 222 sealant is better than any screw. The only thing I do not recommend is that cheap Chinese controller unit. Victron all the way for me!
Absolutely brilliant I’ve messaged you via Facebook but no reply as of yet and I do appreciate your busy, what’s the name of the kit you bought and where from please cheers
Hi, thanks for the video which has put this job into the realms of what I consider comfortable in my ability range. I notice there are no roof mounts, does the panel stay in place okay whilst towing? Did you have any issues removing panelling ?
Hi lads what’s the name of the silicone that sticks the solar panel to the roof cheers
Great video lads I’m thinking of doing the same thing but I’m worried about working on it while the panel is glued to the roof
When you cut the cable does it not short out as the solar panel is in the roof generating power and can it give a a shock when wires are being touched just like if you were were working on a live household socket the brown will be live 👍👍
The solar panel generates the power to only charge the battery. From there you use an inverter to convert it to 24volt power.
All of those holes should have been fitted with grommets before feeding the cables through.
Well explained and executed....... Great video..... Subscribed..
Great Video lads thanks
Great job did you check the roof for wires or did you just take a chance. just in the process of putting my own solar system in and am worried that there may be some wires hidden in the roof space
Hi! Depends on your van. Newer caravans tend not to have older style ceiling lights and less cabling in the roof. Always check and see, especially for items such as extractors and omnivents.
Have you got link off the solar panel where you got it from
BUT where are the dual pole MANUAL CUT-OFF SWITCHES ?
and
HOW DOES THIS WORK alongside the baTTerY charger from mains hook-up.
Why are you not using the Sargent controller ?
Hi have you got a link for the online fuse please
So I've watched your excellent record of the how to, am considering this myself BUT want to know how well it keeps the battery when you're off grid, be interested in your feedback & experiences.
Grest video lads...I brought a 50 w photonic solo panel.maybe halve the size of yours, and that keeps my battery topped up,but after watching you video I'm going to secure it properly as apposed to just placing it on the roof...well done
Great video and a job well done. Could you put a link in for the kit you purchased please. It looks a good product. Thanks guys.
Do you belive pv panel fixed by the glue is safe on caravan? If so, what kind of glue did you use?
I have the same question :)
I would mount a mount that the panel attaches to ;)
Solar panels don't last that long on a mount remove one panel put new one on mount #simples :) plus put gromets where holes are drilled. Movement & drilled holes don't mix with cables tut tut
Job Well Done. However, I do have a criticism. It is obvious that you two lads are competent, but you have to consider those laypeople, who will be attempting the procedure after watching your video. I noticed that you connected the power flex to the controller after connecting the flex to the battery, hence the flex had power (albeit 12v) flowing when you connected the flex to the controller. Might I suggest that the battery connection is the last connection to be made or at least remove the in-line fuse cartridge until everything is connected?
I agree with this, fantastic work but a warning that the cables were live would have been wise.
Question,,if you hook up the van to your car tow bar that supplies 12 volts does that not mean there will be 24 volts npw.going to The battery when the solar panels is charging as well ?
No, would still be 12v as the panels are wired in parallel
How long did the sealant take to go off?
I have Swift challenger 520 SE (2000). Can I fit anything there? Roof is a total nightmare!
Could you attach more than one solar panel to that system?
Make sure you go for MPPT controllers, they are so much better.
Great video.Well explained.You have given me the confidence to do my own fitting.👍
Great work, only point is you shouldn’t pass the positive and negative through separate holes as you risk inducing an eddy current.
In plastic??
thepajbren depends on the make up of the van, the battery box on mine has a metal back....
We’re did you get the solar panel from thanks
Shouldn't the controller be fitted as close as possible to the battery ?
Thanks great video, I fancy a permanent fitting as I plan to hire out the van and didn't want inexperienced users fiddling with portable units. Call me old fashioned, but I'm not keen on that glue only idea, I've got visions of the panel flying off on the expressway, haha. Avoiding drilling the roof is a plus though.
Mick Moriarty If one uses the proper Sikaflex or Dekaflex, you could probably attach it to an airplane, and it will hold. Also, if one would rather bolt it down, they would be adding multiple points were water could enter your Camper or Caravan.
@@jeffburford I suppose they use glue to secure the big antennas and transmission towers now.
Mick Moriarty Lol, You just talking to hear yourself talk?
@@jeffburford I was just taught that it was good manners to acknowledge a comment.
Only comment, is you should really have done the connecting of the battery as the very final step, having done all the wiring first, as you were holding two exposed live wires. Not the end of the world as had they touched it would have blown the inline fuse. But otherwise, nice one! Oh, and you ought to have a rubber gland/sealer on the two holes in to the battery box. When my van was serviced the engineer insisted this was done (for risk of battery gases getting in to the caravan living space).
Thanks for your coment David. We found the connection process a bit Chicken or the Egg. You have a live connection to the battery but you also have a live connection from the panel itself whch is sending a constant voltage. We found that out too! I think the connection order is one of those that will be at the discression of the installer. With regards to the seals, thats a good point! Karl and Rhea's caravan was second hand and looks although it's previously had a mover fitted, so it was a case of making use of what was there.
@@youngtourers4578 Nice little video, thanks for posting it. A bit of cardboard covering the panel as you do this will stop you having any live wires as you wire it all up. do you find after using this that a 100w panel that is flat is good enough to keep the bat charged enough?
Actually, any Solar Controller that I have ever seen or read up on stated that the controller first be attached to the Battery to avoid damaging the controller!
How do I use the power now from the battery to like a out let ?????
An inverter. Or the caravan will have this already.
What solar panel kit is that ?
I would drill the cable from the inside in case you hit the radio or something.
Great Job, have you got a link for the DIY kit?
Please put a link for the kit
What was the kit please?
Fuses should be next to power source. Other than that its a good video i think
Great video! Looks easy but still not convinced I'd be confident in my abilities to not mess it up somewhere along the line! What sort of charge controller did you use: PWM or MPPT?
Thanks Rob! it wasnt too bad of a job. I know we got back to you on twitter but for anyone on youtube who isnt too sure, we used a simple PWM controller. It's the cheap alternative but never caused up an issue with lack of power!
Hi lads where did you bye the kit
Hi Guys. Nice video.
Do you have a link to the solar panel. Think I’d like to get one.
Cheers.
Thanks for commenting. We've had this question several times. We got this kit from a local caravan dealer but unfortunately they do not post out internet orders. Generally if you search for 'Vechline DIY solar panel kit, you should find an online supplier. Feel free to email us contact@youngtourers.co.uk if you have any other questions. Good luck!
@@youngtourers2078p
Needs protective grommets where the wire penetrate the battery box!
Brill thanks very much
Just make sure no one's standing inside the caravan when you drill ;)
Hmmmm.... I am not sure I am ok with drilling holes in the roof of my van! :) :) :)
wHAT WAS THE mAKE OF THE SOLAR PANEL? AS I COULD NOT MAKE OUT EXACTLY WHAT YOU CALLED IT..TIA
I've not seen anyone else put in an inline fuse. Is this essential?
Holistic-Healing UK not having an electrical background I wouldn’t be entirely sure. Probably not required but it was recommended by the dealer and should prevent any risk of electrical damage or fire. For the £3-4 that it costs, it would seem a worthwhile investment.
@@youngtourers2078 Okay thanks 👍
@@youngtourers2078 Thanks. I've no idea what size fuse I would need. I have a 100w solar panel. Do you know what size I would need please? Ta
Holistic-Healing UK I’m not entirely sure and again, it probably depends on your kit. Our recommendation would be to call up a local dealer and ask their advice. They’re the experts! Sorry we can’t be more help. Let us know how you get on! 😀
@@youngtourers2078 Thanks for responding. Having asked around, the general consensus seems to be that as the mppt controller has a fuse, I don't need an extra one. So guess I won't bother then 😏
Volume poor on Microphone can't hear you mine is up full your audio is low
Looks like VechLine Kit to me:
It's NOT a "bat-TREE"
It's a "ba-TTerY"
Really enjoy it. Let's check Avasva plans also
mostly useful information but please dont watch this video if you dont already know what your doing.. to connect the battery wires to the battery before the controller is a joke and shows a dangerous lack of experience..also the inline fuse wants to be as close to the battery terminal as poss so if the wires from the battery happen to get hot and short together the worse that happens is the fuse blows and no fire..please gain some real experience before posting more videos..at the very least explain the dangers of installing your way to people who are blindly following your advice🥵..sorry if this sounds a bit harsh but someone blindly following this to the letter who knows no better could quite easily start a fire in the caravan during installation..im struggling to be anything but annoyed with this video
Think you need mics next time can’t hear you
Justin thanks for your comment Justin. Have you tried turning the volume up?
Young Tourers it was when you were outside inside was fine
People have died as a result of caravan solar panels comming off that were not anchored with screws. Pull this video down
Sure they do come off but if fitted correctly using Sikaflex you would not be able to rip it off using just manpower, little over the top saying the vid should be taken down.
Are you husband and wife?😐