Solar Panel Install to my Campervan CTEK controller
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 тра 2021
- In this video I’ll be installing a solar panel to my VW Camper Van
This will provide me with enough power to keep my battery charged up so I can keep my fridge on.
I don’t use the van everyday so the vans alternator wasn’t charging the battery and the fridge used to run out of power, but now this problem is solved.
Please subscribe to my channel.
This channel is all about my self build camper van and what i use it for.
My other videos include
Electric hook up
Full electrics install
Sink and fridge unit
Thetford toilet box and seat
Insulation and sound deadening install
#Solar Panel #Camper Van. #VW Camper
Morning. Great video. I've a similar set up with the CTEK charging the leisure battery and I want to add solar. This has been very helpful. I couldn't quite see, did you drill into the pop top/roof or are the wire going straight into the grommets? If that's so, do they flap when windy? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi, the solar wires just go through the grommets just above the rear doors, i zip tied the wires to the roof rails, that held everything tight. No wind noise or flapping, the solar with the ctek also keeps the vans main battery topped up.
Good luck any questions just ask.👍
Hi. Did you get this from ctek? And how much if you dont mind me asking, as i already have a ctek in my transit custom so i would only be after the panel and the suitable wiring to my ctek like yours i believe. Thanks
Hi i got mine from “Rayne Automotive” they have them in stock and can supply all the correct size wiring you need, have a look on there website, or send them a email, they are really helpful. Hope this helps.
@@exploresandtosummit great thanks will do
Hi did you put the negative from the solar panel direct to the negative on the battery or via the Ctek negative terminal?
Hi the negative goes to the negative on the battery, yes direct to it. Thanks for watching. 👍
How did you secure the brackets into the cross rails? Self tapping screws? What length? Did you drill a pilot hole?
Hi, I used the same self drilling TEK screws as the brackets to the panel frame, there 20mm but 15mm should fine as the brackets are only a few mm thick, self drilling so no pilot hole is needed.
@@exploresandtosummit thanks. Given how thin the panel is have they stayed tight and not loosened?
I’m wondering if an additional bracket or bolting might be better long term but your method would be easier if it’s working for you 👍
@@Masonga79 Its holding ok so far, but I agree a bolt would be better with a nylon nut so it wont undo on it own.
hi where did you get the fitting to fitting to fit the panel onto your roof rails
thanks
Hi do you mean fitting the solar panel to the roof bars ? If so I got the brackets from Wickes, I did cut a bit off one side to make it neater.
hi thanks for your help it is just what im looking for
Hello, what are the "open circuit voltage" and "optimum operating voltage" specs of your solar panel?
Hi, I’ll see if I can find out for you. If you look on the Rayne Automotive website they will have all the specifications on them. That’s where I got my electrics from.
@@exploresandtosummit Thank you! I'm asking because the CTEK has an input limitation of 23 volts. Many modern panels have an open circuit voltage that is higher than 23v. CTEK support is saying that is not compatible and will damage the charger when the panels are in full sun.
@@pascalhibon7928 I asked that question myself and they said this is the maximum panel I could use with the Ctek. I’ve had it running for two summers now and not had any problems. Send them a email or call them, they are very helpful and knowledgeable. Ask for James. Hope that helps👍
What size was the in line fuse
Hi I’m not sure I’ll get up in the roof tomorrow and see, I believe it’s in the live connector near the panel. I’ll get back to you.
I can’t get at the fuse itself as I’ve fixed it under the roof rail ( I need to change that! ) but in the info from Rayne Automotive it’s says it’s 30amp for that size of panel. There’s loads of info on there website if that helps.
What kind of battery do you have???
Hi I have a Enduroline plus, AGM 95AH EXV110AGM, you can see it on my electric install vids. I got it from Rayne Automotive. hope this helps.
Could hardly hear a word you said with that ridiculous and totaly unnecessary "music."
Thanks for the feedback, your right it was too loud over my voice, and didn’t really need it, thanks for watching. 👍