SWbySWesty
Fauxverland Extraodinaire
So I saw Basement Yeti's post and since I just did the same thing (but posted to my build), I thought I'd share:
Billie Jean Goes Solar
Billie Jean Goes Solar
I just installed my solar panel on my van, too!
- Thread starter SWbySWesty
- Start date
Basement Yeti
Explorer
Nice install!
What brand panel is that?
And why not just mount your panel on the roof? I filled the screw heads I used to mount the brackets with JB weld, and I am going to order some locking pit lock nuts from Amazon with my next purchase. (They are cheap)
What brand panel is that?
And why not just mount your panel on the roof? I filled the screw heads I used to mount the brackets with JB weld, and I am going to order some locking pit lock nuts from Amazon with my next purchase. (They are cheap)
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SWbySWesty
Fauxverland Extraodinaire
This is the 85W panel from UL-Solar. I didn't mount it to the roof for three reasons:
1) The van stays parked at home on the street most of the time as I ride a moto to work. I would rather not have it stolen from the roof risking damage to the fiberglass and my wallet. Also, I can still fit under most parking structures, but the panel would limit me by a few more inches.
2) I wanted to make it portable so I can park in the shade and run the panel out to the sun.
3) My van is a pop top that tilts up which means it wouldn't be facing in optimal directions (or even directly up) during the day. So to maximize exposure, I went for portable.
1) The van stays parked at home on the street most of the time as I ride a moto to work. I would rather not have it stolen from the roof risking damage to the fiberglass and my wallet. Also, I can still fit under most parking structures, but the panel would limit me by a few more inches.
2) I wanted to make it portable so I can park in the shade and run the panel out to the sun.
3) My van is a pop top that tilts up which means it wouldn't be facing in optimal directions (or even directly up) during the day. So to maximize exposure, I went for portable.
Basement Yeti
Explorer
Ok, I get it now. Just a few tidbits about my install.
My solar panel is soon to be secured with tamper proof nuts and JB welded screw heads, making theft very unlikely. There is insurance for that though, not worth stressing about. However, I live in my van, so circumstances are different.
My solar panel sits roughly 1-1.5" off my van's roof. It actually acts like a shade and keeps my vans interior a few degrees cooler.
I have a problem with clearance. My roof vent makes my van 6 feet 5 inches. There are just some structures I cannot clear. But my panel sits below the vent, so it's not a additional problem worrying about the panel catching.
I too decided to flat mount my panel, but my roof doesn't pop up. You could get a rail system and tilt legs for this if you ever decided to go the roof mount way.
With that said. They make pole mounting systems for solar panels. I have seen them on solarblvd.com, as well as other places.
Also, the same film they use on helicopter blades can be applied to the glass on solar panels to protect them from hail and crap without affect amperage.
I do not know how the interior of your van works, or else I would suggest some options for storing the panel.
Good luck!
My solar panel is soon to be secured with tamper proof nuts and JB welded screw heads, making theft very unlikely. There is insurance for that though, not worth stressing about. However, I live in my van, so circumstances are different.
My solar panel sits roughly 1-1.5" off my van's roof. It actually acts like a shade and keeps my vans interior a few degrees cooler.
I have a problem with clearance. My roof vent makes my van 6 feet 5 inches. There are just some structures I cannot clear. But my panel sits below the vent, so it's not a additional problem worrying about the panel catching.
I too decided to flat mount my panel, but my roof doesn't pop up. You could get a rail system and tilt legs for this if you ever decided to go the roof mount way.
With that said. They make pole mounting systems for solar panels. I have seen them on solarblvd.com, as well as other places.
Also, the same film they use on helicopter blades can be applied to the glass on solar panels to protect them from hail and crap without affect amperage.
I do not know how the interior of your van works, or else I would suggest some options for storing the panel.
Good luck!
SXSWy - do you have more images of your solar install, specifically of the quick-disconnect connectors?
Your setup sounds very close to what I want to do. Adding solar to my van was an idea I was playing with but was going to leave until later. After losing power yesterday to Hurricane Irene, I have decided that being able to "boondock" (even if it's in the driveway) may be a good idea. Fortunately the lines were cleared and we had power back within 12 hours of losing it but if the storm had been worse, we could have water in the basement and be without electric for a couple days while the van sits out in the sun today. Initially I was looking at flexible, portable panels but their cost is way out of my budget.
Also, what meter/monitor is that you're using? I would want a controller with remote meter (example) or an all-in-one controller with display (example) that is able to handle a larger solar system if I decide to expand later on this or a different van.
Thanks!
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dwh
Tail-End Charlie
Just FYI - the Morningstar RM-1 remote meter that is generally included with the SunSaver Duo, can also be used with the SunSaver MPPT charge controller, and the SureSine 300 inverter:
http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/rm-1
http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/rm-1
SWbySWesty
Fauxverland Extraodinaire
Hi Zuren,
I can take more pics of the setup, but it's everything you see in the UL-Solar link on the blog. The Panel, the charge controller, the wiring. It's all listed on the UL site.
DWH answered the question about the integrated charge controller. I, obviously, did my setup on more of a budget and specific wants (portability and "hideability"). I am currently working with my fabricator buddy to develop a quick disconnect mounting option for my roof.
Also, a good upgrade will be a MPPT controller since my panel is great, but the controller could be smarter. All works fine and field tested excellent. I think the MPPT (from what I've read) would keep my voltage a little higher throughout a trip....but how often do I camp longer than a weekend? Not much...so I went regular.
As for the quick discos, I simply took an alternator plug kit from Pep Boys (I can't seem to find a link) and cut the wires. I spliced the wires onto the ends of the solar wires and plugged into the controller. The alternator wires have a plug on each end which mate with each other. I'll try to get pics if you'd still like to see those. Lemme know.
I can take more pics of the setup, but it's everything you see in the UL-Solar link on the blog. The Panel, the charge controller, the wiring. It's all listed on the UL site.
DWH answered the question about the integrated charge controller. I, obviously, did my setup on more of a budget and specific wants (portability and "hideability"). I am currently working with my fabricator buddy to develop a quick disconnect mounting option for my roof.
Also, a good upgrade will be a MPPT controller since my panel is great, but the controller could be smarter. All works fine and field tested excellent. I think the MPPT (from what I've read) would keep my voltage a little higher throughout a trip....but how often do I camp longer than a weekend? Not much...so I went regular.
As for the quick discos, I simply took an alternator plug kit from Pep Boys (I can't seem to find a link) and cut the wires. I spliced the wires onto the ends of the solar wires and plugged into the controller. The alternator wires have a plug on each end which mate with each other. I'll try to get pics if you'd still like to see those. Lemme know.