How to Install Solar Panels - Budget Van Build Ep 10
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- Опубликовано: 11 май 2023
- It's time to install the new solar panels on our budget camper van build.
We show you how to fit Renogy Solar panels direct to the roof of your van.
If you would like to purchase any of the products shown in this video here are the links you need:-
Renogy 175W Solar Panels www.ebay.co.uk/str/renogysola...
Solar Panel Mounting Brackets www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1249727287...
Renogy DC to DC charger with built-in MPPT www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1251190382...
MC4 Y Branch Connectors, Cables & Fuses www.ebay.co.uk/str/renogysola...
Dewalt 18v Drill www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Sikaflex 522 adhesive sealant www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Sikaflex EBT+ Black Adhesive Sealant www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Mule Vans Roof Bracket & Website link
mulevans.co.uk/products/roof-...
Please do consider subscribing to the channel, it's FREE, and set up notifications so you don't miss the next videos in this series.
If you would like to say thank you with a small donation please do so here www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you very much for watching
Best wishes
Greg & Lou
#renogysolarpanels #fiatducatocamper #selfbuildcamper #vanlife 
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PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE COMMENTING
1. I put electrical tape on the ends of the cables so they would not touch anything metal as they were threaded through the van. It’s best to leave a panel disconnected to make sure there are no short circuits while running cables.
2. The gland box was deliberately placed that way round to avoid cables hanging in mid air over the back of the van. They do not leak this way around if you tighten the glands around the cables.
I will add to this thread if I continue to get repeat questions. Thank you 🙏🏼
Greg any particular reason for using sikaflex EBT on the gland box? Would Silaflex 522 be okay?
@@darrensmith403 only because it was black and I had it already. I wanted the black to match the gland box.
@@GregVirgoe perfect. I have plenty of sikaflex 522 so I’ll just use that. Thanks mate
It is so rare to see DIY van build videos that are actually useful, informative, and not just clickbait - thank you!
For fixing the solar panels to the roof, I used plastic corner fittings bonded to the roof with Sikkaflex. You definitely don't need to drill the roof, and you don't need bolts or screws into the roof. It's been up there 3 years now. Absolutely bombproof.
Very instructive . No blaring music. Simple quiet and educational. Thanks
Really appreciate your feedback. Glad you liked it. 👍🏼😃
Not even 5 seconds in and I know I can press 'Like' on every video Greg does!!!
Thats brillaint, thank you for such great support
Honestly I'm LOVING this build series, the fact it's a budget idea is very apt in the current world eh. Brilliant, thank you.
Absolutely. Many people including my own kids are struggling with housing costs and this really is a viable alternative to live an independent life with less bills and stress. I hope it will help many in similar circumstances 😊
If you want extra panels Ona roof use some long drawer slides to position one over the other with locking catches and a length of wire. Use one for full time use and pull the other out when you need it.
That’s an interesting idea 💡😃
Cheers greg could you recommend a video tutorial please 😃
Would that effect the other panels if one is not being used and in shade?
@@neilkelsey3178 if you wire the two sets of panels in parallel then it would work fine in both positions as the shaded panels would have no affect on the others. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoethis is interesting, do you or anyone reading this comment have a video/photo solution of them being stacked with a drawer style pull out for when using/parked up?
This would be a good solution for us I think as we have the TentBox on the roof too. We have a Caddy Maxi by the way 😅
Wd 40 sprayed onto hole saw keeps temperature down an gives nice clean cut
I’m just starting my self build. I’ve just bought a Citroen relay, LWB, H3L2. I previously had a Talbot Express 5 birth which I’ve now sold. These videos are great and I’m going to follow along to get my build done. Thanks for all your efforts, it’s because of people like yourself it gives confidence to first timers like me. I’d have never have started a project like this if not for your videos. 🙏🏻
That’s brilliant 🤩 I hope there is plenty of good tips to make your job much easier. Please do tag me in any posts on social media so I can follow your progress. Hope all goes well 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg I will do you are a true gent.
The Renogy combined units are great, just make sure you install a solar isolator switch in a super accessible position so you can get the full charge amps from the alternator when the sun isn’t so good. If the charge controller sees any current from the solar panels it halves the current draw from the alternator.
Please explain this more please?
@@ChrisTewkesbury the controller will only allow max 25 amp charge from the alternator if it senses any charge coming from the solar panels. This is ok if there is plenty of sun and you are getting plenty of amps. If it is dull, raining, evening etc and the solar is only charging at 1 amp for example you are missing out on charge from the alternator. If you put an isolation switch in the solar circuit you can temporarily disconnect the solar so you get the full 50amps from the engine/alternator.
Most folk have an isolation switch but it is often buried deep in a cupboard or in the garage of the van so it isn’t easy to get to when you want the full charge rate from the alternator.
Greg, Just thought I'd message to show my appreciation of your work. I watch a fair few RUclips channels and have to say your calm steady manner in which you explain and demonstrate fitting of items is first class. Thank you for all the effort you put in to help the wider community.
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a nice comment. I really do appreciate it 👍🏼😃
Really good job!!!!!! I use solar panels but have no clue to mount them. I just sit them up there and remove then when I am done. Wish I had this skill.
Thank you, Greg. I am still wearing my 'It will only take half an hour' tee shirt you gave me. Thanks again.
Ah that’s awesome 😊if you’re on social networks please tag me in a photo would like to see that 😃
Best videos in perfect time.
Thank you Greg.🎉
Very informative,big help for many people in van life.
Hi Greg! I've no better words to rate your job, this series is absolutely amazing. The best online! You have no competitors! Clear, precise, safe, scientific explained! I'll start my conversion soon on a Ducato base and surely follow your instructions from zero!
Greetings from Verona (Italy)
Oh what a lovely city Verona. WD have visited a couple of times and been to see the opera there at the amphitheater. Amazing place. Thank you for a great comment. 🤩
@@GregVirgoeI
Well done, another great vlog. Just what everyone needs, definitely great references, thank you
You are so good at explaining your thought processes. Invaluable resource this series!
Use a short piece of petrol hose, or similar, between the bracket and roof. Then when the bolts are tightened the sikaflex is not squeezed out. There are also caps available for those bolts.
Thick plastic washers pushed into the sealant will do the same and is good advice 👍🏼😃
I feel now enlightened by your install, and all the knowledge 😄 I can see you also taped the ends of the wires 🙂
I should have made a point of mentioning it in the video so I do get the few health and safety comments are good advice 😊
I always recommend a step drill bit for any kinda of hole, it can do small to large holes with ease .
its like a science lesson that people enjoy..
This retired science teacher would have to agree👍🏻
I’m glad you are enjoying the facts 👍🏼😃
i would definately be happy to buy any van you converted, you are so thorough!
Hi Greg, wonderful & helpful video, many thanks for taking the time to explore, share, & explain your knowledge and findings. All the very best.
Coffee, biscuits and a Greg Virgoe video, thanks!
Perfect morning break 👍🏼 thanks for watching
Absolutely loving the regular updates! As always, superbly presented in a clear understandable manner.
Many thanks for your feedback 😊
Another fantastic video in detail and very well presented. It's given me the confidence to fit panels should I ever need to. I would have absolutely no problems buying a nav that you have built. Keep these coming Gregg. Absolutely loving them. Paul and jilly
Thank you for this video, I am also fitting out my van and you answered all my questions. Bob Australia.
Hey Greg. Love your videos. I really want to do a van conversion but I’m really apprehensive but watching you explain everything make me want to just do it. Thank you so much!
Hi Gregg I found a stepped drill bit is a must for a Van build so much easier cables plumbing etc.
That’s a good shout. I must get one of those 😊
It is always a pleasure to look to your videos. So does this one. Thank you for sharing your information
Thank you for being so kind. It was great to read your comment 🤩
Great videos and great video series Greg! It’s nice to have some content out their for new builders from people who really think their conversions through!
Hopefully it will give some sound advice to anyone who needs help to achieve their dreams.
Been watching videos for years and this is the absolute best I’ve seen! Thank you for such a good presentation.
That is very nice of you to say. Thank you 🙏🏼
Perfectly explained, patient, and through, you’re an excellent teacher. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to give such nice feedback. Best wishes 😃👍🏼
Your clear, succinct info and calm, soothing delivery make me think I can do anything; thank you!
Just take your time and I’m sure you can achieve this no problem 😊👍🏼
These have been the best instrumental videos I’ve watched on a van conversion.
A nice simple step by step guide with just the right amount of detail and helpful tips that come from experience.
Nice and clear information again. Thanks for your time. Cheers. Jim
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a nice comment that really does help me 😃👍🏼
What a lovely unfussy clear video. I am going to fit a solar panel to a very old 1992 C15 Nu Venture 'Minibago'. Thank you very much. You have inspired me. Paulus.
EXCELLENT SO INFORMATIVE I just happened to stumble across one of your videos when you said tap the bottom link it will show you all the videos so I did that AND now I'm actually going to put a solar panel on the roof. EXCELLENT work EXCELLENT job on your videos job well done step-by-step step-by-step even I can do it😂 well fingers crossed. 😮
Where are you from?
You will end up using this van more than the Sprinter until you sell it, just because of the smaller size. It's a pleasure watching these series.
It would be great to use on my own but I suspect that won't be allowed lol :D
Another excellent video. I'm completely in the dark about solar but I have a mate who's a qualified solar installer for domestic properties - now I can talk about my van solar installation with him and not sound completely clueless!
If you would like to watch this video you will be more armed to chat off grid van electrics. ruclips.net/video/xCw7eARJKOg/видео.htmlsi=8N_OFSZiyy9G-J_B
Ive linked up 3 x 175 renogy panels to my renogy MPPT, as I suspect one of you next vids wiil go on to explain the renogy DC charger has the option to keep the house and starter batteries topped up all in one device, and also house batteries charged from the alternator as well. Been running my system for a couple of years and it works a treat. Thanks for the series sor far.
Exaclty that, Dc to DC plus MPPT and will charge both leisure and van battery from solar, all in one box for £150 bargain
Great video again for the ill informed - the reason I like this series is you explain the why in a manner I can understand
Thanks
That’s great 😃 I’m glad you’re enjoying the pace of these videos 👍🏼😃
Fantastic video as always. I am thinking of putting solar panels on my van.
I'm much happier to do myself.
Thanks Greg
Tip ,when drilling holes in metal pre drill hole with drill bit only then fit hole cutter, the pre drilled hole will act as a guide for hole bit save breaking drill bit
You should not need to do that as the arbour bit is longer than the cutter so the centre hole is drilled first in any event. Watching it back it more likely that I had the drill at an angle and was pressing down with too much force. The saw bit caught and threw the drill off at an angle.
Another brilliant video Greg. The electric/solar is one of the scariest parts of my future build but you have made that nice and simple to understand. I’m not too scared to try it now and my bro is an electrician so I can double check it with him. The tip of red tape on the positive is such a simply yet perfect suggestion. Thank you.
It’s the little things that make it easier later on. Hope all goes well for you 😊
Another super helpful video in this series Greg and very similar setup to what I’ve gone for so even more helpful to me, I’ve fixed my solar panels on via a homemade unistrut roof rack using the “Mule” brackets. Can’t wait to see what’s next 👍🏻
I wanted these to sit lower to the roof more stealth and obviously to keep the costs down too
I've been following Greg for a number of years and any one starting out on their van conversion I highly recommend you replicate his way (and there are some very poor van builds I've seen here on RUclips over the year's) I did and I've had no issues with my van build which is similar to Greg's last build. And it's been operating 24 hours for the last 18 months with no issues with the electrics. Nice too see you back Greg.
Well you can’t get a better recommendation than that 😃
Fantastic that you’ve had all that trouble free travel with your van 🚐 and long may that last. 😃
Thank you for such a wonderful comment and my best wishes for many more happy travels 👍🏼
Thank you Greg your a gentleman
Greg , you're simply the best . Take care .
Cheers 🍻 Paul and you too 👍🏼😃
You make everything look easy. 👍🏻 nice job as always.
yes he does
Thank you very much 😊
Mate this is super helpful. I've just bought a relay. So your series has been a massive help. Thanks.
Brilliant 🤩 good luck with your build mate 👍🏼
Good on you once again. Love watching your videos 👍
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg. Hello from Tennessee. Thanks for this video. I think the information was very well presented and I plan to watch more of your videos as I begin work on our van.
Thank you so much for taking the time to send me a great comment. I hope you find lots of useful info in these videos and wish you the best with your own build. 👍🏼😊
I am in Western Australia, just discovered Greg while looking through other van builds! I am taken straight away by his quiet friendly instructive manner ! I am building a Ford Transit campervan , but as it was 37 degrees centigrade ( 102 Fahr) outside this afternoon I was happy to to sit indoors in the Air/con & learn about installing the Maxair roof vent/ Fan which will certainly be my choice when the time comes ! Looking forward to watching all your other helpful videos as I tackle each procedure! Cheers Mate!
Just been out and bought our van.. Citroen Relay LWB high roof with side windows already as it's a crew can... watched all your other videos and look forward to the next ones.. can't wait to start our conversion, in the planning stage and layout stage now...
Super helpful, added a lot of clarity to the next step of my build. Thanks!
Another great video Greg, well done. Looking forward to spending some quality time together tonight in Clacton. Love to Lou.
I’m pressing the white suit and polishing my medallion as we speak 😂🎉😊
Great video Greg, top quality work as always 👌👌👌👌
Thank you very much Kelly
Good morning, I hope you're well... I love the videos. Very helpful and informative. Just purchased my van, and your videos are helping me to tackle jobs that I would often get others to do for me.
Would love a couple of grommets if you've still got any going. Will be copying your solar power system installed.
Many thanks. Keep the videos coming.
Ken
Please pm me on social media with contact details. 👍🏼🤩
Bought a Peugeot boxer lwb. I’m following every step of this budget van build and cannot wait for the electrical part which I’m struggling to get my head around. Thanks Greg your channel is a massive help.
I’m sure you’ll find it to be useful 🤩👍🏼
Thanks for this video mate I’m doing my first build now was never into all the new faff of solar etc but now I’m more into it all the off grid videos and stuff are great help for the wiring going to be going with the exact same kit pretty much
This is a really versatile setup. Thanks for watching.
We are planning to build our own campervan as well. We have no experience. So therefore your video's are very helpful to us! They are very clear, like a step by step manual. Thanks for that Greg! Greetings from the Netherlands.
That’s awesome 🤩 nice to see you here and I’m really pleased you are enjoying this series 👍🏼
Brilliant video. Thanks for all the detailed tips 👍🏻🙏🏻
Brilliant as always Greg.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Good jobs going on there Greg very informative for those who are converting or thinking of converting a van. Keep it going it's nice to watch and if you sell the van the buyer will know exactly what went into the build. A no brainer if that's actually a word. All the best Sean 👍🏻
Yes it will be like a complete build manual for the new owners. 😎👍🏼
Brilliant job of explaining your installation. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Glad you liked it 😊
Apologies for my momentary satisfaction when your hole drill went berserk ! That stuff always happens to me ! Good to show you're only human Greg, another cracking video mate.
Shit happens 😊so it was worth keeping in 😊
Great video, love the explanation and great detail you go through everything at
I’m glad you are enjoying the series 😊
That’s mint mate all clear in my mind can’t wait for next video
Thank you Peter 😊
Maybe someone has already mentioned this..... But, when I am using a holesaw to drill through sheetmetal, in a similar situation as this (When you don't have access to the opposite side.), I will pre-drill a pilot hole through the surface. That way, when you drill the finished sized hole, with a holesaw, it typically won't "fetch up", and "drop through" as you finish your cut. You can "baby" the drill and hole saw down through the metal, because the pilot hole was already in place.
I am brand new to all that you have been sharing here. My hope for me in the near future is to, fit-out a van of my own. My perspective of watching what you are doing, and how you are teaching others, is coming from my own personal history of 38 years in the yacht building industry. (Sailboats and power boats as a yacht carpenter.). You know your stuff, and you are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for taking the time to put all of these videos together!
Thanks. No dramas about the glands or cables. Tip top. The 'spare' holes on the roof brackets might be useful for cable ties to secure the Ys and fuses, if they are in the right place. Otherwise as you say adhesive pads with cable tie holes are simply excellent. These can even be 3d printed and hratshrink then hot glue is also an option. Yes, I'd have opted for nylocks rather than spring washers and hope. Some thread lock is a good backstop, too. Keen for the next steps!
All very good advice and a great comment to leave here for others. Thank you 😊
I would love to have some of those rubber grommets for my van build if you weren't so far away in UK, i live in the US. Thank you for all the teaching 🙏
Contact me by pm on socials or by email and see what I can do 👍🏼😊
I have converted 1 van but want to go bigger and have watched hundreds of videos. Yours is the best. You explain it all in so much detail!. Thank you so much. I cannot wait for the next chapter. This will be so helpful when I get my next van.!
Thank you. I’m glad that you are finding these to be useful 😃👍🏼
Very nice work Greg 👍
Many thanks Andre 😊
Great Video again Greg - Almost spat my coffee out when you connected those cables up to pass through the van.- Read your notes below ;-) Good to see this conversion coming along nicely. Going to be really interesting to get your ideas on Leisure & Charging for this van. - Keep up the excellent videos.
I have to make sure to cover every single note and explanation in future, very difficult to do. The electric setup will be really versatile in this one, covered all the bases this time and really cheaply too.
Hi Greg. As usual a well put together video and a clear explanation for those new to these things. Just one point I'd like to mention. You indicated that you would tidy the cables on the roof with sticky bases. I too use these all of the time but have learned not to trust the adhesive. Normally I would back it up with a screw or if this wasn't appropriate then remove the adhesive and use Sikaflex for piece of mind. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more tutorials
Yes some of them can be rubbish. I found it makes a big difference of the surface is very clean 😊
Great presentation, Prof. V👍🏻
Many thanks Don 😊
Fantastic video. So in-depth. Great viewing. Love this
Thank you Robert 😊
Good teaching videos Greg, i did my van 2009 whish these videos where arond then good job mate.
Cheers Tony Brisbane Australia
Amazing to see that my videos are being watched on the other side of the world. Really appreciate your support
fit my panel this morning before watching you this evening almost the same put my panels left and right so i could use all the wholes in the brackets I enjoy watching this build and nothing scary this time lol
After I did it I thought I could have fitted the brackets to the end of the panels and possibly done the same. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe you could fit an extra bracket if you think it needs it or just for peace of mind
Great video. (Again) A possible advantage of using the Unistrut mounting system is the flexibility it allows if you need or want to fit different size panels in the future. No need to worry about brackets being in the wrong place.
Yes there is that but these should last for years and years 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg, loving the new video's.
Thank you chief... I'm just back tonight from walking & wild camping the West Highland Way in Scotland, the first thing I wanted to do was check in to see your progress with this & you've only gone & done the Solar panel installation, where I had asked you about on a previous video. I seen many Boxer conversions on my travels. Thank you once again Greg man ✊
We both love Scotland, the scenery is stunning and the people so friendly we definitely want to see more in the future 👍🏼🚐
@@GregVirgoe I'm from Ireland & had travelled over, it's stunning there, wish I was back there now lol. You should also check out Ireland & The Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal down to Cork along the West coast, it's regarded as the longest coastal scenic drive in the world.
Really nice job, and a very helpful video!
Another great video Greg verry simple and easy to follow can't wait to see what DC to DC charger you are going to use,I used a vectron in mine but they are expensive.
This electric setup is going to be very versatile and really economical too 👍🏼😃
Thanks for another informative video Greg. Invariably there will be a lot of vibration of the solar panels and the nuts securing the solar panel to the bracket may loosen. If you haven't got nylon insert nuts as you suggested, a couple of drops of locktite threadlocker on the bolt should prevent vibrational loosening. Or you could use a second nut as a jam nut to prevent loosing. Looking forward to the next video.
They have spring washers and I don’t expect there to be any issues. Thanks
Another great video. Your clear diagrams are very useful.
Renogy make goid panels and in my experience produce a little more than the same wattage eco worthy panels. The newer versions produce more than the old versions.
I think it’s very good value 👍🏼😃
Another fantastic video very educational 👍
Thank you very much Gary
Very thorough and a clever guy
Thank you Tony, much appreciated
Very helpful video. Your good explaining .. thanks 🙏
I’ve installed solar systems myself but it’s good to watch someone doing it correctly, thanks Greg. 👍🇮🇲
I really appreciate your kind comment thank you 🙏🏼😃
Nice neat install 👍
Thank you 🙏🏼
Great vid as always Greg
Thank you Pete 😊
Another great video Greg cheers👌.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for your effort Greg!
You’re welcome 👍🏼😃
Greg, I have watched all of your videos. You do a fantastic job, very thorough with great detail. I just received my 2022 144 4x4 sprinter Jan 1 after a 8 month order delay. It’s in the shop and has 150 miles on the clock. I am following your lead and advise on all aspects. I am also an engineer of many years. You have made my life/job much easier. Planning on shipping to Southampton early 2025 from Oklahoma. Look forward to one day buying you dinner and a pint. Thanks again for all you do. Remarkable just remarkable. Kevin
That’s exciting 🎉I would love a new sprinter to convert for ourselves. One day that may happen. I’m glad you found the channel and wish you every success with your own build. 😊
Thanks again for all you do! It is greatly appreciated. K
Great video as usual! I prefer to do a dry run and drill all screws through the metal while hoovering the metal shavings, then, unscrew them, after that, reinstalling them with Sikaflex: that prevents the metal shavings to be stuck into the sealant for ever.
It’s really not necessary with these self drilling screws. I find if you wind the screws in and out you loosen the holes making them less secure. 😊
Nicely presented and detailed. Thank you. Subscribed and liked.
I like how you only screwed the panel mounts into the high spots on the roof, but not in the valleys. It is funny how some people will spend $500 on a 50lb roof rack just to avoid making a few screw holes in their roof, then cut 2 giant holes for fans. I wonder though if you would not be better off using a bolt/rubber washer/van roof/lock washer/nut attachment, as those sheet metal screws might vibrate loose after a couple years.
Yes there’s a dozen screws in each roof fan so a few more makes no difference. I would expect the sikaflex to hold them very solid
25 volts.
Great video and you couldn't believe the timing. Just bought the same Renogy unit last week and looking at solar panels. Was confused by the max 25 volts for the unit so your video was priceless! Hooking the Renogy up to the alternator too. Would be good to know how that works with a smart alternator.
Yes it is low and always good to check the specs. You will find this setup very useful to you 😊
Another excellent video, thank you 😊 I'd love to do my own conversion but don't have the space to do it 😢 I'll live my dream through your content