How To Set Up Solar Panels On A Van

Van solar panels came in a variety of wattages but most vanlifers use multiple 100w panels for their systems.

How to set up solar panels on a van.

I have installed solar panels directly to the roof of my van. This is just one part of a overarching how to install a diy camper van electrical system series. Renogy unboxing of our 300 watt solar system and the install of the panels on the van. Takes up space inside the van when traveling especially anything above 200w.

Polycrystalline vs amorphous solar panels. Update as a result of new information from renogy you do not n. They have been installed using metal brackets with no insulation between the frame work of the panels and the van. Not great for city dwelling.

Solar panels take the energy from the sun and send it down through a charge controller where it will eventually recharge the batteries in your camper electrical system. Solar panel cell type monocrystalline vs. The panels themselves are easy to install and the entire guide to installing solar panels can be found on renogy s website. Need to set up each time you re at camp.

In another post i talk about how to figure out and set up your electrical system. The first thing we did was mount our solar panels to our van s roof and wire them together in parallel using a signstek y branch wiring connector. Won t be able to charge with solar when running errands. Eg the grounding of the panels is directly connected to the chassis of the vehicle and therefore connected to the starter battery.

Given excellent conditions a. Cons of portable panels. If you ve just stumbled on this article directly without seeing that there are likely. Do not hook up your solar panels to the charge controller until the batteries are connected.

Quick note before we get started.