How To Set Up Solar Panels On A Van

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.

How to set up solar panels on a van.

Given excellent conditions a. If you ve just stumbled on this article directly without seeing that there are likely. Quick note before we get started. Eg the grounding of the panels is directly connected to the chassis of the vehicle and therefore connected to the starter battery.

This is just one part of a overarching how to install a diy camper van electrical system series. They have been installed using metal brackets with no insulation between the frame work of the panels and the van. Solar panel cell type monocrystalline vs. I have installed solar panels directly to the roof of my van.

Need to set up each time you re at camp. Do not hook up your solar panels to the charge controller until the batteries are connected. Not great for city dwelling. Takes up space inside the van when traveling especially anything above 200w.

The panels themselves are easy to install and the entire guide to installing solar panels can be found on renogy s website. Cons of portable panels. Van solar panels came in a variety of wattages but most vanlifers use multiple 100w panels for their systems. In another post i talk about how to figure out and set up your electrical system.

Won t be able to charge with solar when running errands. Mount and wire the solar panels. Polycrystalline vs amorphous solar panels. 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.

Obviously the solar panels are part of that electrical system but i wanted a separate post just for actually installing the panels on the roof of the van.