How To Set Up Solar Panels On A Van

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.

How to set up solar panels on a van.

They have been installed using metal brackets with no insulation between the frame work of the panels and the van. Won t be able to charge with solar when running errands. 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.

Without solar panels your van s system will be useless. Van solar panels came in a variety of wattages but most vanlifers use multiple 100w panels for their systems. Update as a result of new information from renogy you do not n. Quick note before we get started.

Takes up space inside the van when traveling especially anything above 200w. Not great for city dwelling. Need to set up each time you re at camp. 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.

Do not hook up your solar panels to the charge controller until the batteries are connected. Eg the grounding of the panels is directly connected to the chassis of the vehicle and therefore connected to the starter battery. I have installed solar panels directly to the roof of my van. If you ve just stumbled on this article directly without seeing that there are likely.

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. In another post i talk about how to figure out and set up your electrical system. 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.