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03-23-2016, 03:09 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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DIY Ground up, off the grid, solar powered, seating for passengers!
Hey guys.
I've got my van basically where I want it. There are always upgrades I'd like to make but those are just luxuries. I I threw together I quick runthru of it. If you'd like to see more, or have questions, comment on the YouTube page and let me know. I may make more videos if people show interest. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/t5bws_Ex0o0
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03-23-2016, 05:09 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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Here's what the van looks like when fully loaded for a coast line road trip. This was prior to my solar panels being secured down. They were tied on the cam straps here. Worked actually really well but would rattle with freeway winds.
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03-23-2016, 05:11 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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Tip of the Day: if you stumble across a massive field of wheat during a road trip, stop and take pictures with the van. So awesome!
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03-25-2016, 03:44 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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This is how I secured my solar set up. Best part is, it fit side by side! 2nd best part, no drilling, welding, or fabricating of any kind required! And last best part, it's done!
If I could make one change, I'd have a full size roof rack so these could fit further forward leaving me more open roof rack space for kayaks. Reason why I didn't...I got this roof rack for a great deal. DIY vans are all about great deals..
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03-25-2016, 08:07 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,244
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It looks like your cross bars are covering some of the cells which will cut the output more than you think. Could you mount the panels on top of the cross bars? Otherwise it looks great.
__________________
Arctic Traveller
KC6TNI
2001 GTRV
Advanced 4wd
Agile Ride improvement package
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03-26-2016, 12:58 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 156
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlairB
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I really enjoyed the video. Nice work!
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03-26-2016, 02:19 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 1,012
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Nice build! A little more info on how shadows kill solar output.
__________________
2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY
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03-31-2016, 03:56 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arctictraveller
It looks like your cross bars are covering some of the cells which will cut the output more than you think. Could you mount the panels on top of the cross bars? Otherwise it looks great.
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Thanks for checking it out. To clarify, it's bars I installed over the panel which are lying on the roof rack. They're installed the same way ski racks hold skis and boards in place. I just found it easiest and secure without drilling and getting too complex.
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03-31-2016, 04:01 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tapatio
Nice build! A little more info on how shadows kill solar output.
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Well crap. After seeing that, I had no idea it was that bad. Does it make a difference between monocrystalline vs poly and how they function?
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03-31-2016, 05:13 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 1,012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlairB
Well crap. After seeing that, I had no idea it was that bad. Does it make a difference between monocrystalline vs poly and how they function?
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Unfortunately it doesn't matter. The cells in a module are all connected in series. Shading a single cell causes the current in the string of cells to fall to the level of the shaded cell. I'm guessing you are never getting more than 2-3 amps, have you checked your solar controller when it is sunny?
__________________
2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY
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