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!
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?