How to fit a Caravan Solar Panel

How to fit a Caravan Solar Panel - DIY

Рет қаралды 142,917

5 жыл бұрын

Can it really be that hard?
In this video, Karl and Dan have a go at fitting a DIY Solar Panel Kit to a caravan. If you've every wondered if it's something you could do yourself, then this might just be the video for you!
We see if we can work our way around the installation of a 100W DIY kit from Vechline and successfully get it fitted to Karl and Rhea's Swift Conqueror 530.
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Пікірлер: 126

@DavetheIV 5 жыл бұрын

Been considering this myself. Great video which has given me the confidence to get a kit & DIY it myself. Thanks for the blow by blow record. Happy caravanning chaps!

@danieldoyle7525 4 жыл бұрын

Great job lads ... I got the same kit... it's very thoughtful of you to post this video and help others like me...

@dominicwest9447 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video. A neat and tidy job. Might have a go myself now.

@philiphartley8823 4 жыл бұрын

great one lads but please fit some cable clips to hold the cables next to the controller etc, they take the strain off the connections. Also a good tip is to put a dark sheet, maybe a couple of bin bags over the panel whilst doing the cable connections to cut down the voltage from the panel.

@youngtourers2078 4 жыл бұрын

Great point on the cover, Something we'd definately do if we did this again. Don't worry about the clips, P Clips were fitted after the installation.

@Djr67 3 жыл бұрын

I'm hitting the road in my caravan in Australia soon and this video is a big help, thanks so much guys

@johnlaing9124 5 жыл бұрын

Well done guys. Your very competent.

@markwilliams2309 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the Video guys. Really well presented - nice and clear.

@alanbowen575 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers boys great video I thought it was clear easy to understand Given me the confidence to do my own Thanks

@stevenf5027 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent, clear guide. Thanks, guys. “Gi’ it a waggle” - love it! 😂

@alenatichy1062 3 жыл бұрын

Great video I can have a go with my caravan. Thank you!

@TheMcNeillsonWheels 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job, guys! We're looking to put some solar on ours for some off grid jaunts. Thanks!

@gregreed402 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys awesome very well demonstrated and explained

@MattSmith-me8dy 3 жыл бұрын

Great video boys !! Not sure what people are on about with the volume issues heard fine through iPhone speakers, not on max either. Yes outside was more wind noise than inside but an investment in mics wouldn’t go a miss for future videos. Please keep vlogging lads, from another young caravan owner this is quite helpful!!!!!!!!!

@MrPatricktheman 2 жыл бұрын

That was wicked lads. Thanks heaps

@lewisedge8754 2 жыл бұрын

great video! really simply explained. Thanks.

@rolyhough4308 2 ай бұрын

Easy to follow video lads, Well Done.

@Helloworldhello663 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video! It dose looks easy to install.

@andrewnowell9908 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video lads thanks

@jayrichardson6872 3 жыл бұрын

Great video lads. Sorry only just got to see it Very good educational.👍just the biz to fit mine Am now a subscriber. So won’t miss anymore. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂☮️ stay safe guys ✊🏼

@svesse1966 3 жыл бұрын

Wery well done jobb boys!! I will mount a solar panel for the second time on my new caravan, a 160w panel from the Swedish company Jula. Its not that complete as the panel you mount , but i think its gona work fine.

@zeothorn 7 ай бұрын

Great video thanks for sharing!

@kevinrobinson1815 3 жыл бұрын

Very well done to you. Not something I would have attempted.......until now that is :-)

@MD-gc4xq 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant I’m off to do my own when I can get out of the house

@DENMONKEY 5 жыл бұрын

well done boys but you need to be a bit more careful with the electrical side of things. In both instances you had the solar panel and the battery feeding power through the cables you were working with. To avoid causing a short, connect the wires up to the controller before the battery and cover the solar panel so its not making power. If you must do this, put some tape on the exposed wire ends and only take it off when you're ready to fit them. Also if you can, drill from the inside out. no need to worry about hitting anything then or having your cable come through in an awkward spot ;) not always possible though.

@philiphartley8823 4 жыл бұрын

My controller specifically states that the battery connections must be made first, before the solar panel is connected. Good idea to read the instructions to check for these things, they could be important.

@paulefc1971 4 жыл бұрын

Most state to connect battery wires first to the controller, covering the panel to prevent it getting sunlight would help as well

@alisonpritchard5525 10 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks 👍

@steaders82 3 жыл бұрын

Watched your video. Order the next day. All installed. Cheers lads

@aldaia 3 жыл бұрын

Could you share the link? Thank you in advance

@steaders82 3 жыл бұрын

@@aldaia sargentltd.co.uk/shop/product/120watt_solar_panel_kit/120

@RobinHarlow 5 жыл бұрын

Good video. Always good to see a Hilti tool in action. It might have been useful to have put in an inline disconnect in the cupboard for the wire from the solar panel before it goes into the controller.

@jtaylor7620 3 жыл бұрын

Is it ok to connect with battery wires live and solar active panel

@cantstandlazyskanks 2 ай бұрын

Well explained and executed....... Great video..... Subscribed..

@RobbieLValentine 2 жыл бұрын

Hey guys, great video - thank you! Is it possible to add LED lights and some USB sockets to the ‘Load’ part of the solar controller? Thank again!

@stevenwalsh9880 4 ай бұрын

I’m planning on fitting my 170w kit this weekend, but to keep the battery box tidy I’m planning on using bus bars inside the caravan as I also have motor mover wires cluttering things up.

@nicktew5617 2 жыл бұрын

Is an MPPT controller a better option. Thanks for sharing! Brilliant!

@scotchegg6422 3 жыл бұрын

All of those holes should have been fitted with grommets before feeding the cables through.

@BAIPHOTO 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the video which has put this job into the realms of what I consider comfortable in my ability range. I notice there are no roof mounts, does the panel stay in place okay whilst towing? Did you have any issues removing panelling ?

@brianhowarth8097 5 жыл бұрын

Brill thanks very much

@EsiJet 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video, will the solar panel stay on the roof with that silicone adhesive thing?

@patrickoneill266 3 жыл бұрын

Great video.Well explained.You have given me the confidence to do my own fitting.👍

@mikeade1962 2 жыл бұрын

Great informitive video, but in my oppinion its not enough to say when connecting battery make sure cables other end arent touching, i would leave the battery disconnected and also cover the solar panel so no sunlight can get to it then connect all the wires to the charge unit first as it could be potentially dangerous to do it as described in this video

@MrSnookerballs 4 жыл бұрын

was there no connection at the PSU for solar so if connected to mains the solar would be auto switched so only the mains charged battery.

@paulwary 2 жыл бұрын

I have noticed a lot of dirt accumulates under solar panels and will lead to streaking down the side of the van. I wonder if it's worthwhile to seal off the underside of the panel using some L-section PVC extrusions glued on with silicone sealer. OTOH this would cause moisture retention underneath the panel. Don't know if that matters.

@RobbieLValentine Жыл бұрын

In this particular fitting, you wouldn’t need any screws. He has made sure it’s water tight, that the surface is clean and that it’s been primed. Adding screws, in my opinion would decrease the waterproof value of the roof. A great install in my opinion. Of course, adding screws might make you feel better; if you’re old school, however the 222 sealant is better than any screw. The only thing I do not recommend is that cheap Chinese controller unit. Victron all the way for me!

@danlockett5618 3 жыл бұрын

Good job. Enjoyed watching. Not sure I would have penetrated above the 12v system, but I guess its adequately sealed (for now). Very informative.

@garethshaw5210 5 жыл бұрын

Great video and a job well done. Could you put a link in for the kit you purchased please. It looks a good product. Thanks guys.

@DavetheIV 5 жыл бұрын

So I've watched your excellent record of the how to, am considering this myself BUT want to know how well it keeps the battery when you're off grid, be interested in your feedback & experiences.

@seanmullally9082 3 жыл бұрын

Grest video lads...I brought a 50 w photonic solo panel.maybe halve the size of yours, and that keeps my battery topped up,but after watching you video I'm going to secure it properly as apposed to just placing it on the roof...well done

@Brendan-sz9xp 4 жыл бұрын

Great job did you check the roof for wires or did you just take a chance. just in the process of putting my own solar system in and am worried that there may be some wires hidden in the roof space

@youngtourers2078 4 жыл бұрын

Hi! Depends on your van. Newer caravans tend not to have older style ceiling lights and less cabling in the roof. Always check and see, especially for items such as extractors and omnivents.

@stanners1966 Жыл бұрын

That looked like a aluminium skinned roof so you should have put some protective sheathing around your drilled hole because eventually the sharp ali edge with cut thru the cable covering due to the movement of the van so you’ll end with with bare metal contact between the + & - cables.

@DJ_PaulD Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. Or at least file it first.

@mkendall86 5 жыл бұрын

Great Job, have you got a link for the DIY kit?

@shaungrinsted9419 2 жыл бұрын

Great video lads I’m thinking of doing the same thing but I’m worried about working on it while the panel is glued to the roof When you cut the cable does it not short out as the solar panel is in the roof generating power and can it give a a shock when wires are being touched just like if you were were working on a live household socket the brown will be live 👍👍

@glennthorley9050 2 жыл бұрын

The solar panel generates the power to only charge the battery. From there you use an inverter to convert it to 24volt power.

@katarzynaxx563 3 жыл бұрын

I have Swift challenger 520 SE (2000). Can I fit anything there? Roof is a total nightmare!

@cameron-james27 Жыл бұрын

Have you got link off the solar panel where you got it from

@cliveneilands1449 3 ай бұрын

Make sure you go for MPPT controllers, they are so much better.

@fessthecelt Ай бұрын

What was the kit used and from where ? Great video !

@didgerydoo 12 күн бұрын

Just out of curiosity: When cutting the wires, should you be aware not to cut through the cable in one instance, but cut eacht wire separately to avoid short-circuiting the solar panel? I could imagine that the panel is already feeding, given the caravan is directly standing in the sun? (I'm Dutch, so hope my question is clear and understandable enough)

@PixelBravo 2 жыл бұрын

Could you attach more than one solar panel to that system?

@davidhansbury2486 2 жыл бұрын

We’re did you get the solar panel from thanks

@stefancartwright1781 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely brilliant I’ve messaged you via Facebook but no reply as of yet and I do appreciate your busy, what’s the name of the kit you bought and where from please cheers

@leejarvis2811 Ай бұрын

Hi have you got a link for the online fuse please

@user-zp2li6xe1d 4 ай бұрын

How long did the sealant take to go off?

@reynoldslot 5 жыл бұрын

Please put a link for the kit

@chrishall6745 3 жыл бұрын

Why are you not using the Sargent controller ?

@teabag3339 5 жыл бұрын

Job Well Done. However, I do have a criticism. It is obvious that you two lads are competent, but you have to consider those laypeople, who will be attempting the procedure after watching your video. I noticed that you connected the power flex to the controller after connecting the flex to the battery, hence the flex had power (albeit 12v) flowing when you connected the flex to the controller. Might I suggest that the battery connection is the last connection to be made or at least remove the in-line fuse cartridge until everything is connected?

@robertwade8836 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with this, fantastic work but a warning that the cables were live would have been wise.

@gw2031 2 жыл бұрын

Question,,if you hook up the van to your car tow bar that supplies 12 volts does that not mean there will be 24 volts npw.going to The battery when the solar panels is charging as well ?

@stevenwalsh9880 4 ай бұрын

No, would still be 12v as the panels are wired in parallel

@Chris.Mechanic 4 жыл бұрын

Do you belive pv panel fixed by the glue is safe on caravan? If so, what kind of glue did you use?

@darkm00n61 4 жыл бұрын

I have the same question :)

@adidasmanuk 3 жыл бұрын

I would mount a mount that the panel attaches to ;) Solar panels don't last that long on a mount remove one panel put new one on mount #simples :) plus put gromets where holes are drilled. Movement & drilled holes don't mix with cables tut tut

@marcrufus5814 4 жыл бұрын

Great work, only point is you shouldn’t pass the positive and negative through separate holes as you risk inducing an eddy current.

@thepajbren 4 жыл бұрын

In plastic??

@marcrufus5814 4 жыл бұрын

thepajbren depends on the make up of the van, the battery box on mine has a metal back....

@Noone-ro6nm 5 жыл бұрын

How do I use the power now from the battery to like a out let ?????

@jackmason7823 4 жыл бұрын

An inverter. Or the caravan will have this already.

@mickmoriarty7780 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks great video, I fancy a permanent fitting as I plan to hire out the van and didn't want inexperienced users fiddling with portable units. Call me old fashioned, but I'm not keen on that glue only idea, I've got visions of the panel flying off on the expressway, haha. Avoiding drilling the roof is a plus though.

@jeffburford 4 жыл бұрын

Mick Moriarty If one uses the proper Sikaflex or Dekaflex, you could probably attach it to an airplane, and it will hold. Also, if one would rather bolt it down, they would be adding multiple points were water could enter your Camper or Caravan.

@mickmoriarty7780 4 жыл бұрын

@@jeffburford I suppose they use glue to secure the big antennas and transmission towers now.

@jeffburford 4 жыл бұрын

Mick Moriarty Lol, You just talking to hear yourself talk?

@mickmoriarty7780 4 жыл бұрын

@@jeffburford I was just taught that it was good manners to acknowledge a comment.

@carlmc9775 2 жыл бұрын

What solar panel kit is that ?

@richtea8721 3 жыл бұрын

What was the kit please?

@stevelowe9990 Жыл бұрын

Shouldn't the controller be fitted as close as possible to the battery ?

@andyomullane558 4 жыл бұрын

Fuses should be next to power source. Other than that its a good video i think

@davidmbell 5 жыл бұрын

Only comment, is you should really have done the connecting of the battery as the very final step, having done all the wiring first, as you were holding two exposed live wires. Not the end of the world as had they touched it would have blown the inline fuse. But otherwise, nice one! Oh, and you ought to have a rubber gland/sealer on the two holes in to the battery box. When my van was serviced the engineer insisted this was done (for risk of battery gases getting in to the caravan living space).

@youngtourers4578 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your coment David. We found the connection process a bit Chicken or the Egg. You have a live connection to the battery but you also have a live connection from the panel itself whch is sending a constant voltage. We found that out too! I think the connection order is one of those that will be at the discression of the installer. With regards to the seals, thats a good point! Karl and Rhea's caravan was second hand and looks although it's previously had a mover fitted, so it was a case of making use of what was there.

@gazza2963 5 жыл бұрын

@@youngtourers4578 Nice little video, thanks for posting it. A bit of cardboard covering the panel as you do this will stop you having any live wires as you wire it all up. do you find after using this that a 100w panel that is flat is good enough to keep the bat charged enough?

@jeffburford 4 жыл бұрын

Actually, any Solar Controller that I have ever seen or read up on stated that the controller first be attached to the Battery to avoid damaging the controller!

@robforrest12739 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Looks easy but still not convinced I'd be confident in my abilities to not mess it up somewhere along the line! What sort of charge controller did you use: PWM or MPPT?

@youngtourers4578 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rob! it wasnt too bad of a job. I know we got back to you on twitter but for anyone on youtube who isnt too sure, we used a simple PWM controller. It's the cheap alternative but never caused up an issue with lack of power!

@patrickkiernan6014 4 жыл бұрын

Hi lads where did you bye the kit

@paulusx11 5 жыл бұрын

wHAT WAS THE mAKE OF THE SOLAR PANEL? AS I COULD NOT MAKE OUT EXACTLY WHAT YOU CALLED IT..TIA

@davestanton3822 2 жыл бұрын

I would drill the cable from the inside in case you hit the radio or something.

@robertkimber8806 4 жыл бұрын

Needs protective grommets where the wire penetrate the battery box!

@YorkshireDJVlog 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Guys. Nice video. Do you have a link to the solar panel. Think I’d like to get one. Cheers.

@youngtourers2078 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting. We've had this question several times. We got this kit from a local caravan dealer but unfortunately they do not post out internet orders. Generally if you search for 'Vechline DIY solar panel kit, you should find an online supplier. Feel free to email us contact@youngtourers.co.uk if you have any other questions. Good luck!

@robertcampbell7363 3 жыл бұрын

@@youngtourers2078p

@SeawolfGB 4 жыл бұрын

Looks like VechLine Kit to me:

@alisterwest6987 5 жыл бұрын

Volume poor on Microphone can't hear you mine is up full your audio is low

@corallaroc 5 жыл бұрын

I've not seen anyone else put in an inline fuse. Is this essential?

@youngtourers2078 5 жыл бұрын

Holistic-Healing UK not having an electrical background I wouldn’t be entirely sure. Probably not required but it was recommended by the dealer and should prevent any risk of electrical damage or fire. For the £3-4 that it costs, it would seem a worthwhile investment.

@corallaroc 5 жыл бұрын

@@youngtourers2078 Okay thanks 👍

@corallaroc 5 жыл бұрын

@@youngtourers2078 Thanks. I've no idea what size fuse I would need. I have a 100w solar panel. Do you know what size I would need please? Ta

@youngtourers2078 5 жыл бұрын

Holistic-Healing UK I’m not entirely sure and again, it probably depends on your kit. Our recommendation would be to call up a local dealer and ask their advice. They’re the experts! Sorry we can’t be more help. Let us know how you get on! 😀

@corallaroc 5 жыл бұрын

@@youngtourers2078 Thanks for responding. Having asked around, the general consensus seems to be that as the mppt controller has a fuse, I don't need an extra one. So guess I won't bother then 😏

@AdaminPoland 3 жыл бұрын

Hmmmm.... I am not sure I am ok with drilling holes in the roof of my van! :) :) :)

@ConcreteJungleGames 2 жыл бұрын

Just make sure no one's standing inside the caravan when you drill ;)

@romanamerlene8554 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy it. Let's check Avasva plans also

@Justin52wales 5 жыл бұрын

Think you need mics next time can’t hear you

@youngtourers2078 5 жыл бұрын

Justin thanks for your comment Justin. Have you tried turning the volume up?

@Justin52wales 5 жыл бұрын

Young Tourers it was when you were outside inside was fine

@MrMichaelBetts 2 жыл бұрын

People have died as a result of caravan solar panels comming off that were not anchored with screws. Pull this video down

@cliveneilands1449 3 ай бұрын

Sure they do come off but if fitted correctly using Sikaflex you would not be able to rip it off using just manpower, little over the top saying the vid should be taken down.