Whether rigid or flexible panels you have to secure them to the roof. Rigid still needs a mount point and the support is still attached to the roof. I have a camper and solar panels and been to all 50 states. Solar panels and controllers in camp are silent and much better than the noise from a gas generator. You and Melissa will enjoy the fruits of your labor over many decades to come. Best wishes. Stan in California. Married to the same girl for 52 years.

2019 UPDATE VIDEO ( kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nrh_jMSivp6Xpmg.html ) - I now have a better way to mount semi flexible solar panels.

Sweet setup you've got, Brian. Nice additional output you just added. 😊

Living in Arizona we love our solar panel systems

Great way to save weight. I am ordering 2 very soon.Thanks for sharing another great video.

watched a couple of your vids now (and yes, I've subscribed to your channel) :)...alot of your upgrades are currently above my price range but so great that the two of you make these vids...very helpful, thorough and informative..thanks so much! ;)

Great video, just the idea of running the frig alone is super👍👍 Thx! nice..looking more into that.

Great video mate. I learned a bit from it... thanks. I normally would have no more to say, except that a week ago while travelling on a narrow road, a huge semi-trailer come hurtling down the road in the opposite direction at hi speed. The wind factor as it hit my camper head on was like a tornado cat 5 haha, and nearly tipped my humble little campervan over. Well that was fine, but latter I wondered why my regulator was not showing charge. I climbed on the roof to find both my panels ($600 worth) gone, and the wiring ripped off. I never heard a thing... I guess because of the noise of the semi-trailer passing. The lesson I learned is , no matter how good you secure it... its not enough. I had those panels glued, screwed, and hinged down down on 3 ply.... and they still got loose. I studied it a bit and come to the conclusion that the "windward" side of the panels needs extra securing, so with the new ones when they arrive, I will bracket the whole leading edge of the panels down with a type of flashing, so as NO freakin wind can get under to lift off. Its really easy to do... just a strip of aluminium say 1" wide, glued and screwed along the leading edge which is for me, the shortest edge.

I like the idea of those flexible panels you used along with an additional portable setup for those times when you can point them towards the sun for more power.

I've watched two of your videos and I like them! You two are great! Subscribed and following.

Thanks for clearing up the parallel/series issue. Could never get an exact answer.

Put sealant on the screw threads and run them in, that's all that's needed for waterproofing them. Sealant all the way around is going to be fun if a panel needs to be replaced. It also means no possibility of air flow underneath to help keep them cool on hot days.

I love the flexible ones for all the reasons you mentioned... I'm still waiting till someone comes out with one flexible enough to make an awning fabric out of it. I realize it'll cost 20 grand+ for the awning, but it'd be worth it...

What a great view while you work. Good vid.

About the only tip I can think of is to perhaps use some TPO tape over the cords to better protect them from being jostled by the wind.

Also The Tape for AC Duck work very Strong and the Adhesive side wster tight. and it also has a. Aluminum reflection side to be used to back drop the rays back on the panel that would be something you would put up Separately.

I will get solar for my rig sometime soon i hope....Nice Job on the install..

Finally getting back to it eh. Good to see ya

Use 3M VHB 4930 tape. It holds 180 lbs per square inch. That stuff is so strong you need a pry bar to get it off!

For the cables, you can mechanically secure them using p-clamps because adhesive ziptie holders come of. For the dycor, or silicone, it helps to wet your spatula or fingertip with windex or soapy water so you can get a nice smooth bead. From your video, it looks like it self flattens nicely.

Beautiful nature , also awesome description . Thanks

Great video. Awesome information on performing the task. Thanks!

If you study the instruction for c-Si so-called semiflexible panels, you will see that there is a very low deflection allowed. When a micro-crack occurs, the electrons must skip the crack and thus heat will develop. Because your panel is made with a back of plastic, there is a risk of fire. If there is no fire, there is definitely some insulation that melts at a time by your camper.

i would also invest in a few wind turbines as well, when you have a cloudy day

so you drilled those holes from the top... don't you have to fix the interior roof? the nails doesn't show inside the RV?

You have the same rv I have. Thanks for all the tips and your vids are really going to help me do stuff to my rv.

I’m becoming a big fan of yours. Love your attitude.

They make wire tie stick on bases that you could Velcro too. No holes and easy to change if one goes bad. Also I think more Velcro strips strategically placed would work plus would allow air under to cool panels. Nice video! 👍👍

Thanks for all the info very helpful !!!

It's the same ones I got for Amazon but minor black black yeah I haven't got mine hooked up yet but when it's not 20 below it's out there eventually I live in North Dakota so it's a bit cold over here right now have a good day nice video thank you

Has anyone used 3M Lock Reclosable fastener? We use them in the NE to keep the toll road module adhered to the windshield.

Actually, can i know how to connect the electricity after i install all of the component of solar panel?, i mean what is the next step? thank you

Hi Tito, just wondering if you have any information to share back with the flexible panels and also if they would work on a rubber roof RV...thanks

Hi, Question/suggestion. Instead of sealing the panel completely around the edges, which possible may permanently seal in any atmosphere moisture, how about sealing in only the front forward facing edge and only and inch or two on either side? That would help prevent road wind from lifting the panel while driving and also allow any moisture that would now be under the panel to drain and evaporate.

Thank you for the great information

How did you connect it into the inside? Did you run the wire in the window?

1) So what can you run with these or are they just for charging batteries? 2) How did they work in winter after adding the additional panel vs. tilting?

That was great Thank you. Vince

Nice video thanks for sharing! Although I don't think it was a good ideal to seal all the edges! It was actually good that you had those bits of putty tape lifting it up giving air circulation underneath and help heat dissipation. I heard a number of stories from people that had their flexible solar overheat and break because it had no way to cool.

Just a thought, instead of mounting them in direct contact to roof what about creating some lift so air can flow underneath.. I wonder how the provided grommets and adhesives would perform at high winds as far as being secure.

Really nice and well explained video. Thank You from the UK.

So....when will you come to COLOMBIA????

Nice job for an amateur. Use of Dicore ( screwed and Eterna bonding tape. First, the use of silicone in screw holes is a must for severe weather. Second, he admits to solar panels blow off from effort to vent then underneath and fails to admit it on video. If used pinhole in greenhouse roofing material polyurethane it could transfer the heat from under the panel. cheap aluminum is not good but stainless is ok. The instruction say to vent bottom of panel too, an effort to increase the voltage in heat of day temperature of 170 is typical without a sprayer,

Suggestions: More panels ;o) I would be tempted to cover every inch of the roof with panels... Nice job and thanks for sharing!

All great but to seal all around stops the flow of air from underneath that cools off the panels.

I read somewhere that you need air under the panel to cool it otherwise the efficiency goes down. Could someone clarify for me please?

Another amazing video.

Good epoxy or Double sided foam tape (Like they use on windscreen mirrors or Gopro mounts) are way more secure, saves drilling holes in fibreglass roof.

Ruff... nice setup!

Good stuff Tito. I have had a look at a few of your vids. They have been v informative. I love the comment by R A Monigold, he does make a bit of sense in his suggestion.. I'll keep looking through your work.

Good Morning. It has been over one year with the new panel. How is it holding up? has the tape held up.

Sun is a blessing

Nice install

I might have just used weatherized tape, around the edges...but 24 v, if you shade just one panel, you shutdown all the panels...

what was the coast of each panel and other component

And what if the panel gets a defect? Can you easily replace it? I would build a frame with alu-profile or similar and screw the panel on the frame...

Great information. Thanks.

very nice solar system

Do you think they will do as well as ridged solar panels?

Instead of screw/drill into the roof - couldn't those 50lbs magnet hook does the same ? assuming the roof is metal

Brian, new to your channel. Good vlog (video), well done. Where were you (location) for this install, and since the install (haven’t yet viewed more of your vids) how have the panels and wiring held up?

great job

What brand are the panels please and how have you liked them?

using aluminium marine tape is the best. it's strong and you don't need to make any holes.

Hey Tito, I just wanted to start by saying how much I enjoy watching you try new ways of doing things. I wanted to ask if you’ve had any leaks with your roof vent? I’m about to cut through my new roof and want to understand how realistic I should be about a leak free experience. Cheers, Andrew

Tito. great video like your idea on what type of Panel. to cover the wires depending on the thickness you could use the plastic pvc cut in half and Square up the cables to give you access walking around for Maintenance. 😎🌴 Ft.Lauderdale Fl.☀

With flexible panels such as these how tolerant are they for light weight on them. Could you walk on them? Kneel on them etc. Anyone please reply.

Is it the same way for a mini camper? I am planning to make a mini camper for my bike and I want to install it with solar panels for electricity.

Tesla need a Powerwall you can slap on an RV and integrate with custom panel setups

Did you get the GoPower panels? Your link just brings me to an Amazon search. Thank BTW. I was wondering how the flexible panels performed.

One thing that you may be doing wrong here which will reduce solar output is using a wide variety of solar panels. There seems to be two rules here - if have same amps on all solar panels can connect in series & if have same voltage output but different amps can connect in parallel. If have varying voltage and amps whatever you do using one solar controller will have severe losses (ie. in series amps of lowest panel will be determining factor) so will loose badly if they are vastly different panels. The panels you have installed look to be 32 cell so about 16V output whereas the long panel I suspect is more cells and therefore different voltage.

well done tito stay safe out there :)

Love your vids. I may have tried eternibond tape for sealing the edges on the flat panels. What do you think?

Спасибо много полезного все супер ! Привет из Юрмалы !

Please it's they an up late on this setup Thank you

Why drill and mount then seal? Just use flexible sealant. It will not come off. No penetrations to leak or fix later. Use low profile PVC cable conduit to ensure wires are protected from elements and animals. The rounded top 1/2 will be less noisy too.

I've had a panel fail, so I'm putting a flexible one right on top of it with glue. Concerned about heat.

Great Video Thanks for sharing

great video. Have you went through any hail storms yet and if so does the solar panels hold up well through the ice beating.

I have a question about solar. I have installed a solar panel on our old RV and it worked great. We have a 2017 RV ( Forester 3051s) now and thinking about adding solar to it. The main question is when it is charging will it charge the Truck battery also? The reason I ask is that my truck battery went dead while in storage. Thanks

I've found most white/translucent zip ties are labeled "indoor" and won't hold up to sun. Black and some colored ties will. My favorite, when appropriate, are stainless!

Tito - still really happy with these HQST panels? I've read that the Suaoki's have bypass diodes where the HQST do not. Has that been an issue for you at all? Thanks for the videos!

Thanks Good video Mikebkk

Have you tried the cell phone Tower Batteries? They are between 700.00-800.00 a peace but warranted for about 15 years! You can get them cheaper on amazon used with lots of warranty left to them !!!

You mentioned a video of your's where you explain connecting the panels in series... Can you provide a link please?

Great vids, Did you mention how much battery storage that you have? I just finished a 400 watt Renogy install on a travel trailer. I run a couple of 6 volt costco batts. Would like to add a couple more and have room for 2 more panels. This stuff is addictive. Fun though, am working on a couple of e bikes and just thought it seemed a natural.

The project like this step by step is described on the Avasva website and many more plans you can find on that website.

Thanka for the video. Would like to install these on a reefer container for storing perishable goods while being transported. The reefer has a max power usage of 15 KW but uses an average of 8kw. Would it work?

Hi My Friend , just getting ready to add my first panels and 2 questions for you,,,,,,,, 1 - the screw what size is 1 inch long by 6 or 8 or ?? Diameter and 2- what width was the putty 3/4 or 1 or 2 inch wide ,,,, Keep up the good work ( Gary in Sun City Arizona ).

I like the flexible solar panels

Where is this place at?

Curious if you have a propane fridge and if so whether you leave the propane ON while you are driving down the road?

Make a follow up video in a year or so, after the plastic has had a chance to warp and cause EACH cell to "cup" - thus seriously reducing output. Just the voice of experience. P.S. let's not forget how HOT they get when mounted DIRECTLY to any surface without a proper lift for cooling. Thanks for sharing...

Cool -- out by John Day Dam!

No venting underneath required? Helpful video! Subscribed.

New Sub!... Hi! Thank-U Tito I'm also learning all I can on solar panels this was very Helpful. One question though? when you did your research on buying your panels... what made you decide to go with that Brand as to oppose to Renogy or others? in other words... WHAT SOLD YOU? TFS.

Good information here. Question: Now that you have had them for a while are you still happy with the flexible panels and are they generating high Amp at the same level as initial days? Not familiar with RV setting but in general don't you want to have some ventilation, under the panels to keep them cool (Seems ironical but solar is best operated under cold conditions). Does mixing with lower power different type panel come with any drawback?Great job and enjoy rest of your way.

Thank you Tito for taking the time to do this. Always enjoy your videos and since I'm still researching about solar possibilities, this was very interesting. My wife and I are fellow pacific north westerners so I understand about the weather...especially this year. Yuk. Since we are on the western side, camping around trees is a norm unless you go across the mountains. Anyway, a few questions: 1.) Understand the reason you mentioned about why you installed the panels in series but from what I understand, doing so makes the solar system more susceptible to shading issues. Some tests I've observed significantly reduced the performance of the entire system just from shading a few cells on one panel. Is this not a concern for you or were the benefits (higher voltage, smaller wires) more important? 2.) Have you looked at the robustness of the coating on the cells themselves? I had heard of an issue with the surface degrading faster/damaged easier that glass panels. Take care and happy RV'ing!

Hey Brian great video as always and it looked like a beautiful location. I'm really interested in the solar power possibilities but know virtually nothing about it. I was surprised that your install provided enough power to run the fridge. Will that be the case while you are driving down the road too.....assuming it's a sunny day or will you have to revert to propane for the fridge? Take care and keep up the terrific videos! (I think my wife is really starting to warm up to the RV living/traveling when she retires in less than 2 years!)

I like it 👌