BEST WAY in 2021 to INSTALL FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS on RV

BEST WAY in 2021 to INSTALL FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS on RV - NO DRILLING

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3 жыл бұрын

Looking for the EASIEST and MOST SECURE way to install flexible solar panels on an RV (or trailer) WITHOUT DRILLING HOLES and also have an AIR GAP for cooling? This method is the way to go. I'll show you how to install it yourself.
BONUS FEATURE: This mounting method also includes an adjustable track system making it easy to remove or adjust the mount for different sized solar panels or additional equipment on your roof.
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Parts Mentioned in Video (affiliate links)
Clear Polycarbonate Wall Panel (www.homedepot.com/p/LEXAN-The...)
48” Aluminum T-Track (amzn.to/3c7YSqU)
Lattice End Cap (www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-4...)
¼” x 20 Stainless Hex bolts and nuts - (Lowes/Home Depot)
5/16” T-bolts (amzn.to/3sVsrlc - not stainless)
Sika Flex 715 (amzn.to/367DuOL)
Double-sided 1” Eternabond Tape (amzn.to/2MoOQGP)
T-Shirt I'm Wearing (Eat, Sleep, Fix Stuff, Repeat)
amzn.to/39yRnaB
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS for Installing Flexible Solar Panel
(1) Cut poly carbonate sheet. Width should equal the full height of the solar panel but 3 inches narrower than the width of the solar panel
(2) Cut out middle section of the polycarbonate sheet a few inches from the top and all the way to the bottom
(3) Glue the polycarbonate sheet to the back of solar panel with Sika Flex or other adhesive
(4) Cut Vinyl lattice end-caps for front and trailing edge. Front: Notch out ends for front corner grommet bolt. Rear: Cut Rear Piece to the width of the insulated layer and notch out middle and end sections around polycarbonate gaps to allow for airflow and drainage out the rear
(5) Fit front and rear caps securely
(6) Carry Assembled Solar Panel up to the RV roof
(7) Position T-Track to align with the edges of solar panel
(8) Mark T-Track position with a sharpie
(9) Clean roof surface and T-track thoroughly with acetone (could use rubbing alcohol)
(10) Attach double-sided Eternabond tape to bottom of t-track rail (trim to track width if necessary)
(11) Attach T-track rails to roof (press and hold securely for a good bond)
(12) Seal around T-track base with SikaFlex to add strength and provide a finished look
(13) Slide bolts into the track and attach solar panel (align bolts with grommet holes in solar panel)
(14) Use double nuts to lock them down (Tip: Use two wrenches to prevent hex bolt secure in aluminum track)
#rvwithtito #rvsolar #diyrvsolar
This video also addresses these topics: flexible solar panel, flexible solar panel installation, flexible solar panel installation for rv, flexible solar panel installation for car roof, flexible solar panel installation for van, flexible solar panel mounting, rv solar panels, sunpower flexible solar panels
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
Affiliate Disclosure
This video may include links to merchants with affiliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Пікірлер: 816

@robwallace3670 3 жыл бұрын

Stumbled onto your first panel installation video six months ago and used it on my 12 x 100watt flexible panels. I have a 35’ Montana fifth wheel and with the one rigid panel that came with the new rig we have just under 1500 watts up there. Reading thru the comments I gather you didn’t change from the old system because it failed, but you were just trying to improve it further. I went for flexible panels as I’m 71 and walking around up there is difficult for an older guy like me and I can crawl over the flexible if I have to, access the awning, satellite dish or a misbehaving roof vent. I have not noticed any heat difference between a panel lying flat on the roof and one on the fluted plastic, but in very gentle winds, putting my lips down by the upper edge of the fluted plastic I can feel a gentle breeze of heated air coming out the higher side of the fluted plastic, therefore I figure the theory that the panels carry away heat that would otherwise be transmitted into the rv roof stands correct. We only boondock so having a lot of solar is key with our 400ah of lithium. The thing I am most proud of is the single hole I have in my roof that handles my satellite dish and all my solar connections inside an aluminum box. We have only done about 3,000 miles so far but everything on the roof is rock solid with no issues following religiously you initial recommendations. Appreciate your videos and taking the time to share your experience even to us living down in the other side of the world in New Zealand. Again.. thanks. Rob

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rob for sharing your experiences with the heat dispersion using this setup. Love the lip test :) I'm so glad my videos were able to help you out down there in NZ.

@jimrodrigue8906 3 жыл бұрын

Brian, as I was shopping for and doing research for solar panels for my travel trailer, I came across your previous mounting method, and then this new mounting method, which has been extremely helpful to me! This will be my first install on solar panels, so I am certainly just learning. Your ingenuity has inspired me to attempt this same install for my flexible panels. Again, super helpful video and list of materials with links on where to find. Thank you for sharing!

@ThePyrateJim 3 жыл бұрын

Love your no-drill install ideas! I was going to use your second method, but in test runs had noticed a tendency for the corrugated plastic sheets to collect water between themselves and the roof of my skoolie. I was worried about that and have been trying to think of a way to elevate the assemblies a little way off the Tropicool silicone coating I have on my roof. Your t-track idea is brilliant! I'll use t-tracks to elevate! I may end up adding some aluminum stringers between the t-tracks to support the flexible panels. Bottom line, thanks for dreaming up interesting ideas and sharing them on KZfaq!

@santafefavs 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I would like to see another video that shows the panels when you are on the highway to see if they have any movement in the wind.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Noted! I could do that in a follow up later on.

@NorthernKitty 3 жыл бұрын

Was already impressed with your previous mounting method - this just took it to the next level, great solution!!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

@garysanchezphotography 3 жыл бұрын

@@RVwithTito What were the problems with your previous system that caused you to upgrade?

@donlab9798 11 ай бұрын

WoW.! exactly what I've been trying to figure out, how to mount flexible panels with a gap off the airstream aluminum roof. Explained clearly without a lot of extra verbage that most you tubers throw in to try to be cute. thank you !!!

@winginitwithjohn8451 3 жыл бұрын

Brian, you are the teacher and pioneer of anything RV for the rest of us. I really appreciate your skills, and dedication to share them. Great job on this one too>

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! Glad to share these ideas.

@shannonmurphy9790 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your great ideas! I have two 160 watt flexible panels and am nervous to put together my solar system as I really don't know how to use fuses and what size wire, etc, but your videos offer a significant amount of ideas for me when it comes to the panels. I remember seeing your window awning solar panel idea and wonder how that worked out in the long run. I'll have to dig through your videos to see if I can find an update. Thanks for your commitment to the community!

@monumentmountainman6046 2 жыл бұрын

Brain, thanks again for all your great videos and Solar starter doc (great doc that helped me get the design started). I was new to solar just a few months ago and now I have a 700 Watt system on my RV now. I used this mounting method for my 4 Renogy 175 Watt panels. For others looking at these panels, here are some modifications I did to this great mounting design… The grommets on the panels are too small for the ¼ T-Bolt (even though they are ¼” grommets), so I pulled them out and put in ½ inch grommets. The Renogy panels do not have much room on the sides, so putting these ½ inch grommets in was a little challenging. These panels are 59 inches long and the T-Track comes in 3’ and 4’ lengths. So I cut the 4’ into (2) 2’ segments. I left a 1 ½ inch gap between the 2’ and 3’ section for added venting and water drainage on the sides. I also have a 1 ½ inch channel across the panel in the polycarbonate panel. This forms a cross in the panel for venting. I do have the same 3” channel running most of the length of the panel and open on the backside of the RV, like your installation, just added an additional side vent gap in the T-Track. I have about 2 ½ inches more T-Track over the length of the panel to attach the cables with cable clamps (good suggestion Brian!!). The polycarbonate panel is in 3 pieces, because I put the cross channel in. The front facing edge is U shaped, 3’ long to match the side T-Track. This piece has a 3” cut out down the middle starting about 9 inches from the front edge, just like your installation. I then have 2 strips (9.5” x 21.5’) running on either side of the 3” vent down the center of the panel. I did leave the same gap between the Poly sheet and the T-Track. All the tubes in the Poly sheets are running side to side, where the air channels can take the heat away. Since I had 3 separate Poly pieces, I used more Sikaflex-715 to make sure I had good contact with the solar panel. Making sure each corner had some and then an S pattern down the panel. Since I was putting in new grommets, I added a 4th to each side of the panels. This gave me 2 contact points for each T-Track segment. I did use VHB tape the full length of the 3’ and 2’ T-Track sections and sikaflex down the outside of the rails. I also put some VHB tape on the vinyl U ends, just to secure them. I also put a little Sikaflex in the groove before assembling them. I just did not want one flying off going down the highway. Not safe. I ordered the T-Track online and went to the hardware store to get the bolts that were supposed to work. ¼ spun in the slot, so that was too small, the 5/16 would not fit, so I just used the T-Track 1 inch ¼ 20 bolts. To allow a little movement I used a ¼ x1 ¼ black neoprene washers between the T-Track and the panel, then a fender washer, lock washer and nylon locking nut. We will be leaving for a ~4 month trip in June, all around Lake Superior. I will report back any issues. Thanks for the great design Brian….

@Nemo-yn1sp 8 ай бұрын

I'll be watching this over and over to do this myself on the top of my Dodge Caravan that doesn't have rails. I don't think I'll be able to install full rails because the roof is very curved, but perhaps strategically placed sections. I ordered a BougeRV 100W CiGS panel to charge an EBL 500 to keep at least my fridge/freezer running when I'm mobile. I've also got a Bluetti 3BA & 120 W suitcase panel for when I'm stationary. Thank you for making such clear, educational videos with no gimmicks and noise.

@flipsrvlife4579 3 жыл бұрын

By far, your cleanest and most secure system with stainless steel to date. Great job sir.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@RG-ru3ux 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Brian: I appreciate your sharing this new method for installing semi-flexible solar panels. The benefits of better air circulation and water displacement are worth the added costs. Please keep us posted on how this new method is holding up over time.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

I will. Pretty happy with it so far. I just clocked 63A coming in from solar a few minutes ago before a cloud moved in :) Pretty pumped about that!

@etiennesprangers1953 3 жыл бұрын

Well thought out, concise video and excellent install - thanks for taking the time to show us.

@rg500delta 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! I have been agonizing over how to install a set of flexibles, went from looking at coroplast spacers to twinwall polycarbonate, I see it can be had up to 16mm in depth but I think I'm going for 10mm. The plan was to install at a slight angle (higher toward centerline of RV) with the channels running uphill, so hopefully warm air will rise from convection and draw air through the core. But, how to do it, how to do it... And then one of my friends pointed me to this video and I see you've solved all my problems already!! THANKS!! Nice work!

@alnolan8574 3 жыл бұрын

Tito thanks for your time and effort on the solar panels .They look great and seem like a simple install once you have all parts.

@johnechols4145 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Finished mine on a 4Wheel Hawk popup a couple of weeks ago. So good! I used 3M 5200 Fast Cure Marine adhesive for the adhesive. I think it's on the for the life of the camper! Thanks for the great idea. 2 Renogy 175 watt panels.

@LeFrez 3 жыл бұрын

I gotta tell ya. This is so good, I'm using this exact method to upgrade the solar panel setup on my camper. Ordered all the materials just yesterday, can't wait to get going on it! Currently there's a 10+ year old 55w panel on my roof which is barely sufficient especially in winter. Ordered 2x 130w flexy panels, the corrugated plastic, the T Track, adhesive etc. One of my main things was to cut the weight mounted on the roof which is why I avoided 'proper' solid panels. Looking for a way to mount them, your video really inspired me, so a big big thanks from me!!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Big big you're welcome back to ya. Good luck with the project! I've got all of my flex mounted this way now.

@MaxximusRadimus 3 жыл бұрын

Our goal is 600-800 watts of solar, and I loved your previous setup, but this is MUCH better and as you said an easier install. Great work as always Brian!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you! Glad it helped.

@HomeOnTheHitch 3 жыл бұрын

We’ve been fans a long time! Always appreciate your videos for great ideas. This is awesome!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that! Glad you like the videos.

@Tom-In-Ga 3 жыл бұрын

Just got around to viewing this. Great solution! Can't wait to see the 2022 version.

@georgemoomaw9437 2 жыл бұрын

What is most impressive is not that what you have discovered here is “good” and not even “really” good but, “really” “really” good. All kidding aside, you ALWAYS have such great instruction for me, Thank You.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. I'll take good-enough :)

@ckearnes 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! That turned out awesome! I used your previous method (#2) for adding twin, 100w semi-flexible panels on my truck bed cap. It has held up to Virginia winter snow, rain, and wind very well! I like this new method a lot for being able to remove one of the panels from my rooftop to move around and charge my Solar Generator if need be. May have to try this method for my travel trailer!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Good job. Glad to hear they've held up.

@anthonyguenther6008 3 жыл бұрын

I like that there is no drilling into the RV roof,plus it’s clean looking setup job well done.

@kristophersmallsr.9395 3 жыл бұрын

That looks very stealth too . My worry is theft.

@jimrodrigue8906 2 жыл бұрын

Brian, thank you for all your great videos on adding solar and all the tech that goes with it. They were very instructional for me, enabling me to attempt tackling an all new solar system, following all of your selected components and design, including Tagus track-mounted system. Has all come together and is working great! I could not have done it myself without your help. I used your discount code on the solar panels and affiliate links when provided. Cheers! -Jim

@denisefisher461 3 жыл бұрын

Love this upgrade on the 'no drill' install. Will definitely do this going forward. Thanks again for sharing your 'genius'.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Great! Glad you loved it. It's been working very well so far.

@aliciarae8726 3 жыл бұрын

I used the old method. Been working great for the past year! If it ever comes loose I'll upgrade to this setup!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Good plan. Glad to hear the other method continues to work well. I still have two panels mounted the 'old' way too.

@tomrobinson2919 3 жыл бұрын

Super vlog, thanks soooo much. My next project is to install panels and wanted flex avoiding the bulky look of the rigid panels...you gave us (me too) the solution. 👍

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Those panels are not for everyone, but I prefer them for those reasons. Good luck with your project!

@jpisdamaged 9 ай бұрын

I used your old method 3 years ago. It’s doing great on my trailer.

@richberman8260 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tito, I also used the older method on my camper. Seems to be working well so far. My next project will be to add the panels on my travel trailer. Of course to me the hardest part is dropping the wires down to the battery compartment. I have a 2018 Grand Design Imagine trailer which is before they put the prewired solar on the roof.

@vectorphaseshifter 3 жыл бұрын

Great setup Tito, i took part of your idea to fix my solar panel on T-track profile. Used Sikaflex to glue the profiles on my small toy hauler.

@housesOTR 2 жыл бұрын

Just finished my first trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons with dollar mounted using this method. FLAWLESS. Thanks for the great videos and ideas. I had to mount one panel perpendicular to the front so I used "z" flashing on front of the rail held down by eternabond tape as a wind buffer.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!

@caballo2154 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. When I purchase my RV I will use your setup system. I think it's one of the best. Love your videos.. 👍👍

@michael_silverback_henders8156 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Brian.. Truly enjoy all of your post and always check to see your past post before I take on a problem... Keep up the great work...

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you! Glad to share.

@mudbrik2805 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome post.. I will be installing solar panels to a vw vanagon camper using your technique. Thank you.

@bravofoxtrot5811 3 жыл бұрын

I just did this on my jeep jku. Same solar panel, used vhb tape. Thanks for sharing.

@vanmore5124 3 жыл бұрын

I have that plastic too, left over sheets from work, and will be doing the same on the roof with 3 x 100w new panels to add to the current one I've got. I've got skylights close to the panels so I'm think of raising them up by about 4 inches by having cut pieces under the main top sheet- maybe three going across the width of the the panel about 3 inches wide and stuck with sika 521 uv. I'm in Scotland much of the year so it'll help max out any direct sunlight . I'm also putting 2 x 100w panels on the front of the van sloping roof which will mean I can face the van into the sun and get the most out of them as that angle is about 45 degrees. Thanks for the great videos!

@trinidaddave4691 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian, very clean. I really enjoy your thought process. Your videos are great.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. I appreciate that!

@brianfry7441 3 жыл бұрын

That Ttrack would have been the perfect solution for mounting a rigid panel on top of my aluminum cargo trailer. Nice job Brian!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 Yes. Lots of potential applications

@rout9291 2 жыл бұрын

Hello RV with Tito, I really appreciate your ingenuity and thought you put into things. I have been viewing your video’s on solar and really appreciate your ideas. Maybe someday see you out there boondocking!

@TheJsmharley 3 жыл бұрын

Love you ingenuity! This is by far the cleanest way to install flex panels I have seen. Thanks for sharing Brian

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I really like this setup the best too. Cheers!

@TheJsmharley 3 жыл бұрын

@@RVwithTito of all the panels you have tested do you prefer flexible or rigid and which ones have been the least problematic in your experience? Leaning towards flexible for my TT, but cost per watt is so much better with the rigid panels. Not looking for endorsements just your honest opinion based on personal use. Appreciate your time and dedication to the community :)

@philsmith5400 3 жыл бұрын

As always, excellent video! I am planning on making some portable panels (following your previous video) to hook into my system to compliment the factory roof panels, but I have need for the track channels, so this has been great!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it got your wheels spinning Phil.

@ritchielabat5941 2 жыл бұрын

brilliant! thanks for you work on this and posting. I will do my system the same way.

@diyernh 3 жыл бұрын

Aerodynamic lift is due to the air having to move up, over the surface. If you have a gap beneath the panel, that will actually speed up the air underneath. The air passing below the panel speeds up more, creating a higher negative lift. By sealing off air underneath, you are adding lift. I didn't follow why you used flexible panels, but sandwiched them to add rigidity. Renogy sells framed rigid panels and no-drill roof mounts (SKU: RNG-MTS-CB). This will allow air under and over the panel. I'm adding some screw through the roof brackets also. They recommend using rubber well nuts (compression nuts) through the roof for strength. This seals the roof holes and cushions the forces to avoid the problems of screws in thin panels. Santfevavs mentioned having a video of the panels at highway speeds. You may see the center of the panel bow up due to lift, then after air passes under, it will come back down. This could slide your t-tracks inwards, working a little at a time. Adhesives are strong in lifting, but are poor with sliding (shear) or peeling.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Great info. I appreciate it.

@clokit1 3 жыл бұрын

Hi from France ! Thank you so much for sharing all your advices. It helped us a lot for our fixation :)

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mcasteel2112 3 жыл бұрын

Mornin Brian! Got my new service panel/converter all wired up yesterday.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Good mornin.

@kevinrankin1498 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, it came out nice and well fixed.

@berthaduniverse 3 жыл бұрын

Kudos to you Tito, nice clean install. I would add (for me) that the PVC channel should have had at least a few dabs of SikaFlex to hold it in place, 'cuz you never know what a few hot/cold cycles will do or persistent high wind loads.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

@miamisammy4020 2 жыл бұрын

This is so clever! I look forward to modifying my current installation with this idea.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@Renerator 3 жыл бұрын

WOW! Great work man! Thanks for your video.

@goodoz9942 3 жыл бұрын

As always, great content. I really enjoy your channel!

@mdv1033 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Brian! I'm adding this to my 'to-do' list right after I install RecPro recliners... :)

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. You need the recliners first for a comfortable place to sit while contemplating solar :)

@ctxrob 2 жыл бұрын

Great job and ingenuity Tito! I appreciate seeing you perfect your methods over time and sharing with us. One thing I noticed is the use of stainless steel hardware with aluminum track. My only concern is these two dissimilar metals. Corrosion develops when two dissimilar materials are combined in a corrosive electrolyte called galvanic corrosion (more so in a marine environment, but better safe than sorry). I would recommend using an insulating washer between the stainless steel hardware and aluminum to reduce or mitigate that reaction. Appreciate your channel and look forward to your next video!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. I know that's a potential issue. So far I've had a little corrosion on a washer or grommet on the panel.

@charleschedra4808 3 жыл бұрын

Thank. Exactly what I was looking for.

@Rvlove 3 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video as usual! Great ideas and thanks for sharing!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys!

@TheTinCanTravelers 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea. We're looking at putting semi-flexible solar panels on our Airstream. Your setup would allow us to do this without drilling holes. Thanks for doing this video and sharing your ideas. 👍🏼🙏🏼

@lifeunchainedtruckandrv2166 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! We just installed a complete rv solar install and went with Ridged due to the airflow issue and degradation.

@12urbanwildland 3 жыл бұрын

As alway, helps me out making choices. Thanks again. 🌲

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! You're welcome.

@happiicamper 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is the best!!!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@seeking70 2 жыл бұрын

Once I finished bolting down the nuts I was pretty much done...until, you know, I improve it again or redesign my RV. Seriously, great video.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@Worldtraveler75 3 жыл бұрын

great video - I am going to try this out on my boat. I did not want to drill holes for the mounting tracks on top of the cabin

@SkoolieB 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video, will try this with my skoolie as well. Will add self tapping screws into my inch thick hollow roof support beams. But they won’t penetrate into the inside of the buses interior ceiling. Thanks again!

@DCGULL01 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so cheap, (frugal), Brian!!! I'm gonna buy 5 or 6mm polypropylene board (think: last iteration) instead. Bigger channels, but less expensive per sheet. Love the middle channel am the air access- soooo doing this. I too will have Titofied flexy solar panels!!! Absolutely LOVE IT!!!

@FirstSuiGeneris 3 жыл бұрын

_Thanks for sharing; it gave me an idea for adding a solar panel in a strange spot of the roof._

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help

@ValkerieSilk Жыл бұрын

Awesome setup... Thank you for sharing...

@karlpoglitsch1087 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Very clear and informative, as always...

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome

@shondoyle8289 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great tutorial. Thank you for taking the time.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You're very welcome!

@silvrliit 2 жыл бұрын

Great application with attention to detail, thanks Tito!☺️

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@quail333 3 жыл бұрын

Great presentation and tips!

@MaXimus666789 2 жыл бұрын

Super clean and well thought out! nice job!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's been working great.

@tmspete7354 3 жыл бұрын

You're right, this looks improved. Funny thing, after i saw the first video, my mind went to that square channel with holes in it, instead of that thin metal. That would provide a better support for the screws. I do like this U channel better. I did something similar on my first trailer to build a makeshift awning from a tarp. I am a little hesitant about the frame as that is tending towards a non flexible panel, and as you said at the end, could lend towards using a frame panel. I'll let you know what I come up work, but you have given me a great head start. Once again another great DIY video.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Great. Good luck. Circle back and let us know what you ended up doing.

@ericswild Жыл бұрын

Really nice job, I am so new at this and appreciate the detail and thought in this installation

@martysailar1420 2 жыл бұрын

I was sold on the flexible solar panel lamination with polycarbonate attached with T channel. I built and applied the installation process on top of our new Transit using 2 solar panels attached using both eternabond and silkaflex. Worked great for one 500 mile trip in cold to mild temperatures. However, the first day temperatures went above 70 degrees, I lost both panels at 70 mph. Both the eternabond tape and Silkaflex were too soft a material and detached from the aluminum T channel (even though I used acetone to ensure clean surfaces). Obviously for me, the sad hard lesson learned here is ALL SOLAR PANELS NEED MECHANICAL ANCHORING.

@mymbrain Жыл бұрын

how did you install them now?

@andrewinaustintx 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! Definitely well thought out. It would be nice if Home Depot sold half sheets of the polycarb wall panel.

@bobhewlett3633 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent, clean solution. Thanks. Travel safe.

@benryan9466 3 жыл бұрын

Very sanitary look it beats all the eternabond tape. Nylock nut may have been a cleaner look but all in all nice 👍 Great idea with the fluted plastic panel for cooling and support that’s definitely thinking out of the box. Never a wasted moment watching your brilliant videos. Thank you for all the great ideas. 🍺🍺👍🇺🇸

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

I tried the Nylock nuts, but they were just too tight for this track and caused the bolt to break loose inside the aluminum track. Perhaps if I used T-Lock bolts it would have been fine, but I couldn't find the T-lock bolts in stainless steel.

@michaelcanto6175 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Brian!

@Echolimabravo321 2 жыл бұрын

Great work Tito!! Safe travels!!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You too!

@PeteTaylorRealtor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tito. looks great.

@1949chefjojo 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is all good! Thank you.

@tammyfleming3643 3 жыл бұрын

Great job! Thanks for sharing.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

You bet!

@jimmarshall1708 3 жыл бұрын

Another good looking and very functional installation.

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes. we like it.

@lindaandrews587 2 жыл бұрын

Having trouble properly identifying the Lexan panel. Home depot has several different thicknesses or sizes. Just starting on my installation. Wonderful info! Thanks.

@georgewheeler3731 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome setup, this will be something I could use as well, Job well Done!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad it helped you out.

@jackkendrick7806 2 жыл бұрын

This looks great. I saw this video about 6 weeks ago and I am just ordering 3 Renogy 175 watt flexible panels so I came back here to review it again. One comment. Renogy includes this warning in their installation recommendations: Modules must be mounted using silicone structural adhesive on the backside of the panel, grommets are only to be used for non-mobile applications." So I think I might add a strip of metal down each side of the panels after I put the bolts through the grommets but before I put on the washer, lockwasher and nut to pinch the full length of the panel between the metal strip and the T-track.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Should only improve the setup. Good luck!

@dennissecor8092 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you again Brian, great explanation and video, awesome!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you got something from it. Cheers.

@duneme 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for doing this!

@tm510a 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great. I guess you could mount solid frame solar panel the same way for quick and easy replacement too. Thanks Brian

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking yes. Might try it at some point.

@housesOTR 3 жыл бұрын

I have all the materials. Went up on there roof to check it out and with the roof trusses going across there will be up to a 1" gap on ones end. Will need some creative spacing to match the change. I may have to use a hybrid of your 2019 video for the front edge. I'll keep you informed. Thank you for the great video and ideas.

@fishandreptileinfo Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this more unto date information. You really do have a great way of explaining things. Thank You again from the UK.

@jonnyd_vids 2 жыл бұрын

So awesome. Thats a really good install!!

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@dcross58 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant work!!!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot!

@chadmedcroft9351 2 жыл бұрын

Just finished installing 6 flexible SunPower 100W modules on the roof of my travel trailer and used Ray Tray Solar and PV conduit to cover the cables and connectors. Used Titos methods though did not leave on the end caps and used GE 100% silicone to adhere the polyethelene backsheet.

@gginsc 3 жыл бұрын

Looks good!

@safwsu639 3 жыл бұрын

This is a clean solid method. Nice.

@adrianmcnally6006 3 жыл бұрын

Well done, looks great!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@silviosuarez495 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you....Best "NO" drill video.

@RVwithTito 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@PM-oj5si 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! What a great solution!

@RVwithTito 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I like this one the best so far. I've got four panels mounted like this now. I temporarily removed a panel the other day and it was so easy compared to previous methods.