Author |
Message |
jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7462 Location: WA/ID
|
Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 11:34 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
Abscate wrote: |
That’s it. A sailboat fire is like a Vanagon fire that you have to watch while in your seat waiting for the gas Tank to burn. You wire somewhat differently thinking that way. You become aware of every force and place where the wire touches the car. |
Boating is a different world from auto-based travel. My dad regularly took his wife and kids 10 miles off-shore on Lake Michigan (decades before SPOT took all the fun out of it) in a motor-boat he designed and built from scratch (the Eaton sterndrive and in-line six came out of a salvage). Those were amazing days spent swimming in the middle of nowhere that ended with the Chicago skyline eventually coming into view and the lights of Diversy Harbor guiding us home. It never occurred to me that there was any risk involved because it all came so naturally to him. We can walk away from Vanagon fires or call AAA if we need assistance. Not so on the water. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
|
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16501 Location: Brookeville, MD
|
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:00 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
izzydog wrote: |
Lots of folks attach their panels to the roof, etc., but why beat up your panel with wind and rain and road grime by attaching it to your roof? You don't need the panel until you camp so it's really not doing you any good on the roof while you are driving around. Less holes in your roof is also a good thing... |
RichBenn wrote: |
This last paragraph is just not true. Millions of people have panels on their vans, Motorhomes and trailers, not to mention a few hundred million on homes and solar farms with rare failures, no leaks, no problems. The glass used is rated for hailstorms that would pock mark your tin top or crack your fiberglass. |
I agree with Richbenn. I have a panel on the roof and a portable one I can use if I am in the shade. Best of both worlds. Many times I do not need to bother with the portable one at all. And a real benefit of the roof panel is that it keeps the house and starting batteries topped up between drives when it is parked outside. _________________ Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
tencentlife Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2006 Posts: 10075 Location: Abiquiu, NM, USA
|
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:47 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
Yeah kind of an odd opinion to have about equipment designed to be out in unsheltered locations and in every kind of weather 24/7/365 for 30 years or more, and very well proven to endure such conditions at that. _________________ Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/
Please don't PM here, I will not reply.
Experience is kryptonite to doctrine. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
sasmith Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2015 Posts: 56 Location: Latta, OK
|
Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 7:35 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
I am helping a friend install his auxiliary battery system and he is adding solar. I have not installed solar but have installed a few auxiliary battery systems. So from reading I still have one main question. When the engine is running, does the solar controller and/or panel need protection from the alternator current coming from the house battery other than an inline fuse? We will have a Blue Sea SI-ACR installed as typical between starter post and house battery. House battery feeds a Blue Sea fuse box. House battery will power LED interior lights, sink pump, 1- 12V outlet, 1- dual USB charger, stereo via fuse box. No fridge or heaters. Planning on running direct from solar panel>controller>fuse>house battery. Also, what gauge wire is recommended from the controller to the house battery? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3794 Location: VA/TN
|
Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
sasmith wrote: |
I am helping a friend install his auxiliary battery system and he is adding solar. I have not installed solar but have installed a few auxiliary battery systems. So from reading I still have one main question. When the engine is running, does the solar controller and/or panel need protection from the alternator current coming from the house battery other than an inline fuse? We will have a Blue Sea SI-ACR installed as typical between starter post and house battery. House battery feeds a Blue Sea fuse box. House battery will power LED interior lights, sink pump, 1- 12V outlet, 1- dual USB charger, stereo via fuse box. No fridge or heaters. Planning on running direct from solar panel>controller>fuse>house battery. Also, what gauge wire is recommended from the controller to the house battery? |
No I don't think the controller will allow current to backflow to the panel. You should be good given your solar controller -> battery (or fuse block) is fused. _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16501 Location: Brookeville, MD
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:23 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
I installed my HQST 100W panel to my Westy roof using snaps, allowing its removal on site with extension cables so I can lace it in the sun regardless of camper location. I took the screw-in male posts, ground them down to just less than the thickness of the fiberglass roof, dipped them in marine epoxy and screwed them home. Now the panel is secure, charges my battery whenever it needs it, and is easily removed. Cables run down 2 1" PVC pipes riveted to my lift struts on one side where the cables enter, as you don't want to run excessive cable lengths between your panels and your controller if you can avoid it. Add a HQST 20A controller, a Renogy 100AH battery, Renogy 1000W converter, and a Victon Cyrix-CT combiner, and you are in business. If I had to do it again, I would stick to one manufacturer instead of 3. _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
|
Back to top |
|
|
willwagen Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Quebec
|
Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2021 6:48 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
buelteman wrote: |
I installed my HQST 100W panel to my Westy roof using snaps, allowing its removal on site with extension cables so I can lace it in the sun regardless of camper location. I took the screw-in male posts, ground them down to just less than the thickness of the fiberglass roof, dipped them in marine epoxy and screwed them home. Now the panel is secure, charges my battery whenever it needs it, and is easily removed. Cables run down 2 1" PVC pipes riveted to my lift struts on one side where the cables enter, as you don't want to run excessive cable lengths between your panels and your controller if you can avoid it. Add a HQST 20A controller, a Renogy 100AH battery, Renogy 1000W converter, and a Victon Cyrix-CT combiner, and you are in business. If I had to do it again, I would stick to one manufacturer instead of 3. |
Would love more info on your setup with snaps.
Just bought 2x100w flex panels + controller + 100AH LifePo all from Renogy to replace my 2016 80w + 2 flooded 6v battery setup. I want to find a way to fix the panels to the roof in a way that they can be moved/removed, serviced or replaced. Gluing them with calking is too much of a commitment for me
If you can share more info on how the panel is secured to the roof as well as how and where you fished the wire into the van.
Thanks!
William
- 1989 Vanagon Westfalia EJ20 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
So, for me, rule #1 with the Westy is to use marine-grade products. More expensive, but built to endure.
First, lay your panel on the roof and mark the location of the grommets on their edges for placement of the snaps.
Then get your snaps here, and use marine epoxy to secure them:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073K5F61G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Caps and sockets for your panels:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Fasteners-S...ES4SNWCY1V
First drill the screw holes at the previously marked locations as small as possible for maximum grip, inset one snap screw and measure the amount you will need to grind off. Grind all of the male snap screws to the same height/depth. insert threads into mixed epoxy, screw home and let cure.
As for the cable entry, I drilled holes the same size as the cables, with connectors on the roof so I can disconnect, add extension cables and place the panel where I need it.
Only down side is the slight chattering of the snaps due to their flexible rings in the sockets that keep the male parts connected. No solution for that just yet. _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
|
Back to top |
|
|
willwagen Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Quebec
|
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
I agree with using the best product for the job. Someone wise once told me, "I can't afford to be cheap".
Great idea with the snaps, basically like a boat tarp.
My other concern with flex panels on the fibreglass roof is with heat dissipation.
Have you noticed issues with the panel heating the fibreglass? Any heat damage to the roof? Also, does the heat radiate into the van much?
A big part of my solar system is to power my Truckfridge. If panels on the roof increase the temperature inside the van, this will make the fridge work harder and lead to other issues down the road.
Really like the flex panel idea, even though performance is not as good as glass, however I want to make sure I get what I need and don't create other problems. _________________ --
William
'89 Westfalia 2WD 2.0L EJ20 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
Haven't yet taken a trip with my solar installation - that begins tomorrow. The panel is 1/2" above the roof, so there is plenty of air passing in between the two.
_________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
|
Back to top |
|
|
kourt Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013 Posts: 1937 Location: Austin, TX
|
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 12:20 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
In my experience, panels on the roof create noise if not installed sufficiently far off the roof. What I mean by noise is rattling at 70MPH, tapping caused by air downdraft in the last 1/3 of the poptop, etc. You may be surprised at how much the middle of that panel, which lacks any snaps whatsoever, might flex and rap on the poptop roof.
My roof panels are mounted on aluminum bar stock, as seen on the left side of this photo. The bar stock is mounted to create a tensioned arc over the roof. This has kept things quiet.
I'd be interested in hearing more from you on whether or not this snap setup is quiet, and if the snaps actually hold the panel on the roof. There is a lot of unusual force up there.
I've encountered some Ford Transit van campers out there who have lost multiple solar panels on their roof, due to the force of wind ripping it off.
I do like the clean look, though.
kourt |
|
Back to top |
|
|
willwagen Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Quebec
|
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
buelteman wrote: |
Haven't yet taken a trip with my solar installation - that begins tomorrow. The panel is 1/2" above the roof, so there is plenty of air passing in between the two.
|
Thanks for the pic, very slick setup. Has to be one of the cleanest and most interesting I've found, good job! Keep us posted on how it holds up.
The 1/2" between the roof and panel, is that caused by the spacing of the snaps alone? Or is there another spacer in there? _________________ --
William
'89 Westfalia 2WD 2.0L EJ20 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
pnwkayaker Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 919 Location: Sammamish, WA
|
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
Once the rain season slows down a little bit I intend to mount my solar panel in a similar manner as kourt. I'm planning to install Yakima or Thule tracks in the poptop and use similar aluminum bar to mount the panels (attaching the bar to the tracks).
I used to have a 100w flexible panel installed on my pop top using 3M Industrial Velcro (the one with mushroom tips, extremely strong, never an issue) but I realized that it somewhat constrained me (solution was too permanent). I have some OCD-issue in that I want to have flexibility/options to move things around or what panels to use/upgrade/replace (as needed) in case of problems, and wasn't able to do that with my previous setup.
I needed to repaint my poptop, so I removed the panel from the poptop (still working fine) and will install it with another one side by side (using the tracks method). In the future, when bigger panels with similar footprint show up, it would be very simple to swap the panel/s.
I think also that having the panels separated from the actual poptop will create a safari-like roof effect, essentially preventing the sun from heating the interior due to the air-gap (will see in the summer if that's correct).
kourt wrote: |
In my experience, panels on the roof create noise if not installed sufficiently far off the roof. What I mean by noise is rattling at 70MPH, tapping caused by air downdraft in the last 1/3 of the poptop, etc. You may be surprised at how much the middle of that panel, which lacks any snaps whatsoever, might flex and rap on the poptop roof.
My roof panels are mounted on aluminum bar stock, as seen on the left side of this photo. The bar stock is mounted to create a tensioned arc over the roof. This has kept things quiet.
I'd be interested in hearing more from you on whether or not this snap setup is quiet, and if the snaps actually hold the panel on the roof. There is a lot of unusual force up there.
I've encountered some Ford Transit van campers out there who have lost multiple solar panels on their roof, due to the force of wind ripping it off.
I do like the clean look, though.
kourt |
_________________ 87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:33 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
My snaps are not as quiet as I wished, but acceptable until I figure out how to silence them. No spacers - just the height of the male snaps keeps the panel lofted. Also considering some kind of all-weather flexible pad on sections of the back of the solar panel to eliminate the rattling of the snaps, but don't want to cover so much as to eliminate the air gap for cooling the panel.
SEE MY SOLUTION BELOW! _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights
Last edited by buelteman on Wed Mar 10, 2021 5:02 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
willwagen Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2021 Posts: 4 Location: Quebec
|
Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
I like the snaps idea, but I can imagine the rattling is an issue.
I thought of putting small bumpers or pads in a grid under the panel. This would keep the (hot) panel off the roof while perhaps keeping it tight to reduce rattle and movement. _________________ --
William
'89 Westfalia 2WD 2.0L EJ20 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
OK then. After 5 days on the south fork of the Trinity River in cold conditions, my system worked beautifully! My 100AH Renogy battery never went below 13.1 volts from a high of 13.3 volts, with all my interior lights on, 300 watt stereo on most of the time, and recharging batteries for my bike and chain saw every day! Great results. Also interesting that the noise factor from the snaps went up when I departed in 35 degree temps. I guess the small amount of shrinkage of the panel gave a little more room in the snaps for noise. It quieted down once the sun came up.
_________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
|
Back to top |
|
|
puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
I did my solar install which very detailed and covered here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
_________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
|
Back to top |
|
|
inorganic Samba Member
Joined: September 26, 2016 Posts: 60 Location: Portland, OR
|
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:28 am Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
puchfinnland wrote: |
I did my solar install which very detailed and covered here: |
‘Puchfinnland’ - your work is amazing. I only wish you were in the PNW area so I could hire u to do my van! I appreciated your info about what makes a good solar panel - I’ll use that criteria when I’m looking for mine. Do you mind sharing which batteries you went with and where did you house them? Cheers! _________________ '86 SYNCRO Weekender |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buelteman Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Montara
|
Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: Solar install suggestions |
|
|
No doubt that Puchfinnland has it dialed in to perfection! As for my simple install in the thread, my solution to the snaps rattling is at hand! Purchase a sheet of 1/2" closed cell wetsuit rubber with adhesive backing from Amazon (link below), trim, adhere, and you are good to go - no noise even at 80 MPH. (yes, that 1.8 T from Stephan's Auto House is a great way to go!) Puchfinnland's setup is great too, but mine is substantially less installation work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G3J6294/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 _________________ '91 Westfalia Camper - VW BNB
1.8 Turbo courtesy Stephan's
Custom Geared 5-speed tranny with
Peloquin Limited Slip Diff
H&R Progressive Rate Springs
300 Watt 13 speaker stereo
Audi Disc Brakes
LED driving and interior lights |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|