350 WATT OFF GRID SOLAR POWER | Solar Panel Installation Kit - No Experience Van Build

⚠️ Don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE ⚠️
👉 SUBSCRIBE HERE - kzbin.info...
📸 Instagram - / willswhereabouts
Hey guys and welcome to Episode 9 in my No Experience Van Build Series. Today's video is a bit of a shorter one as I started the process of installing 350 watts of solar panels onto the roof of the van. I'll be finishing off the wiring and complete install at a later stage but first want to go out and have some fun in the van.
All materials used are linked below!
CAMPER MATERIALS USED! 🚌 🛠️
Sunstore - www.sunstore.co.uk/?ref=Wills...
Solar Panels Kits - www.sunstore.co.uk/product/12...
Motorhome Workshop - www.motorhomeworkshop.co.uk/?... (Professional Installers)
✔️ Jackery 500 Power Station - amzn.to/3cD59tm
✔️ Z Brackets - amzn.to/3xERDyH
✔️ MPPT Charge Controller - amzn.to/3xEU3gp
✔️ Dewalt Drill - amzn.to/3pDo8Ks
✔️ Drill Set - amzn.to/353jnQK
👕 Stealth Mode Merch 👕
willswhereabouts.teemill.com/
🛫 Become A Patreon
/ willswhereabouts
🤟 Join The Travel Community!
/ @willswhereabouts
🛒 AMAZON STORE 🛒
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/willswh...
‪@WillsWhereabouts‬
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SEE MORE VIDEOS ▶️
No Experience Van Build Playlist - • No Experience Van Build
Stealth Car Camping Playlist - • Stealth Camping
FOLLOW ME TO SEE MORE OF MY TRAVELS! 🌎🚶‍♂️
🎬 KZbin - / willswhereabouts
📸 Instagram - / willswhereabouts
👍 Facebook - / willswhereabouts
📧 Email - [e-mail]
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL! 😊
🛫 Become A Patreon - / willswhereabouts
💸 Paypal - www.paypal.me/willswhereabouts
DISCOUNTS! 💲🤑
🎵 Where I Get My Music - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
🏠 DISCOUNT on Airbnb - kzbin.info?even...
MY EQUIPMENT! 🎥
👉 Vlogging Camera - amzn.to/3aYa4lG
👉 Action Camera - amzn.to/2z6ZuM3
👉 Main Lens - amzn.to/2yvrHMl
👉 Second Lens - amzn.to/3dlysz1
👉 Gorilla Tripod - amzn.to/2zas9j8
👉 Big Tripod - amzn.to/2ykqIyN
👉 Camera Microphone - amzn.to/2YyRy0H
👉 Drone - amzn.to/38EkMP1
👉 Laptop - amzn.to/2TTFT9p
**Make sure to subscribe to my channel!**
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting me and my channel.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

A midweek video …….. crazy I know 😂! Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @willswhereabouts as I’ve been having lots of fun going out in the van with some new friends in last couple of weeks ☺️

[@Slikx666]

Will. Self tapping screws do come in different lengths. You could have used shorter ones.... But if you can get them you could put a form on each screw end so you don't cut yourself open. 👍😁

[@prasadkumta3432]

Hey will previous video would be more amazing if ikea would have let you camping because of them you had to go through so much trouble. Hope everything is going well have a great weekend and stay safe

[@prasadkumta3432]

4:33 lol

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Great job Will, having set up a solar system myself from reading books I understand how frustrating it can be. I believe in you Will, you can do it. It’s just about the math and configuration. You can either use an 100 amp hour leisure battery, but if you can afford it I’d use a 100 Amp hour LifePo4 battery, they are more resilient and cheaper in the long run. Great job. Rog. 😀

[@casinodelonge]

Much prefer van bills from car parks at the moment! I'd have let the bloke lock the gate, keeps the riff raff out and gives you a decent and safe nights sleep. Off grid power is really really hard to get good instructionals on!

[@Darren_Kelly]

Your roof is too thin to give the self tapping screws enough purchase to hold safe, they will work loose over time, last thing you need is solar panels flying off your van on a motorway. Swap them for nuts and bolts and washers. Not criticising, just some advice that should definitely be taken. Loving the series by the way, you are making me want to convert a van myself.

[@falon1000]

Those self tappers looked like they have threading for nuts but I had the exact same thought about adding a washer and a nut to spread the load and keep them from ripping out, maybe some blue loctite as well, especially on the bolts that attach to the solar panel

[@seanwhitmore6353]

100% they will work loose!

[@chadmutchler5062]

Good advice!!!

[@Sturb100]

Def add washers and lock nuts. And then cut the bolts down before you forget they are there. Then cover with vapour barrier.

[@freakyflow]

@@falon1000 I can give you the whole history of the self tappers Instead a quick run down ..The work for "gutter" systems on the end of roof's of homes Because of the tip And threading into metal, Wood, Other More than 1/2" Solar panels That first came into the market for the public was for the same homes Thus the idea to use tappers Even the size And length was set for that use. You could use Rivet nuts And a washer And bolt in cases where you can not access the roof from the inside of the van AKA double skin roof Or Hidden by the framing. The best would be 1 large washer, 1 lock washer and drilled over the shown sized hole with a min grade 3 And up bolt And nylon nut This would support/forces of 120,000psi Per bolt The roof it's self would tear apart before bolts due

[@rogeriosantos321]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@thisisadebrown]

For a future tip of fitting the panel brackets onto the surface, you could use rubber strips and they would tighten down. They also would act as flexible ‘suspension’ and make the surface less rigid

[@vincentshellard1273]

I'm no expert ,but self tappers on the solar panel brackets are only tapping into about 1mm of sheet metal. I think i would nut and bolt them on...... Love the vids.

[@rogerash]

I would agree, it’s fiddly but swap them out for some 15mm M5 or M6 with nyloc nuts and washers. Using Torx or Hex heads will make the panels harder to steal.

[@chrismartin4341]

I’ve just bought a rhino roof rack for mine to mount the solar no self tappers here 😉

[@anirudh3163]

Met you in Hampi back in 2019, I think you’d just started vlogging then. Can’t believe how far you’ve come since. Good job mate, all the best for the future!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers mate appreciate it

[@ClubsOG]

A midweek episode? Get in 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Loving the build, the honesty is refreshing!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks very much

[@VT-tz5bm]

I've been super intimidated by installing solar but honestly, this was the first video to give me confidence! thank you so much for your honesty and showing me that I can do it!

[@smithyc2051]

“ I managed to find the hole there’s a first for everything”🤣🤣

[@jasonga]

You’ve done what they all do as they get popular! You have migrated to a large van that makes camping easy, the whole concept of you stealth camping in a smaller vehicle was part of your appeal! I’ve got my small caddy and there’s no one left to watch in a small vehicle!!!

[@annag467]

Bed frame and roof top solar are my August goals. It definitely helps to watch someone else swear and sweat their way through it first, thanks again!

[@AS-fm5fo]

I can't tell you how much happy I am seeing your video on recommendation on non weekend day ❤️

[@catherineferguson7388]

Thank you Will for showing us how to install, your videos are very helpful, can’t wait for another adventure in the van, stay safe xxxx🚐🤟🏼✌️👍

[@stokelyandhisboys2773]

Two vids a week. I can live with that. Van work during the week and camping on the weekend. Thank you Will.

[@josenicolau2349]

Here we go, some more fun! Worth it to stop working and watch this 😊

[@hetav11]

Keep the van update videos coming!! Love these types of vids!! 🙂🙂

[@K.Pilkington]

Just finished binge watching all the van build videos. Great channel with great content. Love watching you learn as you go rather than pretend you know everything.

[@rubenflex2]

So nice to watch. I am currently installing 4 panels on my shed. Take a break and watch youtube and what is Will doing.... 👍🤣🤣

[@Th3OmegaPoint]

I'm liking the mid-week upload! Nice job Will.

[@tech_jims]

Vans looking good 😀 keep up the great vids 👍

[@beardandsmudgeexplore6119]

Seeing this extra video from you has really made my day :-) AWESOME DUDE!!!

[@donaldhall7722]

Another brilliant video keep it up hope you enjoy your trips away

[@krism3781]

I love watching your videos. You are such a regular guy and with a great sense of humor. You always make me laugh.

[@sharkamov]

*A regular 'dream build' underway there Will! . . .* 👌

[@OrthodoxAtheist]

OMG I haven't had one of those milkshakes in 20 years (moved to a different country), and I still remember how awesome they were. Not found anythng as good since. I'm glad they still exist. Now to look for imports. :D

[@davidantony2734]

Well done mate - you’re doing a great job.

[@a_ien-Official]

If your worried about it blowing away. For extra support add nuts on the inside part and then cut the extra off. Just make sure it’s as tight as you can make it

[@patrickh8602]

Nice to see the van coming along, my only bit of advice is to swap out that 20a solar charge controller for the 30a.

[@worthy81]

Even that pushing it at 29+A output

[@SiGr10614]

Holy jesus, I literally thought i had lost some days.... Nice to see a midweek update... Great as always pal.

[@magneticluke2047]

Loving the videos will looking to get a van myself and kit it out and your videos are great for a how to please keep this great content coming

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Another milestone Will 👍 Glad you’re going to get out there with van trips now 👌 before the great British summer is over with… in about 3 weeks as usual 😂🤣!

[@SaveTheWorldJD]

love the series !

[@t6bus]

Loving your build will x

[@bazzahead7282]

I bloody love you vlogs will! But I missed out on doing shit I need to do cos I’m so entertained. It’s inspiring, funny and frustrating cos I’ve been there. Well done ! Imperfection is perfection!

[@vass500]

So funny to watch, you never let us down .

[@oneyearoutproductions]

Looking good! I'm absolutely enjoying your channel!

[@chris20years1]

Excellent video and looking forward to next one

[@USARoadtrip364]

thanks a lot for sharing your video for installing Solar system.

[@steveclifford5328]

Thanks Will. Love your video, it is just how I will be when I get the nerve to drill my pop top

[@aaronheer6141]

Your videos are funny.. great guy! Great banter and sarcasm. Keep it up!!!

[@ridgerider7402]

Nice one Will, have just ordered a similar kit from the same place. Good quality stuff 👍

[@gerasimostsolas]

Turn the music down so that it plays in the backround,it is so loud

[@stellaswan8488]

The solar company advised us to use rivets. Good job 👏 love the videos. 👍

[@sun-sea-solar]

I've been doing a lot of OFFGRID testing recently. Testing solar and batteries, different solar chargers etc etc. Big battery bank in UK vs a shit load of solar. My advice, shit load of batteries instead of loads of solar.

[@alfie_vincent2145]

Liked the last vid off the van 👍

[@angusdrum]

Loving the build going good 👍

[@gearlab734]

So your solar provides '250 amp hour' per day, that just means it provides 250amps worth of power for 1 hour. Sounds bad at first, but if you think, your fridge might only draw say 5 amps an hour, so 5amps X 24hours = 120amps per day to run your fridge, so you still have 130amps free each day. Amps is the flow of electrical current, so it's a good way of measuring what power your system has.

[@mrvito2111]

Wouldn't it be better to measure it with Watts ? I think it's the most common power measurement in the world

[@andrewgilbride7546]

Thought amps was a measurement of current not power, yes I know you can convert but power should be measured in watts?

[@gearlab734]

@@andrewgilbride7546 Amps is the flow of current yes. Amps, Watts and Volts are all measurements of electrical power, just slightly different ones.

[@NewZman23]

@@gearlab734 Reminds me of what I was taught about 50 years ago when I tried to become a telephone engineer (when telephones and telephone exchanges were mostly a bunch of mechanical switches connected by miles of wires, with a few resistors, capacitors and a couple of diodes thrown in). The law was discovered/formulated by a clever German man called Georg Ohm - "Ohms Law".: E=IxR. - E= electromotive force or volts or "power". I = Current. R= resistance. So Volts (or power) = current (amps, or amperes) multiplied by resistance (ohms, named after Herr Ohm). Hence, to find the current flow (amperes), divide Volts by Resistance. Also back then a computer was about the size of a house and calculators were mechanical machines that weighed about 2 or 3 Kgs 😊

[@gearlab734]

@@NewZman23 I know yes, ohms law the VIR triangle

[@jozsefjamesofficial]

Love the vids Will.......can't wait to see the adventures with this rig.

[@shhhaua9426]

Funny guys ! Love your sense of humor !! Oh happy days ‘!!!

[@sun-sea-solar]

Coming along nicely 👌

[@flhoest]

You are absolutely funny, but I'm not sure this is intended ... that's even more funny ;) You made my day, every day ;)

[@mphigham1963]

Nice one Will, roll on the next episode !

[@shamone1981]

Sorry to say mate but you'll have to get used to height barriers on your travels! this year they've poopped up everywhere (beaches,carparks) i've been living vanlife for almost 15 years and the change in the last 18 months has been Unbelievable! Happy hunting theres still plenty left if you think outside the box, best of luck mate love the videos.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yerrrrr boi looking good fella . Hope your still out cause in trouble . Watch out for flying things

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Always causing trouble

[@RustyRoseAdventures]

Awesome video will! I would change that 20a charge controller for a 30 amp one as those panels will max that one out! Good luck with the rest of the build. do get in touch with me if you want any advice on the electrics as I love it 🤣 and like I said at the weekend don't get up out of bed too quick because of those screws 😂😅

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Haha cheers max appreciate it

[@036101556]

@@WillsWhereabouts I was thinking the same thing, that the charge controller was a tad small. The 30 will provide more peak power. But I also depends on where you going to be. If you'll reach max power on the panels and how many minutes/hours a day you'll hit peak power and if it's worth the extra cost for that small amount of time. Great video.

[@Gio-et9vp]

Nice mid week vid 💪🏾

[@tammieflemal7871]

Good job and to thing I felt smart because I changed a wall switch lol

[@davidroman1342]

Your doing a good job 👍

[@clownu8nt]

Nice surprise !!!

[@mrsuds9924]

you've drilled directly into a perfectly good roof lol...those panels should sit on a roof rack, driving movement and body torsion will unseal any sealant you apply, it will be a yearly job to inspect for leaks and re-seal

[@68dosh]

Legend

[@goldiebear4050]

Mid week video. Look good Will.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I’m listening haha

[@yksilotaso]

Those rubber seals on screws are for prevent calvanic corrosion between aluminium and black steel

[@graemerigg4029]

You do need to drill a hole for self tappers, you don't need to tap the hole. A center punch will help stabilise the drill bit when starting the hole. You might be better off with bolts and washers for externally mounted equipment.

[@robertcanning1888]

You done brill will. Youll be fine with the screws and bonding. Ref to earlier comments. You might want a two tonne wieght on youre panels incase they fly off on the M6 lol 😜😜😜😜😜 itll be fine Will

[@intothemultiverse1033]

I assume you could do the same setup for a garden bar? TV, internal LED ights, Bluetooth speaker, mini fridge (only used when needed), a few external PIR lights on the outside of the bar

[@aboveandbeyondmini3pro]

Nice! A midweek vid 👍

[@staycasual7203]

The dogging spot king is back 💥 🐶🙌

[@GenialHarryGrout]

You might want to consider the edges of the brackets then adding EternaBond tape over the brackets for extra waterproofing

[@Brutuz62]

Please cover the self tapping screw spikes sticking out, so we can keep watching your fab vids mate.

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Love your videos, too funny

[@Tammywentwalkabout.]

Its OK to learn from you cause i think i would do the same as you, LOL soon you need a good fridge and dual battery, may i offer a suggestion? maybe get a WIFI Bluetooth projector, fun video 'Will's Whereabout'.

[@peakyparttimers9362]

Blumming eck Will. Loads of wattage! ☢☢☢👍

[@michaelwarner1538]

u cant dislike this man

[@sun-sea-solar]

I'm curious how ya doing with your solar panels. I've found you can never have enough 😊

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I haven't had any issues so far so good!

[@jml469]

Can't beat a Tesco meal deal 👍

[@prasadkumta3432]

Hey will previous video would be more amazing if ikea would have let you camping because of them you had to go through so much trouble. hope everything is going well have a great weekend and stay safe.

[@gearlab734]

Hmm, self tapping screws aren't always a very secure type of fixing, they could eventually work loose with vibration from the vehicle, and also via minor rust. Then your solar panels fly off on the motorway and... You might not notice the deterioration too as your self tappers will be buried behind your roof. It it was me i would take the self tappers out and use more secure fixings, a nut and a bolt with a locking thread. I appreciate the solar company might have said the self tappers are ok, but no. People may disagree with me, but best to err on the side of caution. A fully qualified car mechanic...

[@IMP3TIGO]

I'm not a fully qualified car mechanic but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express a week ago and I fully agree with the idea of not using self tapping screws but bolts with nuts.

[@chox2001]

Yes nuts and bolts Better still use stainless steel nuts and bolts no rust then

[@richarddelaney8257]

I was thinking a nut and bolt would be a better idea as I watched.

[@Rockhopper1]

having fitted solar myself on my van you need nyloc nuts and bolts dude. In an accident or freak wind the panels become sails and they become huge sheets of nasty glass.

[@DocProfit]

Yup. I'd be replacing those with nutz 'n' bolts + lock-washers, or nyloc nutz. That wobbly sheet-metal roof is going to vibrate those self-tappers out in no time.

[@linbinnash]

I really wanna see the van build completed.

[@diyandy3172]

Chicken and chirizio and a fudge brownie frijj milkshake. The food of champions mate!

[@abhisheksinghkarki1464]

This time little early video but it doesn't matter what matter is van completions now waiting for episode 10

[@RoadMechanic]

better off using rivets to hold down solar panels...you won't have sharp screws sticking out. Thanks for the video - straight to the point!

[@yubi-buletIN]

Hi Will brother. keep going best wishes to you 😀💟

[@ealdoctor11]

Nice hole finding😂😂

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Haha always Eric

[@bencuraza6503]

New Sub from California You Tube Algorithm dropped your Channel in my Viewing Queue. Entertaining as well as VERY INFORMATIVE. Need to Binge Watch👍👍⬆️

[@MrMattUK202]

Sneaking in a cheeky mid week video. Excellent 😀😀😀 did you sort the leak?

[@TheGavner1]

I think id have bolted the solar panels down with lock nuts , the self tapping screws you used could come loose over time very easily. Wouldn't be a big job the sealant would still be water tight while you swapped the bolts out.

[@campbellblack6605]

The only tips we get from you is the dogging spots that you "stealth camp" at! Just joking Will, enjoying your videos mate. Keep them coming, and best of luck.

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Haha I'm still working finding the hole

[@beakyturbot]

You should probably have done more with the bolts mounting the brackets to the panels as I would think the vibration is going to see these coming loose.

[@Therandomlifeofmarks]

I guess we know where the leak in the last video was coming from 😉 Still loving your enthusiasm though Will! 🤙

[@IMP3TIGO]

Nice job, 350W are good but I wonder how much mileage you'll get out of them in the U.K. with its (?) frequently overcast weather? Curious if/when you'll be adding interior walls/ceiling in the van. Looks good though, love the bed install.

[@joshuadench2055]

Great video as per Will. Not sure if you used one. But a centre punch will help not letting the drill bit slip about. Also are you based at the back of Redhill/ Reigate? Looks familiar. I live in Coulsdon and had cycled around the area

[@jetskifisherman9214]

Holy shit man…dman im laughing so hard watching your video. Keep it up. Especially at 6:30 where you missed the hole.

[@denverhenry-qw5qp]

What model of van is this, im thinking of being a road warrior too, subscribing now!

[@zeveroarerules]

A roof rack would have made everything so much easier.

[@liamfell123]

Merry Christmas Will! Did you change your mind on how to fit these? Looks like in one of your recent videos you have a metal rail fitted to the roof? I'm about to do mine so wanted to check!

[@carlyonbay45]

06:22 NICE LEGS , seeing you in shorts - just makes these videos better LOL

[@KarlPowell1970]

have a look at the panel they sell for these van on solway campers

[@sudijad]

If you can be bothered make a small deflector in front of the panels to avoid airflow getting between the roof and the panels.. also reduces (whistling) noise when driving at higher speeds.