400 watt Solar System Install in Bug Out Van | Part 5

[@CycleCruza]

FYI - Links to items shown in video: Links to ALL my Van Build Stuff: cyclecruza.com/vanstuff Get 100 watt Bendable Solar panels here: amzn.to/2QP4j4v Get MPPT Solar Controller here: amzn.to/2cfqfgD Get Solar Controller remote Meter Here: amzn.to/1K16asL Get 155 AH Deep Cycle Battery here: amzn.to/1S1RxVa Get Smart Battery Charger here: amzn.to/1KFsgBd Get 1000 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter: amzn.to/1LQYgBI Get 10" Hi-res Back-Up Camera Monitor: amzn.to/1M1xZAC Get License Plate Back-Up Camera here: amzn.to/1KJv1jq Get In-Line Fuse here: amzn.to/1IIoQw3 Get Solar Branch Connectors here: amzn.to/1IV8Ab4 Get 5ft Solar Extension Cables here: amzn.to/1CAMARp Get 20 ft solar Controller Cables here: amzn.to/1CAMQzQ Get Bluetooth Multimedia Stereo here: amzn.to/1Tx4o4q Get White Gorilla Tape here: amzn.to/1K173BP Get Black Gorilla Tape here: amzn.to/1Tx4EAc

[@mrgabeybaby3]

CycleCruza When you are done with the series or even half way through you should make a pastebin.com link with a all in one list of everything put into this bug out van and links to them. That way people could use the pastebin link to calculate a total cost of them doing it them self. Keep up the amazing work on the video's I enjoy them very much.

[@williamklein6749]

2.5 years later. Are the panels still sticking to your roof?

[@CycleCruza]

UPDATE: I removed all of that white tape on the cables and removed the extension cables and branch connectors. I'm returning the cables and branch connectors to amazon (Will save $100+). I decided to wire the solar panels in series instead of parallel, much cleaner look and I will probably get more power out of my solar panels because I don't have all of that excess cable length. I'm not worried about shading issues because I won't be parked under trees much that would cause shade on the solar panels. I will do an update video within the next day or two.

[@AnthonyBrusca]

CycleCruza Why didnt you just use a single household wire (pair black and red) and just splice all positive to one and all negative to another or just use two straight wires and splice them even if you use an ez crimp thing and have parallel without worrying about look OR cost.

[@AnthonyBrusca]

I meant a wire nut not soldering

[@CycleCruza]

***** idk, I can try that in the future if I decide to go back to a parallel connection. Their cables are excellent quality with good solid connections that are weather-proof which is needed where I live.

[@Dan-op7zc]

Sounds good double c. Put some bazooca tubes, four 15 inch rockford fosgate speakers and put them in a box

[@CycleCruza]

Dan nah don't want to eat up my battery. I just got a nice 10" amp powered subwoofer to go with my pioneer 6.5 speakers, keeping it simple. We'll see how it sounds, waiting for the sub to be delivered. I did all that crazy bass shake the windows system stuff back in the late 90's. lol

[@davidnat1474]

Hey CycleCruza, this is awesome! Now you can take your van anywhere, park , and then take out your motorcycle and ride in a new place for every motovlog. We'll see you riding in NYC, at Mount Rushmore, at Yellowstone, at New Orleans, etc, etc. This will attract a lot of viewers which will make you a lot of money for you to continue doing this! You got all figured out man! I'm looking forward to doing this exact same thing when I'm older. Thank you for the inspiration bro.

[@otterwoodman864]

Outstanding work. Best grade of all products - AGM- Pure Sine- and definitely MPPT. You spent a good bit, but you would have upgraded or wished you had to this stuff. Glad to see you decided to rerun panels in series. With a smal array for what ive seen this is more efficient. Use as little wire as possible even putting the controller close as possible to the panels squeezes out every watt into the batteries as easily and quickly as space allows. Thanks for the video.

[@lovemind8466]

I thought dude was about to start rapping in the beginning..lol..Great energy man.. Thanks..

[@dkh1020]

Great video. Your MPPT controller will compensate should a panel be partially shaded. Doesn't matter if your panels are wired in series or parallel. Personally. I run in series to obtain a higher voltage from the panels. Higher voltages are more efficient and you can get away with longer runs and smaller gauge cables. Just my preference:)

[@CycleCruza]

UPDATE: If you want to wire in parallel and save A LOT of money on cabling and connectors, do what I'm about to do: Buy the MC4 connector pieces (to make your own cable extensions) here: amzn.to/1LeTY6H, and then get 8 AWG wire by the foot at Lowes for $0.59/ft (wire available in white) and make your own cables to the EXACT size you need for WAY CHEAPER! For cheaper branch connectors, get them $4 cheaper here: amzn.to/1SkWJUi Stick with CycleCruza and you will save $ cause I'm the cheapest sob on here. lol

[@SoopaBee]

Installation like a boss! Wow, impressive brother. What's good about this series is to show that you don't have to be a "professional" to do any of this. It just takes some research and dedication and anyone can make it happen. Thanks again man

[@blackhawk2475]

Van looks real good. I won't be too surprised if in the future you move out of your house and into the van. Sure looks like a good idea to save a ton of money !!! That van appears to be totally liveable.

[@darkbrew9465]

I love you cycle cruza lol you rock I’m a cyclist like you and I’ve recently gotten my Ford Explorer to stealth camp and live from, and while I’m looking up stud for dual battery wielding and solar substantianabilty and I run into one of your videos again just Great I really love all you do on the internet here for all of us, please respond and help guide me a little further in my opinions and how too’s. Ride safe brother

[@miguellimon585]

CycleCruza please make a video at the end of the project on the cost approximately, I would love to some day make an amazing machine like you. I really love how you take the time to record these mini blogs and explain how you get stuff done, I have and always will love your vids, please keep em up!

[@ScratchBabble]

Very impressed. From I think I want a bug out van to making it happen straight forward and logically. GREAT use of space and choices of creature comforts!

[@NomadicGearhead]

I'm slowly chipping through all your videos -- OMG you are *so* into gadgets lol your van is like grown-up toy central! It's fun to see!

[@amire6758]

This is turning out absolutely amazing bro, nice work!

[@TheDevorah1836]

Thanks so much! Your instructions plus links and updates are fabulous! I have a sweet 1990 VW Vanagon that I dance gypsy around the country. Really ready to say good bye to the ice and have solar power for refridge! Happy trails

[@CycleCruza]

+TheDevorah1836 Nice! happy trails!

[@justinmckibben4534]

Really good job on everything. Hands down one of the best builds on YT.

[@yummocan918]

best walk through of the dozens of these set ups I've watched! thanks!

[@stangerj13]

That is the most amazing description ever, ive never seen some much stuff in there lol

[@ddogge1]

Dude! Great work. You really combine a lot of good things: the essential things (did I miss your bubble top installation?) You really cram a lot in a regular size van. I would like a high/long van, but at least I know it can be done in a regular size van now. The bike in the passenger position is more critical in a smaller regular size van, but it is really the optimal weight distribution even for larger vans. That was really a stroke of genius since no other floor plans even have motorcycles that I've seen. I want to get the loading right for tire wear. If I get a duallie rear wheel 350, then it may not be as critical, but that is dead space anyway for now (maybe I can just have an alternative place behind the driver's seat to put that seat for balance.) Too bad you are the only one doing this, but you are doing a damn fine job! Thanks Again! Keep it coming

[@kilkill84]

Man Cruza, you did a really good job on this build and editing. I like your fabrication skills and just get stuff done attitude. props brotha I'll have me a bike again soon.

[@brandvik9172]

The wire is called PV wire (photovoltaic). its basically 10AWG THHN wire with a thicker weather/sun resistant casing. You can get the wire for around $0.30/ft. you can use the MC4 connectors with a crimper to make your own extensions. Also, you can use optimizers to optimize the effectiveness of each panel. If one panel is shaded, it will have no to little effect on the other panels.

[@NukaMoto]

Maybe you should get 2 rails on the roof to slide a aluminum sheet over the solar panels so that they dont get rekt when it hails or something

[@carlstawicki1915]

There might also be a portable wind turbine you can include that you can setup while the van is parked. It's good to be able to get power from multiple sources.

[@TrailRatSC]

Tip for the wires on the roof. That tape wont last. You could mount a PVC tube up there and hide the wires in there. It's a common storage mod on those vans and nobody would think twice about it. Plus it would be supper water proof and keep all your connections clean and safe.

[@christinesutton6507]

I don't know why I find your intro so funny! Great videos.

[@Subjohny]

I would recommend you to rust proof your vehicle! And do full package (spray oil inside the doors, fenders, panels, etc. protect break lines, power steering lines etc. So much work you put in...now you want it last like a good build house! Here in Canada it cost around 150CAD (around 120USD) for full package!

[@wkmac2]

You can also get bc/dc charger, one source being Redarc, and then you can wire your vehicle charging system into the Redarc, then Redarc to batteries and charge your batteries off the van on the fly. Charger acts as battery isolator when stopped isolating your starting battery from you aux batteries and then the charger has an input for solar panels and acting as a solar controller. You can also install a by pass switch so that if your starting battery craps out, you can use the aux batteries to jump start the vehicle.

[@trevordavis4728]

Can't wait for the stereo build

[@SanJuanCreole]

Cycle Cruza got skills!

[@Pkqe33]

This is awesome, man. Been following this build and it's trully coming together nicely.

[@RelaxingHomestead]

Really good video. Thanks for showing the detail.

[@bigdogboos1]

awesome stuff. hey cyclecruza, i wired my 3 panels in series, and even with tree branch and light pole shadows laying across them, i still get juice into my battery (as seen on my digital readout). that's just my experience so far

[@CycleCruza]

FYI - I removed all of the tape on the wiring and made my own custom cables, watch update video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiwqpmkmNuGnLs

[@syler357]

Loving these videos! Showing support from London.

[@erikbreaman9124]

keep in mind every model of deep cycle(two AGMs can have different plate design) has a bulk and float rate that once exceeded or not met before use has similar effect of too much discharge.. You probably know this but a lot of people don't know you're not suppose to discharge below 50%-65% or put a charge-voltage above or below manufacturer suggested or charge-current over 10% of the battery or battery bank total. Most engineers and experienced people suggest bulk/absorb at 14.5 then 13.6 float and drop both if any excess heating. Also never let batteries go over 25C.. Use a programmable controller with reverse protection and a inverter with at least 90% efficiency.. Protip:250AH AGM or Edison batteries..

[@jayguato]

Wave race for the N64, yessssss!!!! Love the videos

[@AllThingsRamdom]

nice video! if you wire solar panels in series you will increase the voltage but the amperage will stay the same, if you wire them in parallel the voltage will be stay the same but the amperage will increase. So if you had two 12 volt 5 amp solar panels and you run them in parallel the end result would be a total power output of 12 volts 10 amps. If you ran the 12 volt 5 amp solar panels in series the end result would be a power output of 24 volts 5 amps. Batteries work the same way when run in parallel or in series.

[@CycleCruza]

****CycleCruza's Recommended Videos********** Watch Bugout Vehicle Unveiling Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omjKhmqGYtCpbqs Watch Bugout Van Build Part 1 Insulation Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaGYaoGhoJx0qdk Watch Bug Out Van Build Part 2 -Flooring Install Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hImzqJahlLyWrKc Watch Bug Out Van Build Part 3 -Sink Counter Build Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppS9g2qYptaijdk Watch Bug Out Van Build Part 4 - Folding Bed Build Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIOpinmpjJWnb6s Watch Bug Out Van Build - LED Lighting Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXYq52Mg7aae8k Watch 'How To Load a Motorcycle in a Van Easy" Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6KUipqrjb-EZrM Watch Bug Out Van Fold Away TV Build Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSccnpnjJKLiK8

[@MissCharliechop]

thank you for laying out all of the parts. im new to this and searching to see if its an option to solar charge my hybrid since im in a condo and cant plung in at home. hoping to find a foldable light weight panel to put on dash board and run car charge cord through window when charging.

[@lokuscyborg]

How do you plan to keep cool during extremely hot summer days/nights? Portable air conditioner? I have seen KZbin videos where they take an icebox and drill holes on the side for vents and one hole on the top for a fan to blow air onto the ice.

[@ricks.1318]

GREAT & INFORMATIVE videos, also easy to follow .... Much appreciated !!

[@mark33545]

I'm loving this series!

[@teedtaaaay1234]

The van is awesome and a great idea , I want one for myself now .

[@Newmansown19]

Hey CC! Just an idea for those led lights in the roof, but what about putting some sort of translucent or frosted acrylic panels over the led's so all the light still comes through, but it's more even across the whole van and not as harsh on the eyes of you happen to look up at them?

[@CycleCruza]

Newmansown19 The led lights are not harsh at all, probably just looks like that in video.

[@amazingvidguyz]

I melted some flexible panels having them directly fixed to the roof. The van was in portugal. its not just the heat of the sun on the panel. Vans are like big radiators and soak up heat. It took a hot summer and about 6 months of use, the panels died one after the other. 1 survives , and its not on a van !

[@danielwilson2109]

Nice solar set up dude.

[@Bert439]

Just imagine how much better it would be if solar energy was more efficient. Keep it up!

[@CycleCruza]

Bert439 It's great now, will pay for itself after a while then I will have free energy!

[@JamesBalazs]

You just need an electric bike like an Energica Ego or something now 😂

[@ddogge1]

Oh yeah, I was thinking about a nearly new XL 350 Ford Transit Cargo with econoboost turbos. I usually don't like Chevy's having worked in automotive engineering for 15 years; but I see a lot of them and they are cheaper. However, it seems like more down time for the van too (but you already have your motorcycle ready :-) Any thoughts from you would be greatly appreciated. I got over 330 K miles on my 1994 Dodge Dakota from brand new V6, until I came to California: mechanics are ruthless in CA! For the HD Ford, I could see 200k/trans and 450k/engine lifetimes. You da' Man!

[@Enorbs96]

I've been thinking of buying a shed from Home Depot or something and making it livable with reinforcements, insulation, solar power, and such. The only problems are where to put it (I live in Southern California) and plumbing. If I could figure out the plumbing situation and stuff, I don't think I would have a problem living in a custom shed. I could add onto it over time by combining it with other sheds too maybe. I don't have much of a problem with plastic sheds, because I'm a certified welder and can fabricate steel reinforcements. I just wish I had someone with knowledge on building code to give me enough confidence to go through with it.

[@zamahaeba]

u have really great ideas dude. the 1st i remember was buying the fblade.

[@joshakaoger69]

hear the goal zero systems are awesome, i use a little west marine inverter two usb and to wall plugs but only advisable when driving

[@yougeo]

Make surethere are no sharp edges in the areas where you ran the wires from panels to inside. If it wears throughthe wire insulation, the short will cause a fire.

[@aliwhite3674]

you can connect from alternator to batteries . this way you can charge on both ways .

[@MotoVirus]

van coming out very well, a million thumbs up.

[@josephboehm1454]

U rock when it comes to the product links... ThAnks Man!!!

[@Sopranoprince0]

Can't wait to see the next one!

[@juanportillocruz9798]

awesome and do you know if with all that energy you can plug a small refrigerator and small stove and small tv at the same time? and a small microwave too so is possible?

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

Run your ignition system off this array! Disconnect your charging circuit (removing the alternator's drag on the engine) and you will increase your fuel economy by apx. 10mpg.

[@VantasticOdyssey]

I like your videos, can you tell me if you grounded your inverter also

[@cycleaddict9172]

Great series hope to build one for myself one day

[@joshuatama7613]

Cool video cycle cruza! What is the measurements of your fold down bed?

[@voborny]

Duuude. Your videos have helped me SIGNIFICANTLY with setting up my van from the flooring to the solar hookup. It's going to be my full time dwelling place and it's good to hear that with only 400 watts on an overcast day your batteries charged up completely. My 155aH batteries are coming in next week and will be hooked up to 540W of renogy panels through a 50A CC. I do have a question if you may be able to answer it though; what is the purpose of having a battery charger when you have the solar panels charging them already? Does it help them charge quicker? Do you keep it hooked up 24/7? Aaand one last one; does it act as a desulfator? Thanks for the videos man. I look forward to more van-based ones.

[@CycleCruza]

+Aaron the Anarchist The battery charger is there just in case I had a problem with the solar panels and needed to charge my batteries. Otherwise, I haven't used it since I first got the batteries.

[@childersls]

Panels probably have By-Pass diodes. If one panel gets shaded the current will "By- Pass" that panel without degrading the output of the others.

[@mikechrn]

Looking to do about the same set up. How many amps do you draw, and how long can you run all your electronics at night?

[@spiderpilot]

Hey brother, questions: How many feet did bought of the 8 AWG and 4 AWG cables? or in other words, how many feet should I buy? and what did you bought the in-line fuse? shoudl I get extra fuse in case? How many ring terminals did you get or how many do I need if I am doing the same set up as yours? thanks

[@Ksolidey]

Looking hella cool Cruza :D

[@steedsful]

hey guy, i finally got a larger truck, and a canopy on order. my question is: how come you decided to do the solar panels, over connecting another battery to the engine to allow it to charge while driving / running the vehicle? just trying to see what could be a better system to use. any suggestions for a guy who plans to do truck camping (i'll ideally only need led lighting,maybe a small fun to run,charge my laptop while on it)

[@dan1497]

Hey Cycle Cruza love the vids, i dig your style! and i like how you put your baby together. Can anyone give some insight: I am working on a very similar project and i have a window of 50 more days before my schedule tightens back up. I need to get a solar system on my van quick style. I have a couple questions maybe you'd be kind enough to throw some ideas my way... I want 1000 watts of panels as well. It seems extremely tough to get help on the subject though. I don't want to get a kit because like making your own computer i'm sure there's better products available. This is what i need your guys' experience in. Pretty standard: If i had a 960-1000 watt panel system: -What would be the best controller. -What would be the best/Safest Inverter. -How many batteries (I like the Vmax 155ah deep cycle ones) -What should i use for fuses/fuse box -and what kind of wire is safe to put it all together with. I really need to know what wire i will be connecting the controller to the panels because i need to run that wire and start closing up the walls. Anything will help guys.. and if you happen to know a good source for more info (besides the cyclecruza.com website of course! ) I just want to make sure i put this together with the correct components. My budget is the exact cost. which means i'll be over guaranteed.) no room to fudge up

[@Deiphobuzz]

Solar panaels get less effective when they get too hot btw. Sealing them reduced their effectiveness in very hot weather. I opted for the more ugly " fat" panels op little legs. My friends panels stopped working during 40c, and mine just kept on going. He used these flat type panels as well.

[@CycleCruza]

+Deiphobuzz The reason people were having problems is because they failed to make sure there is a 1 inch space underneath the flexible panel. Not only did I add the space but my van roof has channels that will dissipate heat. I went to colorado this past summer and the sun was brutal and my panels are just as good as the fay I put them on. I've had no issues with these panels so far. Btw, I heard Renogy is coming out with new and improved flexible solar panels.

[@Deiphobuzz]

Oh thats good then. Flat panels on a flat surface just won't work in very hot area's. Ventilation is key indeed. :-) The vehicles we use do not have those channels, just flat sheetmetal.

[@gabrielcortes5377]

hello greetings I love the video how much you cost the solar kit and where I find it and what website thanks

[@dgjrllrivera0610]

Tks for the video. Have a couple of questions, hopefully you can help. If you are using the inverter with the 2 batteries and have refrug connected, how fast will it drain the batteries, how did you do the math and know you needed 4 solar panels? Have family in need in PR, have never worked with these, trying to get the family exactly what they need, but there are so many options, it's a bit confusing

[@kathrynkenyon785]

Hate to ask the obvious, but how much was this entire solar install package including the batteries? I'm preparing for my solar build in a couple months and need to know! :-) Thanks for this post...you made it look so easy!

[@nneuhaus84]

Great video by the way. How long does it take for the solar panels to charge up the two batteries, and how quick to they run out with you using a fridge and tv, say on continuously. Thanks

[@CycleCruza]

I never timed it but I was never without power and the batteries were never below 60%. Even charges in overcast weather.

[@nneuhaus84]

Thanks. Before I go buy this setup though, are you saying you have spent a good 6-8 hours running the tv without running out of battery power? Oh yeah and how long does it take to charge the batteries up on an average day with the four panels?

[@jamesboaz4787]

Amazing build. could you run a desktop pc in that with the current power setup?

[@EdPetrol]

Great video! Quick question. Why did you use a 40 amp charge controller and not a 20 amp charge controller? I would think a 20 amp would have been sufficient, but admit i'm fairly new to this stuff. Thanks for your time!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

future expansion is the name of the game... even if not more on roof, set up panels on ground...

[@sirroxalot]

Hey man. Awesome van. Have you had any problem with the solar panels coming loose from the adhesive? I'm still deciding between these and bolt down panels, but I'm still concerned about them falling off.

[@klouism1]

Excellent, what a great job you are doing. That is so cool.

[@velozp1]

nice video. did you ground out your batteries to chasis ground?

[@DozIT]

You should get a sun roof wind deflector, put it infront of the panels and there will be 0 wind noise or risk of wind damaging the panels (if it gets under)

[@CycleCruza]

+ForTheTech That's what the tape does and has a much lower profile that a sunroof wind deflector. This set-up has been tested in a severe storm and strong wind conditions when I went through kansas and in eastern colorado. zero issues.

[@DozIT]

CycleCruza Okay makes sense, I just got a wind deflector for my sunroof and realized how easy it was to install, and then pictured it working for this setup too!

[@CycleCruza]

ForTheTech there are no holes drilled on the roof with my set-up, Drill holes can eventually bring leaks.

[@DozIT]

Yeah, and here in Canada rust too. However the deflector I got literally just sticks on (like an emblem for your car) I am not sure what type of adhesive it is, but it can withstand the wind force at high speeds, and it reduces wind noise!

[@kiaracrisostomo7161]

u sealed the whole panel on the roof, u should left an opening for moisture to escape or run down the roof. yeah they do look and installed okay, but those adhesive tapes will rot after a hot summer and u'll have to re tape em every year.

[@CycleCruza]

Kiara Crisostomo I removed the tape on the wire connections: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpiwqpmkmNuGnLs

[@JoeGo101]

Pretty sweet :D looks pretty simple :D I dont understand why these solar companies charge so much for install crazy.

[@ShoebAMG]

JoeGo101 Why does Apple charge so much for low spec devices???

[@JoeGo101]

Violent_SPARTA because of there aesthetics... plain and simple

[@gsx-rrider842]

JoeGo101 I don't even like them :D

[@AdrienRenaud]

Now that is has been more than a year since this video was released, what is your conclusion about the adhesive that was used? Did it stick?

[@WannaBFree]

Nice job on the solar install!

[@associatedstress6453]

awesome van build nice job

[@XRunner2628]

who worries about fuel efficiency with a V8 6L van

[@spiderpilot]

One more thing, you glued the panels on the roof, what happens if you need to sell the van, how did you going to get them off?

[@AlabamaTree]

Hi, are your panels still working ok? I have what appear to be the same panels but I keep reading reports that they overheat and fail after about a year. Hopefully you don't have any problems..

[@CoeMoto]

phenomenal! btw this is way better than anything you could've done with that tacoma idea for bugout. great stuff dude! how much to make one for another person? :)

[@CycleCruza]

Coe Moto Thanks! Expensive!

[@didooo2332]

What do you think the final cost will be ?

[@CycleCruza]

Дидо Хростозов too much! lol

[@motoXkiddvlogs]

Upwards of 5j

[@loganmclendon2086]

How long does your set up take to charge? And how long does the battery last with fairly normal usage, aka not conservative. I've been following cyclecruza for a while and you got me hooked on the idea of a camper!

[@tristanbradford99]

These videos are both extremely informative and funny as fuck. keep it comin.

[@TheOscarzepeda]

Brotha Cruza !!!! Holy Shit !!!! I couldn't believe my eyes !!! You Need to make a business doing this !!! I will drive there and pay you when I get my van !!! Seriously-No Joke !!!

[@nEEdLzZz]

awesome build series man. you sure got some skills! also i really appreciate the time you put in to make those detailed videos. just one question: how much did the whole setup for the van cost approximately? greetings from switzerland!

[@CycleCruza]

+nEEdLzZz I haven't added it up but will when it's tax time. I'll do a video on the costs when I tally up the receipts.

[@bjcroz2106]

I wonder, how they hold up to hail...have you encountered any hail on your adventures yet?

[@CycleCruza]

It's not glass but rather very durable material, much more durable than the regular glass used on conventional solar panels. I haven't incurred hail yet but went through tornado like storm going through kansas last year with zero issues. My set-up has the no wind resistance so I get the same fuel efficiency as the van did before adding the solar panels. Also, no body can see my solar panels from street level so it keeps the van stealth.

[@darkfireBikes]

You didn't need all the connectors since you glued the panels down. You could of cut the wires to get no big connector mess, and the 3 panels instantly connecting to the main wires, reducing current loss

[@CycleCruza]

RedTeamWolf I just sent the wire extenders and branch connectors back to amazon for a full $110 refund. I decided to change to a series connection instead, will probably get more power because of a lot less excessive wire. Also, I have a 40 amp MPPT solar controller that can handle the 4 solar panels word in series. We'll see how it goes, I can always go back to a parallel connection to even do a 50/50 split.

[@JG-gh4xj]

new name for you "HANDYDANDYCRUZA" :)

[@randsamuels]

What adhesive did you use to attach the solar panels to your van? Thanks, Rand

[@Marktec]

Great job CycleCruza! I like the sleek panels and that charging monitor at the end was a nice touch too. Question on the panel mounting...do you have any way of draining any moisture that gets under the panels? I know it's sealed for now but it seems like the tape won't block out water forever.

[@CycleCruza]

Marktec I was going to allow water and air to travel through the channels on the roof underneath but changed my mind, we'll see how this does, should be ok.

[@Marktec]

Right on, good luck man. Good stuff overall.

[@annhenry1226]

what is the voltage output like and how many recharges will the batteries do ?