Complete RV Solar System Install - Josh's Garage

[@roscodude77]

I just started watching your video and immediately noticed your clean shop. Awesome. Life really is more relaxing when you're clean and organized.

[@joshsgarage1545]

Haha! Thank you so much. I try to keep it clean, but it's a constant battle.

[@vannaoffthewall9344]

Thank you for making this! Although I would’ve like to see when you made the holes for the wires to go into RV from the roof as well as all the way to where you store the battery. But this prob the best solar explanation video I’ve seen!

[@pains]

thx pal loved your video ... bty if u can give us more information the battries would be great

[@lindaweaver6801]

Just now starting the solar planning for my Promaster van. This video is so helpful! I know so little about tools and technique and you've given me the information and instruction I needed. Thanks!

[@ken12269]

Great video. Have been slowly assembling solar components piecemeal and hoping to get it installed during this special stay at home time.

[@seeking70]

Great video. We're getting ready to do a similar installation on a Newmar Kountry Star. I wish ours was solar ready. I think running the wires from the roof to the charge controller and then batteries will be the toughest part.

[@jeremyb6012]

For ppl that don't have the shrink tape stuff or heat gun, a lot of but connectors will shrink with heat as well even with a lighter and feathering it with flame. Just be sure not to melt outer wire.

[@dwightandrews5685]

I installed the same system except I installed a 800 system but I installed it on my 28ft trailer that I tow my trike and jeep in.The system plugs into the motor home .The reason I installed it on the trailer is so I could trade the motor home at a later date if I wanted to.I had done this before on a fifth wheel and guess what I traded the fifth wheel and lost my panel setup so had to start over with the mh

[@joshsgarage1545]

That's an excellent idea! Why hadn't I thought of that :) I just sold this motorhome and the whole system with it :)

[@lucycosentino23]

I like Renogy . Just installed a 320 watt with two panels

[@frontieradventures2199]

It's not necessary (or desired) to drill into the roof on installations with fiberglass roofs. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol the stick down with 3M VHB tape. Cover the bracket with self leveling Dicor. The panels will not come off and eliminates the leak potential of all the holes.

[@joshsgarage1545]

Good suggestion. I'll certainly do this next time.

[@tileprep1271]

I’m looking into installing some panels on my 5th wheel RV. I like this idea but I’m afraid they will blow off in high winds and or high speed going down the highway. Anybody have any experience with how strong that bond will be if no screws are used? Anyone have these things fly off on the highway? That just sounds like a nightmare. Thanks!

[@frontieradventures2199]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4nMf395jLWDoaM&feature=emb_title Check out this video from AM Solar

[@joshsgarage1545]

@@frontieradventures2199 Awesome video suggestion. I was wondering the same thing. Guess I'm not drilling in a roof again unless there is a textured roof or something.

[@bobcole3852]

I'm doing a system on a brand new Winnebago travel trailer. Been struggling with mounting, the roof material has some texture to it but I am liking the tape idea. Just want to feel more confident with tape, panel flying off could be disastrous to someone behind

[@tygewellman5352]

Motorhomes are vehicles that bounce, shake and rumble down the road. Solar panels get all that bouncing and shaking, plus wind resistance which can loosen and rip those panels off your roof. So you should have used 8 screws to hold them down to the roof, not just 4 screws.💁‍♂️ The worst part is the old couple driving behind you who get a solar panel through their windshield; or the family in a van. 💔🤦‍♂️

[@djinncat]

What size and type of screws do you recommend?

[@robertbutler8004]

Garage Done in parallel is a way better option.Done in series a small amount of shade cancels out all of the panels!!

[@joshsgarage1545]

True, but I would have had to run 4awg cables to run these parallel to my controller. This wasn't an option for me as my coach came pre wired with 8awg. And since I live in the desert and rarely park under trees, it's not an issue for me.

[@henrivanbemmel]

@@joshsgarage1545 Yes, but (a) why not have two in series then in parallel. You may not always camp in the desert. You must also be getting close to the max on the potential input on your charge controller as your panels would each be giving you about 18-20V x 5 ~ 100V

[@jeffreymerriam7025]

I am doing a minor (2-panel) install on my backyard gazebo. I am curious, how did you decide between series and parallel? It looks like you went with wiring them in series?)

[@kraythe]

How on earth would you get the panel down if you have to replace it ? It seems that panel has to bge upside down to get at the hardware to unscrew it

[@joshsgarage1545]

There's actually enough room to get a box end wrench under there. The bottom of the panel sits about 1" off the surface of the roof

[@30-06]

Great video but I’m still scared to do it 😂

[@apocolypse11]

Mppt is the only way to go. Pwm are good in the trash can.

[@lucycosentino23]

I used the plastic brackets with the tape.

[@VroomvroomNY]

I just installed my first solar a couple months ago. I have 200 watts and a 60 amp epever charge controller. Yeah yeah yeah I know why a 60 amp controller it so I can add more solar when I get more money. No sense on buy a smaller one then spending more money on buy a bigger one later. Loved you video btw.

[@FMTFXE22]

i’m thinking while my RV which is park next to my house that I might want to cover the solar panels from time to time. Does anyone ever cover their solar panels and if so what are good reasons to cover them? What are you using to cover them obviously it Hass to be somewhat waterproof.

[@ken12269]

Can you give a part number for the cutoff switch? I get the basics, and great description, etc. I just get hung up on the fusing, switching, etc.

[@joshsgarage1545]

Can't find the exact switch, but here is something similar amzn.to/2yjEJfz

[@rikmorel4870]

Will you be posting a wiring diagram? It was kinda hard to follow in some spots.

[@joshsgarage1545]

There's a wiring diagram at the bottom of this page www.renogy.com/new-800-watt-24-volt-solar-premium-kit/

[@raven7068]

So when installing solar panel to the roof is it necessary to find the studs to drill through them?

[@loshjittle]

Actually, I don't drill anymore. I've installed my new panels with VHB tape. No screws.

[@raven7068]

@@loshjittle Thanks for your reply. oh okay but when you did drill are we supposed to Joe through a stud? Or it doesn't really matter it holds Good as is.

[@kenperry3376]

Just watched your residential fridge on solar video and commented on it. After watching this video I can tell you that the level of mistakes made on the install is a huge part of why your are having trouble. I don’t ever do this but seen you live in Utah as do I. If you want to improve your system I’d be willing to lend a hand and point you in the right direction for optimal use.

Don't you think it would have been a better idea to apply the lap sealant underneath the entire metal mounting brackets ? That way it would be similar to a gasket or insulator so any movement or vibration from the solar panels wouldn't damage the roof membrane .

[@joshsgarage1545]

I didn't say it in the video, but I did apply sealant below each bracket for the reasons you mentioned. I just don't trust that to be water tight.

[@johnscott389]

How about showing a final hook up to the transfer switch or to the fuse block. You show the easy stuff, now show us the real connections to the coach

[@lxe1986]

Thank you Josh for share your fantastic solar install. Your video came up as a KZbin Suggetions to watch. I'm glad that I chance to see the video. Is or will your system be set up to run any large amperage devices? Keep the videos coming....

[@loshjittle]

Thanks Mark! I needed some positive reinforcement of this effort today :). This system will run large amperage appliances, but that's always a matter of time and amperage. Like...hair dryer for 5 minutes - yes. Hair dryer for a day - no. I basically have about 450 amp hours to play with each day and on a sunny day in summer I can easily replenish.

[@markdavisson3518]

Josh, did that kit include enough cable to connect the panels end-to-end like you did, or did you need to buy longer extension cables?

[@joshsgarage1545]

I had to buy the longer extension cables. Renogy had them in 10 or 20 foot lengths if I remember right.

[@dkuhlman2282]

Hi, great video. Just a quick question, did you worry or consider where you drilled your attachment holes? I have a Tiffin as well and worry about hitting any a/c duct work channels or wiring below the roof or are the screws short enough not be a problem? Thanks

[@joshsgarage1545]

It was a concern, but in looking through the solar pre-wire hole, it looked as if there was plenty of clearance between the roof and those items which hung closer down to the ceiling.

[@dkuhlman2282]

Josh's Garage Thanks, gives me a bit more confidence on my install.

[@henrivanbemmel]

@@joshsgarage1545 Yes, the ceiling is usually aspenite or something into so you don't have to find studs. However, to me those lag screws look pretty long. Did you think of getting shorter ones?

[@fiddle1999]

Fantastic video, very informative. I have two questions, 1) what type of solar control charger did you use (Mppt or Pwm)? 2) why didnt you just install the solar control charger by the batteries in the bay?

[@joshsgarage1545]

Hey @fiddle1999, thanks for your kind comment. I used a 40a Renogy Commander (MPPT). I didn't install it by the battery because I want to be able to monitor the system from inside the coach.

[@georgefenrich8942]

Sorry to ask; WHY Did you put your panels in Series? So wouldn't that be 500Watts ... am not so good with the watts and volts thing. aka POWER! LOL

[@joshsgarage1545]

Good question. By wiring the panels in series, I can use much smaller cables from the panels to the charge controllers. In series, I'm carrying a 5 amp (output of one panel) 60 volt current (5panels x12 volts). If I wired them in parallel, I would have a 25 amp (5 panels x 5 amps) 12 volt current which would require much larger cables. The charge controller will do the conversion to 12 vols for me. Here is a cable size calculator to help www.renogy.com/calculators

[@richcat3198]

Can you tell what batteries you use and model number I would appreciate it.

[@loshjittle]

I have a bank of six Lifeline 6v 300ah batteries. www.batterystuff.com/batteries/rv/6-volt-deep-cycle-batteries/gpl-6ct.html

[@AndreasEUR]

Thats too many holes, just glue it in place.

[@robertbulot5625]

Not really sure we can trust an installer that doesn’t track self-leveler all over the roof during an installation.😉

[@joshsgarage1545]

LOL

[@josefinaescribano7467]

Looks like solar panel is flushed against the roof

[@craigkdillon]

Whew. I thought you were going to tell us you are gay, and afraid we would laugh at you for that.