How (And How NOT) To Mount Flexible Solar Panels to a Minivan Camper |Vanlife|

[@minivancampergal1554]

Flexible Panel: amzn.to/46lPvfV Go to Minivancampergal.com, and click on "Flexible Solar Install" for everything I used. :)

[@user70331]

Also would be cool to place van exhaust fan under panels, this way it will cool them down and increase lifespan and efficiency too😅

[@DriveInTheaterGuy]

I have two 100 watt Sunpower flexible solar panels on my truck cap. They have been on my roof of my cap for 2 years and survived two Chicago winters. I used heavy duty outdoor velcro so I can remove them but I left them up for two years. I have driven over 30,000 miles and have had zero issues.

[@livinright1]

I know I can be bad about commenting on every vid Kelly, but you do such a great job at explaining these things! I don't want to make cuts or drill holes in my vehicle + never bothered putting panels on top for that reason (plus, was told the flex panels were not that great)! However, having been here since pretty much day one of your channel- I know you share good with the bad and personally test every aspect of a product. I am now completely rethinking the flexible panel idea, lol-Thx again for sharing, Lisa

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Lisa! Aw it's great to hear from you again! Thanks for the comments, I'm glad you're still enjoying my videos. Yeah, I think these new Renogy panels are way better than the old flexible panels used to be. It's crazy how fast everything is changing!

[@NoCarNancy]

I don't know if I'll ever be brave enough to live like this but I enjoy watching good information 😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

I'm glad you're enjoying my videos! I hope you get out there, if you want to!

[@peteroffpist1621]

3M has a transparent foam tape that just great. Had it on my RV for 15 years and still strong as never failed summer or winter,

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, I needed that! Thanks!

[@philc.9280]

Just FYI, I've been installing solar panels for many years, and you'll find out those flexible solar panels won't hold up to hot areas as they well delaminate in a couple years and the output goes down. I started with these flexible ones for the ease of installing but switched over to rigid glass panels (almost the same price now).

[@xxwookey]

Will Prowse says the same thing. On the other hand Voyager Camper Conversions (Wales) have been sticking Photonic Universe 180W panels on their fibreglass poptops for several years and say no-one has reported any failures. Also do you think this suggestion of a sheet of polycarbonate channel underneath will help at all with the cooling? It seems like it ought to.

[@philc.9280]

@@xxwookey There is a new generation of better-quality flexible panels out there but still won't compare to the 25 year life of a rigid glass panel. Plus, if you're in the really hot areas of Arizona, Nevada, etc. it's even more important.

[@philc.9280]

@beemrdon52 True and that's why I used to use those temporary panels. My van build has the new lower weight glass panels with the drill less system using those mounts that can be eternabonded to the surface of the van. It's literally one inch above the surface of the van. They can barely be noticed from the street view now. Good for over 20 + years which is more than I'll keep the project. BTW I just checked the prices of rigid glass panels. They've plummeted down to $52 now for a nice 100 watt one on eBay (they used to be over $100)

[@zublits]

Flexible solar panels have gotten a lot better pretty recently. When was the last time you owned and used one?

[@philc.9280]

@@zublits It's been a few years since I stop using them, but these days glass panels have plummeted in price as low at $59 for a 100 watt one. They are very lightweight (18 lbs) and also if I remember also give much more amperage than an equivalent flexible one. There are very few applications (car, van, RV) that a rigid panel could not be installed. Plus, they can last over 20 years.

[@glenwithonein]

I went back and forth between vhb and flexible vs rigid and a roof rack vs portable. I went with rigid/rack because my overarching goal is to be able to transfer every component of my "build" to future vehicles. You did a great job on yours though.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Glen! Eek, that's a good point. Yeah, I hope I don't have to remove these anytime soon. Sounds like you chose wisely.

[@michaeldina1103]

I was thinking that you could still park in the shade and set up a separate solar panel in the sun. That way you can stay cool and still charge. You would have to set up a separate charge controller. I think you could plug that separate charge controller into the fuse block as well. I’ve seen a video where Will Prouse demonstrated that it’s ok to use multiple controllers on the same battery.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Michael! Hm, interesting ideas, thanks!

[@StormsRadiosCats]

So smart and cute too . great to see you making the sun work for you. I am slowly getting my solar at home built up. p.s. if rain does ever enter the camper, a rain loop is super simple to make by making a loop in the cables, then taping them so they dont come apart, you would do the loop just above the door before it enters the camper. Water will wick away from the door and onto the ground. It's a really old tried and true radio trick used for transmission cables before they enter a building. Just be sure not to create a knot, you don't want to damage the wires inside the cable.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for the compliments and the tips!

[@wandoorose]

Thank you for sharing your experience & great tips. Happy travels.

[@GaryNichols50]

Excellent info, Kelly. Just one thing I'd have liked was to show more of the actual process step while explaining rather than telling us. In the later steps, you did more of this. But it would have been nice for the earlier steps as well. But still excellent video.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Gary! Thanks - yeah, unfortunately my methods weren't really worth showing, ha! I appreciate the feedback!

[@freespeechorgetsilenced]

Magnets won't fail. I bought 6 150lbs neodymium Magnets. They are coated so they won't rust out. I mounted a wind guard on the front of the panel. No issues. Glues and adhesive make the panel permanent. While the flexable panel only last a few years. Hope this helps. The only other option I saw was the heavy duty velcro.

[@richardbrown9741]

Thank you for sharing. Have you looked into the alternator+solar charger units? I'm considering the Etaker f1000.

[@HomeGrownCountryGirl]

Thanks Kelly! I always love your videos

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Janell!

[@egn83b]

I used to deliver food with a big ugly plastic polyurathane signs on the roof and it was held with four, 3" inch rubber coated magnets. I used to go about 85 sometimes it never flew off the car 😂. If i was to ever mount a panel on my car i would use aluminum sheet as a mounting deck and put 6 rubber magnets on it and ribbit my solar panel to the sheet. Seeing all that tape and knowing it may damage the paint upon removal would make me feel pretty upset.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, interesting ideas!

[@LiveAnotherDay24]

I guess you still need some tape at front side to avoid wind getting below the panel and lift it up,

[@vanwander]

FWIW... on my Sienna that has factory roof rail/bars, I just used metal zip ties to attach a 200w Renogy rigid panel directly to the cross bars. 3 ties per hole, in 4 places. Metal zip ties are hard to work with though.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, nice. Yeah, I considered mounting on a rail. The metal zip ties sound cool!

[@mattwernecke2342]

Some good tips here!. Thanks!

[@dlansburg2673]

Thanks for the info,what a beautiful smile!

[@artsteadman2230]

The "multi wall" panel is called COROPLAST

[@minivancampergal1554]

Actually no, it's not coroplast. It's a thicker material with square walls.

[@LeninCaraballo]

Your smile... ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️😁👌

[@hauk3839]

I use weboost but have start link. I keep it incase. I used the roof to angle mount to mount to rhino rack. I do like option if placing on ground if i have lots of trees in area.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, thanks for the idea! I'm not entirely sure my idea is going to work, so I may end up using that as a backup!

[@FileForename]

In UK this kind of mount would invalidate car insurance as this is modification. In UK even mounting dashcam is considered modification. :(

[@peterpowell6168]

Perfect timing, I have a jeep that is new to me I have a rigid 38×38 150watt panel I took off my van. I wouldn't mind to try a flex solar panel. Any who more research!!! Happy trails to y'all

[@jheighten7568]

You are awesome thank you so much for your videos

[@tucsontom7244]

How do you remove the tape when you sell the van? I have a roof rack on my Pacifica. I didn't use the rails as they're too high. Instead I created my own brackets which attach where the roof rails go.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Tom. Woah, that's a great idea! I should've used that with my starlink I just mounted. Googone removes the tape residue pretty well.

[@AlexAlex-jz2km]

Thank You for informasions ! Thank You beautiful lady !

[@dawnbecker63]

So this is permanent?..I was looking for something that wouldn't damage the paint /vehicle.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, this is mostly permanent, but I *can* remove it if I have to.

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

You can buy some cheap vinyl to lay across the roof before putting the tape down. I suggest using some magnets to bolt the panel down first, and then securing the edges with the tape.

[@BillySBC]

Just do it the way Renogy says then, use adhesive sealant, but you must leave air gaps for heat to escape from under the panel. The adhesive sealant can be removed later on and it won't damage your paint.

[@louise5906]

I used sikaflex but wondering how l will get my solar panel off when l need a new one. It's been on for 3 yrs stuck good 👍

[@MyTentLife]

I have a small teardrop camper and it has the flex panel stuck on it and it seems to work good. Now my camper is made from a vinyl and the solar it stuck to that so maybe that is different since your van top is metal. I just subscribed to your channel. I also just watched the 3 sink video and I think the bucket one is awesome. I do already have an outside in back of my teardrop a sink so I use it. But hopefully my memory will let me remember this as in a year or two I am going to sell my Subaru and teardrop and just the tv lifestyle. Just a little nervous about doing it right now. Also been trying to wait and payoff all my bills and then watch out. I have been looking at some used vans and man for one with low miles it’s like buying a new car and for ones with low prices has enough miles that they drove around the world. So not 100% sure how I am going to do when it comes that time. All I know right now is I want to live rent free.

[@theseus_lavender]

I saw another channel where they used magnets as standoffs and then gorilla taped the panel, I thought was a great idea & added some additional security!

[@michaelchownyk5255]

I mounted at 230 watt glass faced aluminum, framed solar panel to my Chevy Uplander, and it fit perfectly in between the existing roof rails. There is a better one and a half inch air gap between the solar panel and the roof. The solar panel is 39 inches wide and the rails are 39 1/4 inches inside with so it fits perfectly. I used 3/8 inch stainless steel lag, bolts drilled into the side of the solar panel and it’s never moved since and that’s been four years ago. I have 6 kWh of lithium batteries in the van with a DC DC converter that runs the 12 V system as well because the alternator broke four years ago. That’s why I put the solar panel on because it was too hard to change the alternator and I didn’t like the alternator anyway. I’m glad other people are putting Solar Panels on the vans I thought I was the only one . I sometimes camp in my van and it’s great because I can plug my coffee maker or mini fridge into the 2000 watt inverter, and it works great. Good luck with your projects

[@cocosiz]

hey there just saw your comment- i have some questions about your set up- so you mounted ur panel to the roof rack and then how did you attach to the power? i'm new to all of this buy have just purchased my first camper and we are trying to figure out what's the best way to power it!

[@youtube79z]

what if you used magnets with anti-slip rubber too?

[@minivancampergal1554]

Once air gets under the panel, I don't think any magnet will work, and it will just lift off.

[@GreenlifeFin]

I am thinking of using magnets AND tapes? No air.

[@songdemos4010]

Love your content thanks

[@GypsyMe1966]

You don't need anything but eternabond tape to hold a flexible panel. It took me hours to get mine off when I had to change it.

[@wezylinn]

How do you remove the tape if you have to? I want to paint my van in the future, so I'm worried about getting that panel off for that.

[@cocosiz]

how long did you have it taped on there and what kind of weather are you exposed to mostly

[@michaelchownyk5255]

I drilled a hole through the roof and used a 1 inch pipe nipple to act as a bit of a conduit for the wire, and also to prevent water from entering the cabin of the van. The two solar panel wires are 48 V DC open circuit which is quite high for 12 V battery but it doesn’t matter because I’m using the maximum PowerPoint tracking charge controller, which are very common nowadays. I’m using the epever 40 amp controller and that is connected to three lithium ion batteries that charge up to 32 V because they are for a 24 V inverter but the car battery is only 12 V so I bought a little DC to DC converter that can make 70 A of current at 12 V from the higher voltage of the other lithium batteries. I set the little trim pot which is a little rotating dial on the converter to 14.0 V and that way it acts like an electronic alternator for my van.. This has been five years now and I’m never going to repair my alternator and I have tons of power . My solar panel is 230W. I’ve added four more charge controllers in my van with the option to add up to 10,000 W of solar panels so that I will have enough power to run pretty much anything at all including charge my other electric car Good luck

[@musicalmarion]

Kel you're getting too good at this, you did a great job. (Personally I'm just waiting for the next cookery video ! ) I've never been very optimistic about putting stuff on top of my car, because the UK weather is so nasty and I'd worry about someone tampering with it. And I so agree with you about not cleaning unless it's absolutely necessary - just loved that part ! 😀❤🛻

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Marion! Haha, glad you agreed about the cleaning, lol! Yeah, I need to get back to some cooking videos!

[@baileyforbes7836]

How flimsy are the bendable panels? Would using standoffs and self tapping screws for the eyelets work? And then maybe use some locktight or silcon around the screws. My biggest worry is how itll effect stealth camping. I have a low car so they would be easy to see

[@wezylinn]

I've seen others screw it on.

[@timmusician5060]

I was going to use industrial Velcro

[@jimparker871]

You might also want to consider using ShadeStoper panels. Most solar panels on the market lose up to 90% of their output when there is shade on any portion of the panel. The ShadeStopper panels, on the other hand, apparently continue to produce power when partially shaded. Several 3rd-party videos show "conventional" 100W panels dropping from 85-90 Watts output (unshaded) to

[@happynapper1234]

hi there thanks for this, I am in New Zealand, and very confused not because I live in New Zealand lol but do I need a controler as some here are selling a 100watt solar panel and some do have a controler and some do not, I cant seem to find the other video you talk about regarding this stuff thank u

[@samchin3531]

Looks like the side has opening gap to cool down the panel but could potentially be debris dirt lodge in there? Also strong wind might lift the panel up with the gap?

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Sam! Yeah, it might get dirty. I don't think a cross wind will lift it though.

[@artsteadman2230]

3M doesn't recommend using VHB for adhering solar panels

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for the tip! Some others have been using it.. we'll see how it holds up!

[@conniewaite1371]

Will the panals survive a car wash?

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Connie! I think it would be ok in a self- wash (think heavy rain storm). But I wouldn't take it in anything with automated rollers.

[@goodcitizen1611]

Can you take these panels thru a car wash?

[@minivancampergal1554]

No, I wouldn't recommend it. They're fine for a heavy rainstorm, but the rollers might damage something

[@AboutAwesome]

has anyone tried installing it on a roof rail with extrusion?

[@dalecleveland144]

Has anyone ever tried putting one of the flexible panels on a Thule cartop carrier? Just wondering if it would be doable or are the dimensions of the panel too large for the carrier? I like the idea of removing the solar panel and cartop carrier when I'm not camping.

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

What happens when the panel needs to be replaced? Will it tear off the paint? This is very helpful as are all your videos.

[@minivancampergal1554]

If I'm just replacing the panel, I'll just cut it off, and tape over the old tape. If I have to completely remove it, then I'll use Goo Gone, and pray to the gods, lol.

[@hoists1829]

Great video👍👍👍 How could we contact you?

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! You can email me at [e-mail]

[@samserious1337]

How is your 200W renogy panel holding up? Is it delivering 180W+ under perfect conditions?

[@SueUTube]

Do you worry the permanent mount will entice vandals to mess with it? And will you keep your starlink antennae permanently mounted as well? Thanks

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Sue! THe panels are great because you can barely see them. Yeah, it might bring some unwanted attention, but it would be REALLY hard and messy to get them off. That tape is serious business. My starlink will be removable.

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

You mentioned several tapes

[@stephenkirk1222]

Thank you!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephenkirk1222]

I really enjoy your relaxed approach to your videos. Your smile is infectious and your content extremely helpful and interesting.❤

[@sixofhgr]

Million Dollar Smile. You could sell ice 🧊 to an eskimo with that smile.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, this made me laugh. Thanks!

[@UNITEDUNIONOFALLWORKER]

Can AC of the car can be run on that much solar panel of the car roof ??

[@anthonybiancone3780]

The A/C of the car is powered by the engine via a belt driven compressor. It is NOT an electrically powered A/C. So, NO!

[@StevefromOhio1972]

Hi Kelly, You did a good job with the install, at least you didn't install a glass panel up there. LOL. That's a good flex panel you installed. I think it has the best warranty of all the flex panels on the market. Now, wasn't all the hard work of installing the batteries and the panel worth it? I think the answer is yes! The smile on your face says it all. I think your system will pay for itself over time and the LifePo4 batteries should last a good long while. I am sure you will enjoy a lot of free, clean energy in the years to come. Enjoy! Steve.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Steve! Yeah, I've been loving the panel on my trips so far!

[@cgordon3370]

With technology changing so fast in power and price in my opinion it does not matter which one you go with

[@ingalway]

I want to add a flexi panel to the roof of my car but am concerned about the damage to the roof when/if I need to take it off if selling the car at any time. Has a anyone ever taken one off without any damage?

[@agr8h2o]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@minivancampergal1554]

Woah! You're fast! Haha, thanks for being such a fan!

[@artsteadman2230]

Sikaflex

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, I've heard that stuff is good!

[@jeanettesuzannebrooks1963]

You tickle me. I can’t help but laugh with you, and it’s a challenge to concentrate. Get serious, Jenny!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ha! Thansk Jeanette! I appreciate the feedback!

[@jsion8]

To much talk 👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@VINZBROWN]

Are you angry? Who hurt you?😢