Installing A Second Roof Mounted Solar Panel - It's Easy!

[@gonagain]

More information on this installation: My experience with Sikaflex goes back to my boat repair days and I've never had it let go from fiberglass, wood or metal. This was with 221 and 241 (the difference in those two was the cure time). The 252 seems to be the same in the way it grips. My aluminum roof was naturally etched and the plastic mounts were textured from the factory. A week later we mounted my daughter's panel the same way, but her Renogy mounts were smooth and we sanded them with 80 grit before applying the adhesive.

[@joerabid8313]

I use to buy adhesive and fibreglass epoxy at Smith&Company products for boat repairs. The only thing you need to watch is what screws you use SST is always the best. Can you believe the fancy faucets you buy for your home nowadays with dissimular metals get electrolysis over time.

[@joerabid8313]

What's the air gap between panel and roof on your new setup. The swivel mount is about 3 1/2 air gap under panel.

[@boscodog4358]

Have you had Hail hit your solar panels? Will they with stand the hail

[@justinbarney9542]

This guy is one-of-those-people that could read me the phonebook and I would listen without fail. Great job, love your videos :)

[@gonagain]

Wow, thanks Justin!

[@terririggle6106]

As a car camper, I am using a 500watt Jackery. Will be buying a portable 100watt solar panel…I really enjoy yr videos because you so thoroughly explain the process that even old ladies can understand! 😂

[@gonagain]

When I'm speaking in my videos it's always to those who are just starting out, that way everyone can understand. Thanks for watching Terri!

[@jamesrichardson1326]

Rick you explain things really well.

[@gonagain]

Thank you, James.

[@RetireesHelpingRetirees]

I used the 3M double sides super strong tape to attach my rails ( custom built ) to my adjustable rack that attaches to the rail system that is 3M taped to my roof ( Conversion Van ) I built the system about a year or so ago and it is in the same shape today as it was the day I put it on. I used RV weather seal tape over the seams but that may have been overkill. I did it mainly to make it easy to keep clean... no way that dust or mold can start to gather in the cracks or crevices along the seams. I mounted them so that the longer runs are front to back so wind is not an issue at all. You want to make sure to give yourself some extra cable run... so you can tilt your panels if you go this route... test out the tilts and adjust your cables to length ... I haven't had any issues at all with them. My suggestion for size is.. unless your doing a huge system for whatever reason... a 400 watt setup, with at least 400 amp hours of batteries should do anyone just fine. Well done... and BTW you can pick up a drill set that has the quick connections vs the round that require you to tighten.. ie they work just like the snap in.. ratchet head sockets.... one drill.. issue solved !

[@gonagain]

Thank you for the drill info and also for sharing your use of the 3M tape. I've been using that tape for other things and know that it holds extremely well.

[@jimv.661]

Fun to watch. I put a pair of Renogy (200W) on my cabin with a deep cycle gel battery so I could keep the battery in the cabin. It ran both my 12V lights and my 110V stuff including my instant-on Rinnai hot water heater and computer. It pretty much kept up with everything except for twice on prolonged rainy days. A second battery would have helped. I really liked them so used the same with my RV except I have a pair of deep cycle marine batteries. Since the trailer just sits on the property and I'm not sure I'm keeping the trailer, I hooked the panels together using angled aluminum and just set them out when I'm there. Keeps someone from climbing up and pilfering them.

[@gonagain]

Want to hear something funny? My cabin only has 100 watts of solar but my 6x10 cargo trailer has 400 plus a couple of portable panels. But I do more online work from the trailer and at the cabin it's more of fixing fences and mowing. Hard to beat Renogy panels.

[@jimv.661]

Sounds like you have enough, I like redundancy. Maybe you could sell back to the power company. Ha!

[@jackpinebearcat1845]

Love your set up. We stumbled upon your channel as we were looking for options upon selling our 40 year old heavy, leaky, musty camper we only used one time a year. We bought a 7x14 Aluma and converted. We just got back from our maiden voyage of 2 weeks in the mountains of Wyoming/Montana. Dispersed camping was very full but did a little. We thank you for your videos and ideas. We used your shower idea, extended the air scoop, installed a nuway and got an iceco. All great ideas. Just did our first videos on the build and a final walk thru. Thank you for the info. Happy trails. Jackpine Bearcat.

[@gonagain]

We're glad to hear that it's working out well for you guys. Thanks for watching this channel!

[@jimb5113]

Nice build. Thanks for your video.

[@rlabrune]

Good video! Friendly suggestion - painting your roof white covering the bare metal can make your top cooler even with with it insulated below. I accidentally touched my metal top on a sunny day and got burned. Painted it white, then under the same sunny conditions and I could leave my hand on it and helps keep it cooler below.

[@RVingwithG]

Yep, I put on FIVE coats of that stuff.... then put on 1,005 watts of solar! :)

[@Hovermaster]

Before I saw this post I was thinking the same thing about your roof. I put a roof coat (white) on my cargo camper for heat reflection. If I were to glue a panel down like you did. I would probably sand the footprint areas down to metal to get good adhesion.

[@wrbruce6100]

Outstanding job my friend, you solar panel install was solid. I believe you and Linda could handle any job. Can’t wait to see you back in the wild. Back in the old days we would glue solar panels down with pine sap. LoL take care my friend and stay safe.

[@gonagain]

You had me going for a minute! LOL!

[@erichouser113]

Oh wonderful. Another piece of equipment that you talked me into buying.

[@gonagain]

Sorry Eric.

[@COGirl444]

Nice teamwork!

[@ChuckisOutside]

Good install video. I like the new brackets and adhesive. Much better than more roof penetrations.

[@sharonsteele8915]

Thank you for showing the steps for installation.. very informative..

[@alanjackson4646]

Hi, great vlog as usual. Being a Mechanical Engineer, I am not a great believer in the theory of using glue only. In U.K. and Europe it has been found that abrading both surfaces to be glued improves adhesion. Personally, if I had to rely on glue only, I would drill through the feet of the supports so that some glue ‘oozed’ through the holes to improve surface area contact. Keep safe, Regards from the Solent Coast U.K. AJ

[@everintransit4240]

This is wise advice.

[@gonagain]

I guess we'll find out, but having worked with Sikaflex for years I can vouch for it's tenacity. That stuff doesn't let go.

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

@@gonagain I agree, sikaflex is about the best there is for this kind of application. Having said that, every time you pass an oncoming big rig on a two-lane road, you have a momentary class five hurricane. My worry would not be with the panel itself, it's replaceable. My worry would be that if it came off and went through someone's windshield I would never forgive myself.

[@PlainStraightShooter]

Great job. Good explanation on the extra panels. Lot of people don't look at the simple explanation. If one does the job on a sunny bright day, it will take at least two on a overcast day with even a small rain storm to charge in the same amount of time, well if you lost 50% of the sun for the day that is.

[@ralphp3057]

Great video to look back on ! Thanks Rick . I like the color inside your trailer. You need a impact driver drill . I’ve been using Makita since they invented them ! Thanks

[@gonagain]

I just got one and haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. Great minds think alike!

[@victormeyler222]

What a great video, explaining things very simple and clear to the follow 👍

[@TrainsOhio]

Nicely done.

[@donwest2050]

Love watching yall thank you

[@stuartstuart866]

Nice to have a flat roof so you can mount equipment. I’m looking forward to hearing how it all works in varying weather conditions. Thanks for sharing your install.

[@gonagain]

I'll be keeping a close eye on the adhesive mounts, but I'm not expecting any problems. I'll be sure to report back on it.

[@weswalker1208]

You showed me something new. I had not seen that particular Mount before

[@kennethwilson8633]

Let us know how the glue and plastic mounts hold up over time in a future video please. Have fun you two are great.

[@gonagain]

I'll be checking that regularly and will keep you informed.

[@K9TPT]

Thanks for another great video !

[@ScottSharpe2121]

When you add a panel that’s not the same, the system will operate to the lowest of the two or more panels. So you slightly higher voltage newer panel will only work at the older panels level, that’s why your charge controller was reading the same voltage you were accustomed too. Good video, I am planning my escape and plan on gluing the panels down as well, but thought of using VHB tape, hopefully you’ll do another long term update on the mounting in the future.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for sharing that information Scott. You're right about the voltage and, in my case it's a very small difference so it didn't matter a whole lot, but people need to think about that when mixing panels.

[@ScottSharpe2121]

@@gonagain I hate to be bare or bad news but you're tilted panels going to be negatively impacted by the flat panel because the flat panels voltage is going to be the maximum voltage between the two panels so tilting your other panel going to do you know good now.

[@AllenManor]

Linda at 13:25 made me laugh out loud.

[@irisg447]

That was great, I’ve been searching for a while how to install solar panels without drilling holes. Thanks. Hope to run into you folks in Quartzsite.

[@gonagain]

Be sure to come over and say hi!

[@irisg447]

Just let me know and I will gladly stop by and say Hello. You folks are wonderful. Thanks for all the lessons. Simple and very practical.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Very good and informative video. Thanks for sharing it Rick. JT

[@gonagain]

Thanks JT. I hope your property search is going well.

[@martykong3592]

Great job and share! Thanks MUCH! You and LInda make it look so easy and very well done... at first I though, that is a LOT of solar, but as you point out, if you have an existing panel, and room for another.... All the BEST to both of you and family! Cheers :)

[@gonagain]

Thanks Marty!

[@RVingwithG]

Best job ever! I'd hire you...

[@teresaf5480]

Great ideas 💡👌love it thanks for all the information 😀

[@gonagain]

Thank you Teresa!

[@lawmandod233]

Love your channel!

[@randallwalker8037]

I'm looking to install a propane heater in my trailer and was wondering if you could video your installation. I know you already have it installed but I was specifically looking for the piping and termination that you used. Also the routing of the gas line from the heater. Thanks for your videos. They give me good advice.

[@gonagain]

Hello Randal! I ran the flew through the roof for a previous little woodburner that I had. For this propane stove the manufacturer says that you can go up about 3 feet and then go out through the wall if you want. Here's a video I did on the roof vent: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpSQqJWHh9KEnq8 For a gas line I just used one for a propane grill and brought it up through the floor through a rubber grommet. I hope that helps!

[@ranchsailor721]

Love the channel!💟💟💟 Linda, will you do a video of your slingshot and maybe shooting? Rick, thank you for the teaching videos! Rick, just concerned....you are looking very thin! Too thin = no reserve if you get sick, I know, been there! Steaks you cook over open flame, yum!!! Eat more steaks..lol😀😀 Blessings to you both and your Family! Amen

[@gonagain]

Hello Ranch Sailor! I think I can get Linda to do that video, she's been shooting sling shot all her life and usually hits what she's aiming at. I've been intermittent fasting for the last year and lost 40 pounds. That's two 20lb sacks of flour!! Hard to believe I was carrying that around. I still have 10-15 pounds of reserve around my middle, so I'm good.

[@gailforest5774]

You and Linda make this look easy! Wonder how long before solar panels are standard issue on the roof of new cars? The thin ones with magnetic abilities would definitely be some thing I would try. Take it off before the car wash and put it back when done! Lol. Oh every time I see you too walking through sagebrush or climbing up a rocky mountain side. I'm saying. God please don't let a rattlesnake get them. I'm adding Grizzly to the list. Take care and we'll see you around!

[@gonagain]

We're so careful about that, but have only run into one desert rattler in all these years. Not so with our Montana prairie rattlers and we see those too often. Half the time they don't rattle and you need to see them first.

[@jimb5113]

@@gonagain Carrying a stick seems to help. It doesn't need to be big but it helps if it is long and the longer the better.

[@64MAGA24]

I have a roof rack I want to remove. It serves no purpose except holding my 400 watts of Renogy SPs. Other than that it’s a lot of added weight. I have been looking at ways to attach the SPs without drilling into my roof. I think something like this might work 4 me. Thanks for great and helpful video.

[@cynthiadickey3055]

I wish I had the talents you have and the know how. I enjoy ur video, I have learn a lot form u.

[@gonagain]

I hope you get some information you can use Cynthia!

[@shopart1488]

Nice video very well explained. My only thought is on a travel trailer with their iffy roof and roofing material construction maybe glue and screws would be needed. When you realize IF it would come off it could be deadly to the vehicle following. Cargo trailer with metal roof I would think no problem.

[@gonagain]

Hello Shop Art. I actually trust this more than metal fasteners because my roof beams are aluminum and the wall thickness isn't very thick. I don't trust them to hold a screw and had to through-bolt my first panel and that could lead to leaks. When I got my trailer I glued the roof metal to the roof beams with Sikaflex to keep it from work-hardening from flexing, so that makes the panel mount using adhesive more secure too.

[@shopart1488]

@@gonagain I agree yours will work great especially with the prep work you’ve already done.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Very VERY Good Work. Job Well Done. The 'Dynamic Duo' you guys are For Sure. If I ever Go-Roof-Panel, I know where to get my instructions. Thanks a Bunch. (Funny, but from the angle of you putting-up the S.Panel it looked as though you were Headed to Touch the 'Hot Power Line'. Yikes, I almost thought you were going to get Blasted with Electricity)💥⚡(just an optical elusion) Be Safe and We All hope you Hit the Road Soon. (will be 114°here today. Bracing for a Meltdown)😰 I bought Three mini AC's over a month ago, and No Delivery as yet. Can't figure that one out???? As soon as they arrive, 'I Will Be Gone'. Ouch--!!!--???

[@gonagain]

You'll have them in time for next summer, but that's not good. Yeah, your neighborhood is getting a little warm!

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

@@gonagain YIKERS, I Do Believe you are Correct, it Might take a year. A 'Well-Known' merchant, but Nothing but Blaming Covid, DHL, And the Post Office. My guess is a Slow Boat from China along with Tariff-Wars and the Mutual Love we have for them & they have for us. (but who else will buy their Junk??) Just In: it's Official, 115° Right Now, and 117° predicted for tomorrow. So as I Hide Out Under Cover I started thinking about how someone Jerry-Rigged a Regular Cooler Loaded with ice, and an electric motor phone-in, and Wa-La, Instant Swamp Cooler. Have you ever watched a Vid on this Mini Miracle??? Sorry to bug you Rick. 😰 115°& Nowhere to Go.😱

[@jmbrunson34]

Extremely interested to see how this works out. We are currently planning on using Unistrut to mount our panels - that is bolting the strut thru the roof into the structural members. I am hesitant to use those mounts and adhesive because our roof is sort of a membrane of sheet metal similar to a mobile home. That is to say it is not attached to the metal "Rafters"; it is simply skinned over the top. When it is hot, and the metal expands, (could be tin) you get 60 to 80 thousandths of clearance between the skeleton of the trailer and the roof. I like the dynamic of your method that you did not make more holes in the roof! SanTan solar just opened a warehouse on the East coast. (Savannah) They will allow local pickup.

[@gonagain]

Hello John. The first thing I did when I bought my trailer was to use Sikaflex between the roof beams and the roof skin, adhering them together. I did it to stop the roof from flexing and making noise from wind, but it also made the roof stronger.

[@jmbrunson34]

@@gonagain more food for thought... we have yet to enclose our ceiling.... still able to do that. What are your thoughts on the odor it produces in an enclosed space? When it cures, does it continue to off-gas? or does it become inert?

[@Jixton]

Looks easy enough!

[@777cretbo]

You have a great set up!! We are blessed to watch your work and Vids! Take care >

[@gonagain]

Thank you, 777 Cretbo.

[@danielosterhout1286]

Thanks for another very informative video. Love your channel.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@apajohn2]

Good 👍 teamwork

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

I'm converting at least the front section of my cargo trailer into a camper. I already have a lot of the things I need to do it... the back section will be my tool room/workshop/toy hauler. BTW... my trailer is 8'x24'.

[@gonagain]

That's the exact size of the one we use as a cabin on our property. Lots of room.

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

@@gonagain Maybe we'll have to find some time to share some thoughts on converting and associated ideas.

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

@@gonagain Do you think it would be overkill to install a triple sink in my conversion? (It's one of those sinks with two big full size sinks with the smaller middle sink.) I have an old camper I'm thinking to relocate the stove with an oven into my conversion camper. I'd plumb the smaller center sink with a garbage disposal plumbed to a bucket below for putting into a composter. I also have a six stage water filter plus a double in-line whole house filter for catching any things initially coming into the camper. I can't believe the fantastic deal I got on two sets of six stage filters... lol one set for my mobile home and the other for my camper conversion. I know I'm going a little overboard, but I think I should be able to enjoy the rest of my life. lol I have a 55" smart tv, actually I have two of them. lolol I have ten 400watt solar panels that each one gives a little over 41volts. Plus two wind turbines. One is a horizontal 12v 500w turbine and the other is a vertical 24v 4kw wind turbine. So... I have a total of 8.5kw between all three systems. Is that part of a good start??? lolol I'm going to need to completely fabricate and install my own roof top rack for my solar panel array. I've never heard of anyone using their solar panels to shade the whole trailer, but... that's extremely important when planning the need to cool the camper. It'll be very effective blocking the sunlight from beating down directly on the roof of the camper.

[@Smashhoke]

One thing I rarely hear is how each panel offers shade on your roof too. You create a buffer from the sun that creates electricity at the same time.

[@gonagain]

I never gave that any thought but you're right! This should help whenever we head for Arizona.

[@scottgorman7166]

Captain Kirk to Gonagain "more power". You keep adding those panels your gonna have to add another set of wheels on that rig to carry that weight. You guys aren't thinking of running a tanning booth inside there are you? Great video as usual.

[@gonagain]

That idea would probably make money! Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@leeyoung1367]

Great content as usual ! Thanks

[@bt4b4]

The only issue with the NEWPOWA is the low voltage output.

[@carolinefreeebyrdacw13ly]

Good evening Rick. I have a question for you. Does that 252 adhesive work on fiberglass? I have a retired 1986 E350 ambulance that I'm converting to my campervan and the roof is white fiberglass - the ambu is all original so I don't want to drill any holes in the roof. Also, must one clean the roof with rubbing alcohol or the like to prep the surface for the 252 adhesive? assuming that product is condusive to my ambu roof. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and videos with all of us. Happy and safe travels to you and your family dear sir!!

[@gonagain]

Hello Caroline, yes it will work as long as you do a little prep first. Be sure the fiberglass is clean and wipe those spots down with acetone. Also, sand those spots lightly with 100 grit sandpaper, just to score the surface a bit. That should do it, but make sure the mounts you buy are also prepped the same way.

[@carolinefreeebyrdacw13ly]

@@gonagain Thank you sir. Much appreciated!

[@Chubbydippin]

Another great and helpful segment. Always look forward to what you have to share with us. Curious about a couple things though. With all the vibrations involved with both having a trailer and the off the "paved" beaten path you two travel to, why not use lock nuts and bolts to counter that vibration? Self tappers have a tendency to come loose and or strip even under non vibration type installs? Secondly, did you ever add shocks or more suspension/travel to the axle on the trailer? Thought of it while watching that opening scene driving over those rocks. Not a critique or even questioning complaints, just curious because you've been such a resource of knowledge coming from experience rather than just theories or opinions. You 2 are such a solid team in every respect. Thanks as always for sharing.

[@gonagain]

2 different shops recommended not getting torsion axles when they could have sold them to me. They break and shops have to order the replacement which takes a week to come in. Our trailer is very lightweight and doesn't carry a heavy load so it does bounce quite a bit. We keep things well secured inside.

[@Steve-Goff]

Great install. Looks like there’s just enough room up front for a 3rd panel. LOL

[@gonagain]

And maybe one across the back... lol! I think I have enough, but don't get me started.

[@jimb5113]

@@gonagain Maybe solid solar panels that fold along the sides of the trailer. If the roof doesn't have the square foots, make more. A big panel the size of the rear door seems good. Just stop, flip it out and soak the energy.

[@poppie1414]

Will you always find a replacement panel to fit the brackets once you glue them down ?

[@gonagain]

I guess hat would depend on the company you bought your panel from and whether they stay in business or not. One way you can remove the brackets is with thin piano wire.

[@450rhino1]

Great project. Panels are still $2.00/watt here in CANADA.:(

[@gonagain]

So much for affordable green energy. I just wish they'd open the border back up.

[@jimb5113]

High costs keep panels out of the hands of the commoners. That way only power companies will be able to afford solar, which they will gladly sell you for pennies on the dollar.

[@CharlesButler]

I think this is one the best videos by far on explaining on how to add another panel. Thank you for sharing. Question, what connection did you use to connect your solar setup to your Bluetti to see the battery and solar? I know you can use your solarcharge controller on which I saw but when you used your Bluett i got confused on what connection you used to see the wattage.

[@gonagain]

Oh, good question Charles. The two wires coming down from the roof panels go to my Renogy controller, BUT, I spliced into them just ahead of the controller and those leads have MC4 connectors that I hook my Bluetti up to. I don't get the full wattage because some of the current goes on through the controller to charge the trailer's house battery, run the refrigerator, etc. I'm not sure what others do in this situation, but I'd like to hear their opinions.

[@jolanni7]

I know you chose the Stealth Brand so I'll ask you, are you happy in general about the quality of construction. I am leaning towards Stealth as well for a build out. Thx.

[@bobcole3852]

Nice install! Good helper, especially at that critical placement time. Do you use the app on your phone to monitor your system? I have a Renogy Rover 30 and that thing has a false history in it and shows strange symbols (hieroglyphics? ) on the screen of the controller. Renogy tech support has been totally unuseful and non cooperative about it, for two months now.

[@gonagain]

I didn't get the bluetooth app and I'm not totally satisfied with that controller. It doesn't show how many watts are coming in and the wire connections are very hard to use. One of these days I'll replace it.

[@bobcole3852]

@@gonagain replace it with what? I'm looking at other brands too. I have already told Renogy that I would give them bad reviews everywhere if they didn't send me a replacement. They keep asking for a receipt- I bought it from their site on Amazon, gave them date of purchase and order number but they persist about a receipt. How the ### do you get a receipt when you order something FROM them? Life used to be so easy

[@RV_Tips_Tricks_Travel]

I enjoyed your video very much. I am wanting to add another solar panel to my travel trailer, it has a diflex tpo roof, any idea if the adhesive you used will work on my roof?

[@gonagain]

I wouldn't use the adhesive mounts on a diflex tpo roof unless I also through bolted them as well, just for added security. I saw a video where a panel was screwed, not bolted, to a roof like that, using metal bracket mounts, and it let go on the freeway, so a combination of both might be best using the adhesive mounts and adding some bolts through the roof frames.

[@RV_Tips_Tricks_Travel]

@@gonagain Thanks for the advice. We leave on our first trip out west in October. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah. Hope to see you on the road somewhere. Next spring we plan on looking for some land in Montana for a home base. Safe travels to you and your wife. God Bless.

[@TinyTrailers4BigAdventures]

I'm using 250 watt panels that measure 39" x 65" and weigh 41 lbs.. Would you trust the Sikaflex and the plastic mounts to hold that panel to the roof?

[@gonagain]

I have one that's mechanically fastened and one that is held with adhesive so the jury is still out, but I'm thinking if it were me I'd use the adhesive mounts and put some screws or bolts through the bases just to be safe. I'm betting that these mounts are going to work fine and I personally am not aware of any failures.

[@TinyTrailers4BigAdventures]

@@gonagain Thank you. I've been mechanically fasteing tbem until now. I like the idea of no holes in the roof, but the thought of a 4p lb panel flying off and takjng someone's vehicle out gives me the heebie jeebies. I follow your progress and see how you fare.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

I appreciate being able to remove the panel from the mounts, but who says the next panel will be the dame dimensions? Doubling the solar watts is a good reason for over-sizing solar controller and making sure wire gauge is enough.

[@popatop75]

mind if i ask what do you operate with the 400 watts, can i use a 2000 inverter and run a microwave ?? thanks learning this stuff ps would you need two bateries

[@gonagain]

With 200 watts and two deep cycle batteries you could easily run a 2000 watt inverter to operate your microwave. There are lots of different set-ups you can use, like one big lithium battery or a couple of golf cart batteries, but you see what I mean. I run our refrigerator, lights, charge numerous batteries and spend long hours on a power hungry laptop.

[@popatop75]

@@gonagain thank you

[@tracymeskel2839]

Did you hook those up in parallel or series?

[@gonagain]

I hooked them up in parallel.

[@georgehayduke6717]

I was told a mppt controller improves solar by 30% is that true?

[@gonagain]

Hello George, I don't know if 30% is correct, but I do know that MPPT controllers are more efficient than the older PWM controllers.

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

George, it really depends on the system. You won’t see 30% performance increases with a single 100 watts panel, but where MPPT shines is when you have two or more panels wired in n series. In that scenario you would have 72 volts for 4-100 watt panels and the MPPT controller converts the excess voltage into more amperage where a PWM controller dissipates that energy in the form of heat. You get better performance with multiple panels even if they are in parallel. Parallel panels do better if one panel is shaded and series does better in full sunlight. But again PWM isn’t a bad solution for small single panel systems.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

There are certain very narrow conditions where a good MPPT SCC can produce up to (around) 30% more. But, like Endless stated below, the panels should be in series (within the voltage limits of the specific controller) to reap the benefits of what it can do. So, this claim does contain an element marketing hype. What they won't tell you that if you are charging FLA, a good PWM can produce more watts at the end of the charging cycle, since it doesn't have conversion loss like MPPT. If the difference in cost between MPPT and PWM (a good PWM) is significant, it is possible to add another panel to the PWM system and have more power per dollar. No one is talking about that.

[@edbaker4260]

Is it necessary to screw at least one panel down or could you use adhesive on both panels, and are they in series or in parallel?

[@gonagain]

Hello Ed, you can use adhesive on both panels of you like. I always hook them up in parallel for my needs, which raises the amperage but keeps the voltage the same as a single panel.

[@rebelyell1580]

I was told that 252 would not bond to plastic very well - Is your experience different (I take it it is....) ?

[@stuartstuart866]

I’m wondering if drilling holes in the plastic mounts would allow the adhesive to ooze through, mechanically locking it in place.

[@gonagain]

We'll find out. My experience with Sikaflex goes back to my boat repair days and I've never had it let go from fiberglass, wood or metal. This was with 221 and 241 (the difference in those two was the cure time). The 252 seems to be the same in the way it grips. My aluminum roof was naturally etched and the plastic mounts were textured from the factory. A week later we mounted my daughter's panel the same way, but her Renogy mounts were smooth and we sanded them with 80 grit before applying the adhesive.

[@tedjones112]

that 124 watts was both panels or just the new one ? do you have batteries or just the power stations you are charging ?

[@gonagain]

I should have been clearer, because the power from the solar panels (2) is split between the power station and the in-house battery. The actual wattage was more like 250watts, but it was divided before it reached the portable power station.

[@tedjones112]

@@gonagain Thanks - have you done an electrical overview video of your trailer ? or SamuraiMomma's ? Solar and 12 volt and 120 ? what lights, outlets etc? are battery and power pack seperate and each run certain things ? what type of electrical system will SamuraiSisters' trailer have ?

[@markhopper4600]

You can never have too much lighting on a tractor at night or solar panels on a trailer you occupy as a home....

[@gonagain]

I can see that. I've never driven my tractor at night, but I'd want plenty of light! You must be a farmer to know that.

[@billmitchell7731]

Big like my friend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@gonagain]

Thank you Bill!

[@gregoutdoors7]

👍🏻😎

[@georgehayduke6717]

Started with one LP tank. One panel. One battery . One pipe birth . Now 2 , 2, 2, 2, am I seeing a pattern?

[@gonagain]

You know what they say George, you can't stop progress. Actually, the nice thing about these cargo trailers is that you can modify them to your hearts content.

[@Yukonjackman1]

Remember you all 200 watts for us isn't 200 watts we are in the real world not a lab.

[@gonagain]

Yep, and you can expect quite a lot less on a normal day.

[@chrissubleski200]

400 watt capacity only producing 126 watts...Why is that good?

[@gonagain]

Actually, that isn't the wattage coming in, but is just what that solar charger was accepting. The circuit is shared downline of my connection, and it was also a hazy day.

[@chrissubleski200]

@@gonagain Well I have 600 watts but can only produce about 300 on a great day. Didn't know if that was normal.

[@denaredford6701]

Why did you decide to leave and go traveling ? Is this a vacation or a life style change ? Are you and your wife retired ?

[@gonagain]

Hello Dena, we have always set off on adventures since we got married 47 years ago. Starting with a VW bus and a trip down into Mexico, or a sailboat that we took to the South Pacific and back and thousands of road trips across our nation. We're retired and have a home base to come back to but leave for extended trips often. It's not a lifestyle change for us though, because we just always did these things. Our main focus for our channel is to encourage others to get out and have fun too!

[@jeffreykropp7664]

Never heard anyone complain that they have too much solar.....

[@gonagain]

My thought exactly.

[@zenoist2101]

People will be transitioning themselves into solar panels next year. A bit of plastic surgery , Job done!

[@gonagain]

Well, we do turn sunlight into vitamin D, so we're almost there!