Installing Renogy 400 Watt Solar Panels and DIY Solar Roof Rack On Our Van - Van Build Ep 26

[@summerhaag1898]

*The solar **Generater.Systems** E300 is a great product . It does everything well. Great job, Jackery.*

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Battle Born has a 10 year warranty!

[@TeutonicNordwind]

New sub here. Nice job on the roof! Mrs Mathers is very beautiful.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!!

[@phild1160]

So glad I watched your video. I had the roof passthrough in my amazon cart and changed it when I watched your comment about wishing you had one with holes. I had the same one as you in my cart. TY

[@2sherrymoore]

I have been considering 80/20 but was somewhat intimidated by their website. I can’t thank you enough for all your videos! Being on the “older” side of van life these videos have given me the confidence to do my build! I really appreciate all the details! Great job!!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I hear ya there Sherry with 80/20’s website it’s not the easiest to navigate! Thanks for the positive comment, if we can build a van so can you! Let us know if you have any questions if ya decide to use 80/20

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Really nice setup. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@tomsweeney5664]

Awesome you and your Dad working together! Your blessed

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Tom, really appreciate it!

[@tomsweeney5664]

Pure genius with the tape to clean up shavings

[@perrychancenyc]

Just got the package and 10% off thanks to you guys! Appreciate the help! Stay safe out there~

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Stoked!!! You’re welcome Perry!

[@rokyerefinsoxoff]

Well done. One of the best videos on this subject. Thanks.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!!

[@RJGilman1967]

My fav series so far. Thanks for the details and explanations - the best.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

You got it Robert thanks for watching!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Keep pumping these videos out, seriously love the details 👍

[@LastNameTom]

We just finished installing our solar and used this as our directions. Thanks!!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Awesome and thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@stefaanb.9744]

Love the details your giving ✌🙏😀

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!

[@KRB84]

Thanks guys! Team Mathers

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks for watching Ross!

[@lylestavast7652]

toodeloo... nice outtro :) You do neat work guy ...

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha thank you!

[@pamtyer7297]

Hi there great video would it be possible for you to post a few more pictures of what the rack looks like sitting up there with your fan and everything it’s just it’s hard to perceive because it seems so large the amount of panels.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you! Yes I am working on a blog post showing more pictures once it’s done I’ll add a comment and add it to the description too!

[@kronald007]

Your videos are awesome! I just bought a 2014 Sprinter and backup camera was first task-done just like yours! You video for that was spot on. Insulation is next task. Fans too. Did you do a loads analysis to determine your panel size etc?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!! 400w was the most I could fit on the roof without sacrificing the deck! Haha. Best of luck with your build

[@marcusallenyt]

Hey, great job . im going to do the same with the 80/20 for my roof rack .

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I'd recommend it, it's really sturdy. However, if I were to do 5 100 watt panels I would add an additional bracket in the middle of the roof rack for additional support. Good luck with yours!

[@marcusallenyt]

I was thinking about adding an additional rail for stability I’d like to know how it rides long-term with you

[@slartibartfast7921]

Great video mate, very useful

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Mark! Appreciate it!

[@garynealon6060]

i Guys, Came across your KZbin videos, they are great and vey informative and in turn led me to your website again its fantastic . I'm Gary and live near the bonny banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland . Myself and my wife Julie will soon be undertaking a Van conversion in a Citroen Realy L4 H3. I was wondering if you have created a list of the stages at which you done the tasks a tick sheet so to speak. Your van looks amazing if I manage to to do the conversion as well as you have I will be well chuffed. Thanks in anticipation of your reply Gary

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Gary! We don’t have a sheet like that but the videos are in similar order to how we built the van (not exact but close). Best of luck with your build! Scotland is on our list

[@garynealon6060]

@@MathersOnTheMap Hi thought they were, thanks for taking the time to reply, if you ever make it here give me a shout and i'll give you a list of all the hidden gems on the West Coast, Cheers Gary

[@higbeedoug]

Great vid&stuff. Subscribed.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Douglas really appreciate the support!!!

[@edbaker4260]

Might consider using silkaflex as an adhesive and sealant, it is used in the boating industry very strong and waterproof.

[@studiomanagement4862]

Thanks for your video, great. You said the battery was at 100%, so is it an issue if there is charge from the solar panels still arriving?? Probably a stupid question but I know nothing !🙂

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Great video! Are you happy with your renogy panels so far? I just uploaded a video installing mine

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Yes!!! Love them! Especially when it’s sunny haha

[@NYCamper62]

How has the weBoost Drive Reach been working out? I've had the Wilson (now weBoost) Sleek 4g for years still going.

[@PictureMeFree]

Thanks for all the awesome videos! I’m getting ready to mimic your solar roof setup, and I was wondering: do you think one can get by with this same setup minus the 2 length-wise 80/20 pieces? OurKaravan only used 2 pieces of 80/20 across the short ends of his 1 panel, but I’m also using (4) 100 watt panels, like you. Do you think you needed the 2 side support pieces of 80/20, or could they be left out? Thanks in advance!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Since it’s multiple panels like mine, not one solid one I would definitely recommend the pieces along the length. If it just one panel like ourkaravan you’d be fine. Even though ya bolt them together I wouldn’t rely on it easpecially with the vibrations on the road

[@PictureMeFree]

@@MathersOnTheMap ok, thanks!

[@libertybell144]

I ran across your video while taking a break from putting together my own 8020 roof rack. YOu didn't list the hole saw kit in your tools used. Can you tell me which brand you have?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Joanna I got mine from harbor freight!

[@mikedalbec8490]

Are you using one battery with this kit?

[@timdey9407]

Awesome video, was the four panels enough for your power use once on the road ?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Yea but we also have an isolator, I would recommend having both

[@radu98012]

Do you need a gap between panels for expansion with heat? Did you have any problems?

[@annacoburn4608]

when you put the brackets up for the roof "beams" did you secure the screws from the inside as well? The reason I ask is because I am trying to add my solar panels kind of backwards and have already installed the ceiling. There is space in the left rear corner to run the wires that I left but am worried about the custom "roof rack" I plan to install wont be secured from the inside...Thank you for all your videos!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Anna I’m not sure if I’m getting your question right, the roof rack is secured into the roof rails, which is one of the first things I did on the van after installing the windows. Is that what your asking? Sorry if I’m not getting it!!!!

[@Merlinsluck]

Great video! I am ordering the same kit. Would you know off hand what the finished measurement is for the panels with the 80/20 frame?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Richard! Not sure exactly, but according to the notes in the description my measurements for the 8/20 were 46" by 78.5" however the 46" pieces extend beyond the panels onto the brackets. I would just take the measurement of the panel + 1.5" + 1.5" (each side of the 80/20) and you have your width. If you're buying the renogy kit, make sure to use our coupon code to save 10% off "MATHERSONTHEMAP" !!!

[@tootintoph6503]

Great job! Just subbed. Maybe I missed it but did you wire for series or parallel? Or series-parallel? Can’t decide on what’s best. Thanks!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Series!! That’s what renogy recommends for 400watts with renogy rover

[@LastNameTom]

Did you order the frames to the exact size of the solar panels or did you add some wiggle room?

[@pinay56]

So what was the purpose of just hooking up the battery and solar panel? In most cases the house batteries are hooked up to the main battery, then hooked up to solar panels. Or am I wrong in assuming that you're going to be just using the current from the single lithium battery to power the back of the rig?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I was just testing it out, check out my electrical overview video for our setup!

[@joshualeffler]

I would of gone with flex panels. 2 of the 300w panels. Would take up less space on the roof.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Wait for our upcoming setup👌🏻👌🏻

[@Sam-mx2pi]

I just bought the 400W Premium package. My big confusion is the 10A in-line fuse that was included. Why only 10 amp? Each of the 4 panels puts out 20V & 5A. If I wire them in parallel, I'd be possibly pushing 20 amps. Maximum Series Fuse Size Rating on the back of the back of each panels say it is 15A. Are these panels meant to be wired in series only? What am I not understanding? Can I wire in parallel and just use a 25A (20 x 1.25) fuse Thanks!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Sam, I am no expert when it comes to wiring in parallel as I wired in series and didn't need to dig into it. I'd recommend calling Renogy with this question. Sorry I couldn't offer more help

[@south-west-drones]

Without wanting to pry too much, how much would you roughly advise to put a side for the entire conversion of this quality?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

For a build similar to ours you’ll be looking at around 20k. You can certainly do it cheaper if ya wanted to but we opted for the best quality materials as much as we could. I am going to create a video documenting the entire costs once were done

[@brianbadgley1478]

Hey Kevin, I purchased the same solar panels as you and am following you video. @ minute 8:50 Taylor is screwing in the big bolt into the 80/20 alluminum. My bolt does not fit into the center of the 80/20, it is slightly too big. Did you run into this problem? thanks for the help!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Brian, I didn't have a problem are you using the rack mount kit as us?

[@dattan3473]

👍👍👍

[@johntatman9168]

Did the "shark fin bracket" come from 80/20?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Haha! Nope i got it off eBay, I put a link in the description for your reference. It is designed for 80/20 though!

[@mikemishreki5623]

I’m debating on adding solar panels on mine. Have you found it necessary during your travels?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I would definitely recommend them, less need for isolator which will help keep the alternator alive!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Also if you’re parked for an extended spot in the middle of no where it’s nice not having to turn the engine on!

[@mikemishreki5623]

Thank you for the reply. I think I’ll plan for it then.

[@ileanapineiro3999]

Hi guys, you have listed 46” 1515-LS-Black T-Slot & 78.5” 1515-LS-Black T-Slot but the link is the same for both of them. Could you please provide the part No for the 46” 1515-LS-Black T-Slot or provide the link to it? I couldn't find it in amazon. Thanks.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Lleana, It’s the same piece just different measurements. You can get exact measurement cuts on 8020’s website!

[@ileanapineiro3999]

@@MathersOnTheMap Thank you!

[@johnnyzhang8085]

Where did you get the brackets that attach the 80/20 to the roof?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

eBay!

[@kanehutchinson4118]

Do you know the size of bolts which go into the 80/20 are? Wondering what size have the end taps sized for. Thank you.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hey Kane, yep the links in the description M8 x 16mm!

[@kanehutchinson4118]

@@MathersOnTheMap sweet thanks didn't know if those related to end taps. Thank you for the help

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Kane Hutchinson oh you’re talking about end caps? Still M8 but I think they sell end caps for each 8020 series? Which in this case is 1515

[@MrJFoster1984]

Can you use household solar panels because some manufacturers do 375watts in a single panel?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I don't see why not just make sure your charge controller can handle the panel.

[@MrJFoster1984]

@@MathersOnTheMap That is what I thought, higher watt output and probably cheaper cost

[@carlosmorales885]

Inverter???

[@ironeagle22a]

Are you an electrician by trade? You seem to know a lot about electric.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Nope learned it all during the van build!

[@tomsweeney5664]

Thank you can you email me the parts list and is there a number to order80/20

[@MathersOnTheMap]

It should be in the description!!!

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

I thought Eminem was short?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Hahaha 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@alsemi-back-up579]

TURN YOU INTRO MUSIC DOWN!!!!!!! GOOD WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE GO DEAF!!!!!!!