KickAss 170w Fixed Solar Panel Install and Review

KickAss 170w fixed solar panel installed with KickAss mounting kit onto canopy. Panel charges via a RedArc 25amp BCDC Core charger which is connected to a 120ah AGM battery (soon to be lithium).
Panel Specs
Size: 1315mm x 692mm x 35mm
Weight: 10.4kg
Power: 170w
Voltage: 18.46v
Current: 9.2amps

[@GrabLifeByTheGourlays]

Awesome installation mate! I'm thinking of getting the same panel for top of the Y62 to keep the battery topped up while the fridge is on 24/7!

[@rialed.ventures]

Thanks mate! I've installed a few now, they're a good size in terms of dimensions and power output. I don't think you'd have any issue running the fridge continuously

[@1800dontcare]

Very nice installation and very clean too! Something similar I would do but on the trailer direct to the battery in the future

[@rialed.ventures]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback. It's maintained it's output almost a year on, very happy with the panel

[@1800dontcare]

Been looking into it a bit but still some reading up to do but yea panels on trailer doors (that lift up so they can charge the batteries while driving as well and while on the camp site so no need for 240v charger it’s always charged

[@trenttorrence9561]

Nice work and it looks good. Perhaps more detailed install steps would be beneficial to viewers. I like the results from the install.

[@rialed.ventures]

Thanks mate. What other details would you have liked to see?

[@scottmanson-dp8un]

Great video I agree with the last comment it would be great for us beginners to show what items used to fix panel to roof of Ute even the type of wire stripper used crimping tool, things of that detail you do such a tidy job it’s a pleasure to watch and I guess if I have the tools and the bits and pieces to try copy what you show us great work keep it going

[@rialed.ventures]

@@scottmanson-dp8un thanks for the feedback mate, I might do a rundown of all the tools and accessories that I've found helpful. Cheers

[@jasethejewman]

Nice vid mate so this will keep my 120ah lithium battery full charge like how it's black powder finish also ...also running a 25amp redarc. What's the charge time and size battery and type in the install?

[@rialed.ventures]

The charge time will depend on a few things, like weather conditions, time of day, as well as the state of the battery and discharging rate. He's using a 100ah AGM at the moment, but will upgrade to a 120ah lithium shortly. Running an upright fridge, charging devices and 12v oven, the battery has never been below 80%

[@georgepleasance]

Hi. Can I use the install kit on the 250 watt panels. I am planning to install 2 x 250 watt panels with a 40 amp MPPT regulator. Can I also connect my portable solar panels onto my 2 x 120 amp hour AGM batteries at the same time. George.

[@rialed.ventures]

Those installation brackets should suit any fixed solar panel, they're easy to install to suit your mounting surface. 500w would be more than sufficient to charge your batteries. If you're using the 40amp MPPT from Kickass then it's max input is 520w (for a 12v system). You shouldn't need to add any additional solar input to your current system. Hope this helps.

[@gablyon4395]

what amps do you get?

[@rialed.ventures]

On the day I installed it I was getting mid 9s, around 3pm in February

[@miguellasala5765]

No sealant?

[@rialed.ventures]

Hi mate, sorry I forgot to show it, but we sikaflexed the base of the rivnuts. No water ingress in the last few months

[@jaysalvaterra1484]

Any water leaks ?

[@rialed.ventures]

None mate, the rivnuts were sealed with Sikaflex