Best Solar Panel for Overlanding? Cascadia 4X4 Hood Solar

[@canyonoverland5003]

In November 2019, Tom and Dave installed this for me on my Tacoma back when they still had their shop in Vancouver. I was just as happy then with the solar panel as I am now.

[@jeffjennison]

I drive a 3rd gen taco and am very interested in this product, look forward to an update after you’ve put it through its paces. Thanks for sharing ✌🏻

[@terristenacious2279]

I'm praying for you to recover from this traumatic event. Much ❤️

[@jfloydsea]

I’ve had the Cascadia 4x4 100w panel on my JK’s hood for a year now and pretty happy with it. I wish the MPPT charge controller displayed the amount of watts the panel was outputting, or had Bluetooth monitoring. Otherwise pretty happy with it. FYI They’re not joking in the instructions when they say to get someone to help with the vinyl application. You really need someone else for a few minutes.

[@kevinhood9781]

? I did the vinyl myself was really really easy. Unroll the vinyl and put the solar panel on it for a day or 2 to flaten it out. Spray soap water on hood. Unpeel the vinyl a little bit and spray soap water on it. Unpeel about 1 or 2 inches of vinyl off the paper and apply it to the hood. Unpeel the rest of vinyl from paper while spraying soap water. Get it centred and use the squeegie. Let dry and done. I thought would need 2 people but1 person can do it easy

[@phiromtauch6059]

You could get a volt meter connected to the input from your solar cables

[@jfloydsea]

@@phiromtauch6059 sure there’s lots of ways to add this functionality. I just wish it was built into the MPPT charger

[@phiromtauch6059]

@@jfloydseatrue

[@chrisunderhill8853]

please forgive me, I am totally stunned by how much you are into this! I think its totally rad you know so much how all the things work. Cheers and thanks for the vod and info!

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Well .... the lady just got a new hair style, looks stunning and she is simply beaming - we all see her happy enthusiasm, dats why we're here. :)

[@keeganrasmussen977]

So stoked! My panel got here and I'm mounting it this weekend and wiring it next I'm hoping

[@MoreDirtMoreDistance]

Great video! I installed the panel on my Gladiator a few months ago and have been happy with it.

[@ALLGODSDIE]

Her saying it's 24 page's and basically being rude..it embarrassed me listen her say that in front of them dudes.. Goes to show you 99.9% women need a man..

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

New hair, girl don't care, nothing is gonna bring her down to chat about electrical connectors! Great energy Monique :)

[@J.Young808]

I first saw this panel watching LLOD when Mike put it on his Tacoma.

[@Yaboyyyjamess]

Great video. I recently purchased this product and still need to install it, so I'm glad to see your video..great timing!

[@samhaveaguess4284]

This setup looks bloody amazing.. I would say it actually makes the car look better as well .. Only thing i would like is to have it further up the bonnet so there is not as much cable on the bonnet.. Other than that it look great ..Love to know if your getting the full output of the panel..

[@desertrat3125]

Seen your story and purchased my own system. Thanks for the heads up.

[@Jjanssoni]

I'm absolutely blown away how beautiful you are inside and out😍 So wonderful to watch your journey👌

[@Nickwillfixit]

I am with you all the way, I could listen to her intro voice all day long, smitten yep. I was going to ask her to one day read from her favourite novel or poems just to listen to her when I turn my night light off or listen while turning wrench's in my workshop instead of inane radio celebrities. I would love to join her for a month or two to see all she see's.

[@FRWD_FXLRST]

Simps

[@AW-Services]

Your hair looks beautiful Monique. Now I've seen you in this video it's stunning 😍 YES... she said bonnet to keep us British happy 🇬🇧 3M VHB is amazing tape

[@OverlandLady]

Haha i use both, bonnet and hood.

[@Veteran22out]

I enjoy your videos keep them coming until next time be safe

[@pmchuoy]

Great video! Thinking of getting one for my rig

[@charlespowell4583]

Very interesting product. Thank you!

[@clericduran]

That's so funny I was just about to buy one of those I'm just going to wait for the hundred watt to come out thanks

[@OverlandLady]

Yeee get that extra 10W😛

[@2-old-Forthischet]

No solar for me (for now anyway). Full hook ups at an RV park for the trailer while we explore during the day. On the off chance we need portable power, Honda to the rescue. That's why I drive a full size cargo van.

[@r.c.g.811]

It’s on my list… but has been out of stock for my Tundra for the last few months.

[@polarwireless]

That's funny when people say solar panels are less efficient when they get hot I have been using panels for 20 years and the hotter they get the more power I get out of them. The panel I have on my roof rack is a 75 watt but I have seen a peak of 90 watts out of it.

[@gwot]

I don't know much about solar panels... but this is the first time i heard that the hotter it gets the less efficient it is... I feel like people get confused by the solar panel generating heat due to the inefficiency of the panel itself, not that it lessens efficiency due to heat.

[@Tore_Lund]

Hoods don't get hot, or more precisely the engine compartment does not. I drove around with a thermometer there to measure the effect of exhaust wrap, and the moment you start moving temperature s drop to ambient and only increase slightly at idling.

[@WhatsThatsmell69]

Too bad it’s an actual fact that PV cells lose efficiency as their temperature increases…What’s funny is that you think you know what you’re talking about!

[@WhatsThatsmell69]

@@gwot You’re the one that’s confused, its basic 5th grade science … just like all semi conductors PV cells become less efficient as the temperature increases above their “sweet spot”!

[@WhatsThatsmell69]

@@Tore_Lund Sorry to burst your bubble but engine bays get extremely hot, you really think a 100+ degree Celsius block of metal isn’t going to increase the temperature of the surrounding area? Geez you 3 are poster child’s on how dumb the human race as a collective is becoming..

[@BorisEkner]

A heck of a good idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@custard310]

Dope video I'm definitely getting one soon I just order a eco flow delta just need the solar now, I'm from the states but I know that area looks like Downtown Squamish or brackendale

[@4weeksleave]

Awesome idea! Love it

[@Larrypint]

Looks solid built and effizient but can you regularly wash your car like before? Looking for a new solar panel for my ecoflow pro powerstation. Greetings from Germany

[@phoenixflower1225]

this is so awesome - I just came across this

[@PaulMcCabe]

Hair looks great…..gorgeous 😍

[@betzaidavazquez5579]

Great Info, and Nice video . Thanks for sharing 💗🚙🌟👍

[@krismiller5474]

Looking at getting one for my FJ!!

[@richardredwood8880]

LOVE YOUR HAIR ❤💯🔥

[@AZTLANSOLDIER13]

Your hair looks awesome!

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

run wires thru the center brake light with out drilling holes

[@robertduffy5805]

So, after a year of use would you still recommend this? Did you have any issues? Will you put one on your new vehicle?

[@rockie307]

When the optima goes out which usually dont take long try northstar. I had horrible luck with optima swapped to northstar its been a beast going on 4 years now its my cranking and accessories battery got 200 watts of solar my fridge will run forever.

[@jaypikachu6660]

Are you interested build the Lithium battery and 120v Transformer setup yourself? Watch this guy DIY solar power with Will Prowse.

[@terristenacious2279]

Wow, game changer on the hood solar panel. How much did it cost?

[@jeffgoldsmith1679]

Love the new doo! I'd like to find a lithium battery for inside the rig somewhere, then figure a way to runs feeds in and out without looking ghetto and finally a way to charge it.

[@mikegz83]

Dope thanks for this one 🔋🔌🌞😎

[@Nickwillfixit]

Looking good girl yep a good job done. I thought it was going to be magnetic, as I have a panel that is held by magnetic strips and additional magnets at each corner never lost it off the roof while driving and I can move it to any panel in direct sun.

[@flash1250]

Did you build that by yourself?

[@Nickwillfixit]

@@flash1250 Yes I bought a cheap flexible panel removed the frame and added the magnet fixing's half an hour while watching wild geese start their winter migration

[@flash1250]

@@Nickwillfixit Do you have a video on how to do that? Or can you upload a detailed how to do guide? Is that possible? Would be great :-)

[@leadfarmer5035]

Just picked up That sweet ass fleece with your 100 series on it. I myself have a 100 series plan on covering the backseat with it. Using it when it’s cold. Hopefully it’s good quality.?!thanks

[@bilguungantumur6]

Awesome that is

[@claytonmadox]

How is it holding up so far? Thanks!

[@OverlandLady]

it had a short life since I rolled my cruiser (write off) after a few months. But for the time I had it, it's been lovely. Sold it to someone and still working like a charm.

[@claytonmadox]

@@OverlandLady Thanks for the reply, sorry about your rig.

[@beardymanadventuresnz]

Hair looks great 👍

[@mjijcctv8233]

Brilliant Ideas

[@MyPeacock1]

Very cool!

[@TakeCareTV]

Wonder how reliable that mounting system is in extreme cold. Up here in Alberta, Canada we could easily have -35 Celsius. Then what happens when the engine bay heats up ?

[@darylehayward5155]

Luv the hair! you're gorgous as ever.

[@merritts3515]

It gets hot, my brother in christ solar panels are in the direct sun for hours

[@FL-gg4dq]

D does this charge the 12v or the lithium driving battery

[@charlietemple8090]

Good idea on solar panel...but what happens in a hail storm?

[@Living_in_the_silver_lining]

Awesome build sorry about the accident. I hope you are back up and running soon enough. I have a question regarding the connection between the mppt charger to your eco flow power station. How did you make that connection since it is charger to power station and not the mc4 to the connection on eco flow.

[@OverlandLady]

I plug the ecoflow to my car 12v. The cascadia solar panel charges the car battery which supports the 12v. the 12v plug in the trunk is constant on.

[@westernwanderer8397]

Pretty cool, but they only make a measly 65 watt panel for my Discovery. I think they could make the one for mine bigger, there is plenty more room on my hood. Might get one anyways. .

[@joeestrada113]

Did it perform like you wanted it to? I wanted to add some small panels to charge my BLUETTI 200max while I’m working during the day.

[@OverlandLady]

works great. my battery was never flat. I use air fryer to cook so it does eat a lot of battery. The trickling power suply is always charging. bluetti 200 is not very big so it wont take long to charge up.

[@boblyman1]

Hi Monique, I know you had that hood mounted solor panel on your former rig. I wanted to know how the panel worked out for you after some time used. Would you do it again? Take care!

[@OverlandLady]

I would do it again. Maybe in my next cruiser that i’m keeping

[@UporaFilms]

You sound like a belter!

[@mickeyblackice3694]

Awesome I like 👍

[@ilove2explore]

Why did you use their mppt controller when you have the bcdc?

[@OverlandLady]

I already have renogy 100W wired to the bcdc. I can potentially wire the hood solar to the renogy solar and together goes into bcdc. But their kit is plug and play using mc4. (I hate wiring) And i was told it’s best not to wire up different panels together. So now their controller feed into crank battery which will also charge secondary battery thru bcdc

[@ilove2explore]

@@OverlandLady i didn’t realise the new controller feeds into the start battery, that’s a good way to do it. Just be careful, if the second battery was run down after a few days of rain and then the sun starts shining, the regulator could boost the voltage of the start battery enough for the bcdc to kick in flattening your start battery, as the bcdc will pull heaps more than the bonnet solar is putting in , I know Andrew St Pierre White encountered this several times before he worked out what was going on.

[@anthonysholars4782]

AGM Battery with inverter or powerstation or Generator dual fuel or propane generator, what would you recommend for a truck In the woods?

[@mrsteel10213]

I wonder if they have anything for range rover classics?

[@goopgear]

they pretty much work for anything. its just the shape.

[@kadronfye3934]

I am currently I the middle of a warranty claim on a 200w flexible panel from these guys (Lensun Solar) that I had mounted to the roof of my RTT since may2023 (its AUG 2023 @ time of writing). Maybe it will get better but currently I have not been impressed, my issue hasn't been resolved, and the panel just up and quit working. No visible damage. Just stopped working.

[@OverlandLady]

I’ve heard of Lensun. No experience with their products so can’t comment

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

I'm sure it can be installed on the roof and be very stealthy

[@terristenacious2279]

If you want to talk about it I'm listening.much ❤️

[@tnvoldem]

FYI these systems charges slow with yellow top optima batteries. i installed mine and tried charge a dead battery like literature said it would did not work. i called and talk to them and they said they do not why it charge slowly with optima batteries. it would have be nice for them to have disclose this before i spent almost $700 dollars on there system. i have 2015 jku Rubicon with the genesis dual battery system.

[@TacoSyndicate]

Can this be wired to an inverter?

[@ignorethis68]

Good stuff!!!

[@Malc664]

Has it been tested in the hot desert like Utah?

[@dannyeugenewaits9486]

Thats what I'm thinking...I personally has a flex solar panel attached with 3M to my fiberglass RTT and was traveling in 100+F degrees with a 30 mph head wind my traveling speed was 65 mph and when I got to Moab Utah at poison spider bicycle shop I noticed my solar panel was gone.....ripped right off...I'm assuming it was from the extreme heart causing the tape to loosen and from that moment up it goes...

[@reddustadventures]

Another great vid. You mentioned that you have made patches for roof lining but I can’t find them in your store ? Am I looking in the wrong spot. From OZ ❤️

[@OverlandLady]

You can get them form Patreon! Patreon.com/overlandlady

[@EWOverland]

I like the idea of the panel on the hood but I do not get how the cable penetrate the engine hood, can you show the detail ? How efective it is ?

[@OverlandLady]

it goes thru the install. Cable goes in from close to windshield

[@EWOverland]

@@OverlandLady Ok, so they made a special penetration hole ?

[@Defender110SLO]

Nice one. But what abalt the price? Cheers 🍻

[@gerardbaldyga8700]

good for jeep commander ?

[@thewiredfox2691]

Ha! Thumbs up for the steering wheel right/wrong side !!!

[@OverlandLady]

Haha i had to. very time!

[@legsofsteel1]

The BEST side thankyou very much.

[@applejack2911]

What type of drone do you use?

[@nickjacques6087]

Cool 😎 👍

[@edvela5274]

You look beautiful love your hair color 👍😉

[@skhochay]

what 100W solar panel can do ?

[@davidowencunningham2743]

How much for a 80?

[@joemcgee2918]

You look absolutely adorable you little cutie pie.

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

and one on the hood

[@johnnynighttv8248]

Does this work with any car?

[@OverlandLady]

They have different models to fit different vehicles. Check their website.

[@terryoleary5424]

I love this product. But the guy mis informed you in regards to alternator , when driving if your charging your cranking battery and dual battery off the alternator it can be a lot of strain on the alternator. If set up correctly a smart redarc DC will determine which power source is more efficient, solar or alternator. Sexy hair too ✌️

[@OverlandLady]

Alternator will always provide more power when car is running. Unless maybe u have a tonnn of solar. One 100W won’t compete with engine

[@terryoleary5424]

@@OverlandLady sorry I didn’t express myself properly. The idea is to use the solar while driving to charge the dual battery to take the added strain off the alternator . Therefore the alternator only has to charge one battery not two. Any good quality auto electrician will tell you that , or email redarc for an explanation, they are happy to help .

[@XellosMetallium]

is this practical for plug-in hybrid?

[@OverlandLady]

Nop. Still petrol😂

[@fathomdetails]

A bonnet is a hood?

[@AlwaysSearching..]

Did you freight your 100 series from Australia? I am looking to do a similar thing which company did you use?

[@OverlandLady]

Yes. I just googled a shipper.

[@adamconnolly7478]

I too want to know this as the 200 Series cruisers are just hitting 15 years old and would be able to get imported to Canada!

[@someguy9607]

When you driving - you can get up to 400W just from your car directly, without any additional tricks and devices. When you stay - you can just put somewhere MUCH BIGGER and efficient folding solar panel on the ground. Doesn't make any reasonable sense to attach that on the hood. Moreover, it makes engine cooling a bit worse and under direct sun rays sticky tape most likely will melt and panel will fly away once

[@anthonycienega2272]

vhb tape aint going anywhere bud, that shitd would keep down a family of 12

[@joshuajoh81]

Lmaooo facts

[@physicalstarfighter2131]

Hi I’m reaching out to anyone that has one of these panels. I am on my third panel due to defects. I’m trying to find out if anyone else has had issues as far as defects I would like to hear about it. When this panel is installed with my system it works great. I have the redarc BCDC charging system for my dual batteries and with that and the solar panel my batteries are always fully charged but I’ve had two previous panels with defects and they’re sending me a third one which is arriving tomorrow I’d really like to hear if you’ve had any issues thank you.

[@lastknownlocation8760]

That Velcro stuff stuck to the roof is going to ruin your roof lining. It will separate!! I know because my 2006 100 series has done that. Just trying to help

[@OverlandLady]

The weight dragging it down?

[@ryuhayabusa943]

How to power 715 watts in a car in 2 Days with the best possible Battery?

[@4wdaddict41]

Are you coming to america

[@HAMMER_2.2]

What is her accent? I keep hearing Australian, English, Vietnamese, Chinese and even Singaporean accents

[@KB-yn2pc]

Not a good idea folks. Solar efficiency takes a huge nose dive under heatload. In this case from the top and bottom. Not good. If your draw is minimal it'll get you by. Airflow under the panels is key if you were to take this approach. DOn't stick it flush to your hood. The 'airflow' shown in this vid doesn't seem sufficient at all imo

[@kriselliott5866]

With or without hair you are very beautiful 😍

[@ALLGODSDIE]

That's easy to apply.. It's common sense is all it is.. Some people just don't have and thinks everything is hard.. If all people think something is hard ..we would still be in the stone age.. Js.. You were rude with you basic chick comments.. You needed men to do it huh!! They have life skills ! most don't.. Maybe you could learn a few !

[@gregd4391]

Freshly colored hair?

[@gregd4391]

Oh, I made that comment before getting into the video. 🤣

[@truckcampinglife]

The prices are ridiculous. For me anyway.

[@charlenemccullough2293]

Review for CPAP Users

[@ryandouglas3312]

These things are insanely overpriced. You can buy a 100 watt flex panel off Amazon for 140 bucks and charge controller for 50.. They're trying to sell you a kit for 500??! Ridiculous. And the dirty secret of solar is they're all the same panels from china. It's just whether or not you get A, B or C grade from the quality control inspection (scratches, dings, etc). Is having it contoured perfectly to your hood worth triple the price? (depending on vehicle).. for me, that's a HUGE no.

[@OverlandLady]

If you watched the whole thing you won’t be leaving comment like this. I have a normal flexible panel on my rack I know how thin it is. The key to any thin panel straight to the car body panel is insulation. Video showed the difference. These are vehicle specific so every car has a different model depending on the shape of the hood

[@ryandouglas3312]

@@OverlandLady still not worth almost triple the price of $500 or more for 100 watts of solar.. but people buy into because "overland".. when you can have the same thing for sub $200.

[@LeninCaraballo]

🕉😁✨️🙏✨️

[@RayleneCawood]

"... little air pocket..." Sigh..! get in a car in the sun for a day and close all the windows. How's your interior "little air pocket" feeling now? Bit hot? Wanna open the windows to let the cooler air in yet? So where's the 'windows' to let the cooler air into your "little air pocket" under the panel, in the sun, above an engine bay thats already above 100C + while travelling..? I bet that panel's long dead. Pity this misinformation BS video hasn't followed suite! How! is it that people who 'know' (see above) they have the physics completely wrong, still manage to get the physics completely wrong? Are solar loving bunny huggers really all that dim!??

[@TheMattfranz]

Everyone keeps telling 'her' to be safe, as if this isn't a dude. 🤣

[@TheLukaszpg]

Less buying toys more travelling, please.

[@adamconnolly7478]

Thanks for a positive comment, I enjoyed this video.