Solar Install Pt 2: No Drill No Holes Solar Panel Install | Fiberglass Roof RV Roadtrek Camper Van

Part 2 of 2: Finalizing install of the 100 watt Renogy panels on the fiberglass roof of the Roadtrek Campervan without drilling any holes. Today we add Eternabond to cover the VHB tape, hook up the wiring, and install the Renogy Commander MPPT solar controller. [follow up links below]
VHB & ETERNABOND TAPES: gohobo.io/TBZS
INSTALL VIDS PART 1 (2017): • Solar Install Pt 1: No...
INSTALL VIDS PART 2 (2017): • Solar Install Pt 2: No...
5000mi Follow Up (2017): • LONG TERM TEST 3M VHB ...
1 Year Follow Up (2018): • NO DRILL NO HOLES SOLA...
2 Year Follow Up (2019): • How 3M VHB TAPE Is Hol...
5 Year (FINAL) Update (2022): • RV Van Solar Panel Ins...
Building the strut "auto tilt" bracket Part 1: • RV Solar Panel Install...
Building the strut "auto tilt" bracket Part 2: • RV Solar Panel Install...
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[@HOBOTECH]

My entire solar setup was purchased on Amazon. You can find links to everything here: hobotech.tv/amazon/ I also did a long term follow up on the install here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pITLfZeseraskKs

[@mollasima3251]

why never use silicon on the roof? I used to use 3M's 5200 adhesive sealer for literally everything on my sailboat... I am watching your video and thinking of using the 5200 on my travel trailer roof to attach the solar panels - I already have the 5200. Any helpful feedback on that?

[@stewmiller778]

Yay! Congrat's on hooking up solar.

[@aitorurriolabeitia5197]

Wondering if this would work on a rubber roof?

[@trainvideodepot5]

Went through this process a few years ago except used Sikaflex instead of the tape. Long story short, my panel mysteriously flew off on a recent trip. Did all the very serious prep, had the proper 4950 VHB but still lost it. Some people suggested water may have gotten in between the VHB and brackets. Possible. But clearly, using tape leaves 25% of the bracket and VHB wide-open exposed to the elements. Do you think there is any truth to water infiltrating the tape and causing it to fail? Anyone? And what are the pros and cons of the tape versus Sikaflex? For round two!

[@lilyCharalabidou]

Water will glide inside the vent from the cables. Did a similar thing passing cables through the storage box and water was gliding on the cables inside the storage compartment.

[@lsherry2429]

I would like to do same with one solar panel to my truck camper shell n pull the cable through back windows to keep jackery battery charged. What do you think?

[@jjosephine]

hello! do you have a video on how you can wire all the outlets, water pump, and furnace output to your solar system? i’ve recently installed my system but down to my last step on connecting it all to my solar battery bank instead of the dead 12v it’s currently connected to.

[@jackbteaching]

Hey Hobotech, nice channel, just subscribed. We just got a 95c190V, and wondered where does the a/c condensation hose route to; just wanted to make sure there was an internal drain somewhere even though I can't see it. Saved this video, might add 2 flexible panels using eternabond then routing as you did, to our goalzero yeti 1400; just need to figure out adaptors to plug them into the yeti. Thanks!

[@HOBOTECH]

Modern a/c units evaporate the water out with the hot air. There is no drain.

[@jackbteaching]

@@HOBOTECH Well that explains it! Thanks! Just hope this is a 'modern' ac unit. Looks pretty new, with a wireless remote, I'll assume it's a replacement from the original.

[@mrs.c5471]

Your on/off switch, is that solely for the solar panels? I have a life4po(?) 200 AH battery in my horse trailer that has an on/off switch on it, but do I need one for the solar charger controller?

[@km4fsi827]

any idea were i can theses mount brackets at? not the tape just the brakets?

[@tarstarkusz]

Are you getting any leaks riding on the wires and into the vents? You usually want to make a J loop so water doesn't run down the wire into the vent or hole in the wall.

[@HOBOTECH]

Nope. Gets wet in there all the time. That vent is open to the rain and has some sort of internal drain.

[@tarstarkusz]

OK..That makes sense... Thanks.

[@ralis]

I’ll write it and we’ll do it live! F’n thing!

[@paulhendo8726]

i would of run the cables under the panels out of the sun

[@HOBOTECH]

They are UV protected cables. No problems in the sun. I'm actually glad I did it this way as I was able to experiment with hooking them up in different ways.

[@stevedeweysmith]

Can you stand up to full height inside that van? It looks like your head is dragging the roof.

[@HOBOTECH]

Yes, no problem. It is designed for a 6 foot tall person, but I have additional floor padding and wear boots so it looks less than it is.

[@Mike-ew9zn]

Interesting but slow down the camera movement. Getting sea sick!

[@terridrimel1056]

I like the idea of bringing the cables through the AC vent rather than drilling holes in the roof! Are you still happy with your setup?

[@HOBOTECH]

100% ... although I could always use more batteries and panels

[@lynettering8252]

why don't people put blankets over the panels when they are hot to the touch or when they don't want them to be 'hot' with electricity as they connect all the components? Seems like a no-brainer safety precaution.

[@HOBOTECH]

Good point but it is quite windy that time of year in AZ so that wouldn't have really worked in this case.

[@mrs.c5471]

@@HOBOTECHnot if you put elastic on the cover

[@NullStaticVoid]

What is the problem with silicone? I've heard this mentioned on a few Van forums and such, and nobody seems to be able to articulate why?

[@cmyanmar13]

2:00 What is the issue with putting silicone on the roof?

[@rvlee8577]

Are the panels still secure after a couple of months driving?

[@HOBOTECH]

At the end of this video there is a link to click to a 5000 mile follow up video I recently did.

[@rvlee8577]

HOBOTECH thank you. I'm getting a couple of flexible panels tomorrow and I appreciate your help. Take care bud

[@HOBOTECH]

Good luck! I wouldn't recommend VHB for flex panels as they delaminate and don't hold up well to things like tree branches. You'd never get them back off to replace them. I'd probably use something less permanent like Dicor lap sealant on those.

[@rvlee8577]

HOBOTECH ok, thanks again

[@rodneyoverbeck8800]

Interesting,hope it holds up to all weather keep the technology coming

[@HOBOTECH]

Check out my 5000 mile follow up video for the answer to that. Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@KruisinKevin]

Hey Tom.Thanks for sharing. Thinking of doing solar on my 02 roadtrek190P. How are you running your cables behind the wall, cabinets, shower? My battery is located in left corner driver side rear storage corner. Will Renogy customize cable length? I like how you have cables running through rear vent. Im avoiding drilling too. Trying to figure how to run cables through cabinetry down fabric wall to battery. Then, the other side the same. Around shower somehow, to the wall console, to mount system. Any help or photos would be appreciated. I know your busy with the Tranny. Holler at your convenience. Thanks

[@HOBOTECH]

I simply ran the cables through the existing a/c cable hole into the cabinet, and then drilled a hole in that cabinet to run the lines down behind the fabric wall to the controller which is under the bed. You can watch my Solar Series for all the details and how I installed the MT-50.

[@bodavis99]

@@HOBOTECH Tom, do you have any heat issues with the solar controller under the bed?

[@DfsOutlier]

Safer to use sealed batteries inside an enclosed space. cost a little more but much safer. The gasses from an unsealed battery can collect in an enclose space and ignite with a spark. I know this from personal experience, had one explode on me.

[@HOBOTECH]

See the black PVC pipe? That's the vent to the outside. I replaced that battery anyway about a month later. I did another video on that.

[@mariomegee6105]

GREAT KNOWLEDGE To have.😕, 👍

[@keepchrist]

"Flex Seal" with the Coked out spokesperson "Phil Swift" is actually like no other roof sealant for RV'S,it is a different self leveling sealant amongst all the standard norm products available,maybe they use Porn Blob Splooge in their patent pended formula,Ron Jeremy's retirement job.

[@HOBOTECH]

LOL. I actually tried this mysterious substance to fix a minor gray tank leak (after paying a professional to "fix" it). Didn't do the job. Lesson: Don't believe everything you see on TV.

[@keepchrist]

HOBOTECH They make different type of products,it depends on which one you used.I used it to fix the hole in my boat & it still floats, just like in the commercial.Yeah the RTR is coming up & I can't wait, you're right there.I'm in NM, anyway I use the aerosol spray can seal stuff I don't know which one you used.Great videos,keep them coming they are fantastic vent van fan status type quality content Vids so how did you end up fixing the grey tank leak, that's funny the same thing happened to me I ended up paying a guy, professional RV place & boom it was still leaking,LoL..

[@cathie426]

Hi Tom: Love this video but don't want to use roof mounted panels on my PW. I bought the Dokio folding 200 watt panels so I can move the panels into the sun if I am parked in the shade. I also have an additional 80 watt Dokio folding panel that I will eventually join with the 200 watt. I have two 12V Interstate batteries. I think the controller that came with the Dokio only does 10 amps and want to upgrade the controller as well as use permanent connections on the batteries (vs. the supplied alligator clips) because the batteries are located on a heavy, PITA slide-out tray. What would you recommend for a suitable controller and connections that don't require major mods to my PW (translation--easy for a woman to hook up)?

[@HOBOTECH]

I would recommend using regular terminal connectors for permanent connection to the batteries and SAE quick disconnects for the solar cables. You'll have to cut the alligator clips off and crimp the connectors on. Definitely run the panels in parallel. Don't bother with PWM controllers as they are too inefficient. At minimum I recommend this amzn.to/2tLWdvP and if you have more to spend get this amzn.to/2NhR72z . I prefer Renogy and the 20A will give you more expansion options later.

[@cathie426]

Excellent info. Will probably go with the Renogy then. You're the BEST Tom, thank you so much for your fast response! :)

[@phyllisgayhardt3374]

The music was okay while you worked.......could hear you......your so smart, I mean that!!!!

[@HOBOTECH]

You do a good job at making me blush. Thanks!

[@RobAnnis]

Question -- if there's ever an issue with the panels or wires, how would you be able to pry them off the roof without damaging them?

[@HOBOTECH]

While the brackets attached to the roof are permanently affixed, the other end is bolted to the panels. I could simply unbolt them if I had some kind of rare panel failure. If the cables would fail, they can be replaced without removing the panels.

[@brendaswann7292]

Is that a Perco (sp?) switch?

[@jldsystemsltd.4657]

I really like this idea for no holes mounting of solar panels to the Roadtrek. However, I sat watching the whole video worrying about if you ever need to work on the wiring on the rear of the panel. Have you thought about how you will get access to the junction box on the back of the panel?

[@HOBOTECH]

It's sealed so I should never need to work on the wiring. If I had to replace a panel I could either remove the nuts disconnecting the bracket from the bottom of the panel, or use a hacksaw blade or a wire saw to slice through the center of the tape. Either case it is no big deal.

[@timothy790110]

HOBOTECH I think regular angle brackets would have been a better choice. Then you'd have access to the nuts all the time, and depending ok where you put them, you could have easily incorporated manual tilting of the panels, and been able to remove them completely if so desired.

[@MrDanaful]

Does the enternabond waterproof the cable connections?

[@HOBOTECH]

No. The cables are already water resistant.

[@MrDanaful]

HOBOTECH Thanks!

[@kendemarsh4949]

Which one the three VHB tapes did you use?

[@HOBOTECH]

hobotech.tv/amazon

[@kendemarsh4949]

Did it have a foam sandwich ?

[@HOBOTECH]

I don't know what it ate for breakfast but if you just looked it up on Amazon I bet all your questions would be answered.

[@kendemarsh4949]

@@HOBOTECH There are several products under the. VHB brand I just wanted to duplicate your success sorry I bothered you

[@lisaweddle7363]

As a beginner, you lost me on all this part. You didnt show us how you wired all that .

[@HOBOTECH]

This 2+ year old video is about installing the panels. If you want to know more about the wiring see my latest solar video.

[@100toeface]

You made a video titled no holes and I flipped through the whole video and can find nothing that shows or discusses how you got the panel wires into the van without holes

[@HOBOTECH]

I clearly show the wires coming through the a/c vent kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4ivonqtZdWYnc0

[@namaste_bitches]

Thanks!