Solar on the Vardo Roof...Completely Off Grid Now!

[@Benelli-ex7oq]

Ken when you are done that vardo trailer you should rent it out as airbnb but make sure you serve coffee and donuts 🤣🤣🤣

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha good idea

[@davidaldrich3488]

why mount them? They are used when you are stationary. That way you could place them relative to the sun location for maximum sunlight...just offering....Love your new part time vocation Ken

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks you’re probably right. They do take up room on the ground

[@maine207greene]

Power station should be inside where the heat is. A few more degrees below freezing and the lithium phosphate batteries BMS is designed to cut off charging in low temperatures. It will damage the internal batteries if you try to charge them at below freezing temperatures they are not lead acid. They can discharge still in freezing temps but not take in a charge for protection. Under the bed maybe? On the panels I’d either rotate them 90 degrees on the roof or just put them out next to the Vardo.

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Very nice progress , thanks for sharing !!!!! 🙏👍😊❤️

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@ledesclos5321]

This Vardo is wonderful. A Happy Place. I can't help but smile when I see it.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks. Me too

[@rdyardie]

I can hear Sandy saying, "Ken, you are in the doghouse now. . . . go sleep in the Vardo!"

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

The Vardo is a gorgeous and highly functional escapade vehicle. 👍👍👍

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks yes definitely

[@GaryRollock]

You may want to reconsider mounting the collectors on the roof Ken. They are not designed for constant exposure to the elements and will deteriorate rapidly not to mention losing roof integrity by drilling holes.

[@kenskarpentry]

I agree

[@rupe53]

Suggestion on the solar panels: Mount hooks along the drip rails and secure the panels to the roof with bungee cords as necessary. You can toss a rope over the roof and drag them into place, even off center, depending on the sun. This way they can be used up top or on the ground and stored for travel.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I might do something like that

[@collincolston8443]

I would second guess about putting the panels on the roof. It really takes away from the looks of the Vardo. I would just put them on the ground toward the sun when parked to recharge the power station. I've always heard don't put holes in your roof to install solar panels.

[@kenskarpentry]

Right I don’t want to put holes in the roof. Thanks

[@robertdknight]

WOW, the beadboard is nearly done! Looking forward to the bed build. It's going to be awesome, I'm sure of that. I'm glad you didn't mount the portable solar panels on the roof yet. Keeping them portable could pay off in several ways. One way is that in the warm season, you can park the Vardo in the shade and set the panels out in the sunshine. Would have lots more control over pointing them directly at the sun. Should be easier to reach their 400 watt capacity. Maybe make a little foldable stand and keep inside the side doors when not in use? Love the Vardo. This has been such a fun project to watch!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks good idea

[@toddpacheco4748]

Ken,another excellent video on the tedious little jobs that had to get done ✅ now on to other projects for the Vardo 😮😊❤

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@ClimbToGlory10thMntn]

Ken, They make super thin solar panels now that can bend which might be better suited for the curvature of the roof for permanent mounting. Based on typical weather up north, panels need to be in direct sunlight much longer to generate consistent power. Hobotech has excellent videos on panel mounting and such. Enjoying the build👍

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks for the tips!

[@johncornell3665]

Gotta love those slow motion special effects. Solar panels are a great idea. Vardo interior looking awesome. Thanks Ken!

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you like them!

[@richardroyles1423]

Getting a little closer each day. God bless.

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes definitely. For sure

[@evalinawarne1337]

Good morning 🙏 KEN ❤❤ Warming up56°~65°.rain Tues. 74° 🎉🎉 Love the inside of the Vargo. Natural wood. Praying for your knees 🙏 GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU SE MICHIGAN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🇺🇸🙏🇮🇱🙏🙏

[@kenskarpentry]

Good morning Evalina. Thanks so much

[@ExactlyLikeVermont]

Ken, Good morning. Always enjoy your videos. Great start to the day. Vardo looking great.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍good morning

[@throngcleaver]

Looks fantastic, Ken! I've been researching solar generators for power outages, and possibly power tool use that's somewhere on my property, far from the house. Thanks for sharing what you do! 😁

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool. Thanks for watching

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I’m loving this project. I have to admit that I had some doubts at first, but it is going to be so cozy when it’s finished. I love the vardo being off grid, but I have to agree with everyone that has been suggesting NOT permanently installing the solar panels. Given how nicely they fold up into a smaller package, they’re obviously designed to be deployed and stored and not for permanent installation. They would fit easily inside the storage space next to the battery.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much

[@JeffColbourne-ge4uu]

As always really interesting to watch you work

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@BruceWitcpalek-ws1rh]

Another great video as always, Ken !!

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wingman8447]

Finishing up very nice. I like the way you make the window extensions and trim as one piece, very smart. The solar is a great addition. The heater makes it cozy.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks very warm inside

[@Mstred]

We like seeing the progress!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much

[@josefreck1103]

Sieht toll aus macht weiter so einfach Spitze und bleibt gesund 👍🏻👏🏻👋😊🙋‍♂️🇩🇪🤗

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks you too

[@mikeh1242]

I've had a Pecron solar battery and 6 -100 w panels. It lasted 1.5 years. The other day I went to it and could smell a strong electrical burn. It burned a hole thru the plastic casing, it's now a brick, thankfully didn't burn down the shed.

[@kenskarpentry]

Wow

[@thesnappytoolman]

Looking good Ken. Enjoying the video’s and the build. But just wondering why you’re mounting the panels, why not just keep them unmounted so you can direct them at the sun when you need to charge. That way if you want to park some where the sun does not shine you can move them around rather than move the Vardo. They are foldable and you can store them inside for safety. It’s probably going to take a lot of securing to keep them from blowing off the roof. Just a suggestion.

[@kenskarpentry]

I think you’re right. Thanks

[@jerrytalley802]

You get 800-1,000 watts of solar and in the open, you could even run a small window AC, etc and be off grid. I hope we get to see you camp out in this wagon

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks me too

[@Hosty_Tim]

Gooooooooood afternoon, Ken!!

[@kenskarpentry]

Hey Tim. Good afternoon

[@kathycrook1913]

Good morning!

[@kenskarpentry]

Good morning

[@michiganengineer8621]

Ken, IF you were going to get into the "trailer building" business in your retirement, Renogy and BougeRV both make panels that would be PERFECT for your "Vardo" themed trailer. They're thin and flexible so your could stick their edges down against the underlayment of the roof.

[@kenskarpentry]

Oh cool thanks

[@charleshutchings9355]

The Vardo is looking awesome. I saw a fuel pump conversion, or replacement for that loud clicking pump somewhere in a video I watched. Maybe Truck House Life. I believe it's available on either Amazon, or ebay. It's worth searching.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@dmark6699]

Hello from Washington state.

[@kenskarpentry]

Hey 3,000 miles away

[@alpcns]

More martial arts demonstrations with DeWalt tools, amazing! The Vardo is a work of art. As for the solar panels, if they will always be on the roof, maybe think of some kind of moveable support rack so they can be flat if desired, but also tilted vertically and rotated horizontally i.e. be pointed at the sun? Surely they don't have to be permanently on the roof - in fact these are likely not designed for permanent exposure to the elements.

[@kenskarpentry]

I agree. Thanks

[@devernebreed6486]

I like the solar panels and generator.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@vnguyen9327]

Bless you and be safe

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks have a great day

[@straubdavid9]

The Mobile Vardo Villa is looking very cool (as in "groovy".... not as in a cold 🌡)🤣 Have a nice week Ken, Sandi, Chad, Paint Mixologist Lauren + Kaiya🐕and the Chicklets🐔.... take care✏📐🔨🪚

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks a lot

[@clarencewiles963]

That power station is one of the better brands out there. Good choice 👍

[@kenskarpentry]

Good to know. Thanks

[@368fan4]

Gah`morning K.K. .

[@kenskarpentry]

Good day to you

[@jerrytalley802]

I was wondering how you were going to trim the windows, great idea on assembling ahead of time rather than running in and out cutting and fitting.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@BigGuy8059]

Your heater heats up that small space so much even at it's lowest setting, anybody trying to sleep in the vardo would have to keep on waking up every hour or two to turn it on or off. It would really be nice it there was a simple thermostat for it, so it would cycle off and on automatically. The cheapest kind are strictly mechanical, so they don't need any power. You might want to build a custom rack connected to the sides, for those solar panels. It would have four planes that follow the roof curvature, so the panels each have a flat surface to mount to. Solar panels work best when cool, so some air flow underneath them would be a good idea.

[@kenskarpentry]

Great idea thanks

[@dwaynesanders2095]

Nice

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@kennethsears5041]

That house looks good

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@kennethsears5041]

@kenskarpentry You are a great person

[@mattdonald7540]

Loved the nail gun drop/catch slow-mo! Can’t wait to see how you construct the bed and if the colorologists have any input on the inside of the Vardo before it is completed!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@jerrytalley802]

Ken, you are da man. I was wondering why you didn’t make the power station accessible from the inside? Iknow there’s a method to the madness so, sure there’s a reason, lol. What a cool project.

[@jerrytalley802]

I forgot, most power stations have an app to control them, silly me!, goofy 😢

[@jerrytalley802]

Ken, if you’re going to kneel down, please get yourself a Home Depot Husky rubber mat for $15, I keep on in tge camper, back of my truck, both workshops, garage, etc. I cut one in half and use it to sit on hard surfaces and my riding mower seat. Just hate to see you suffer.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@johndickinson186]

Good patience, momentum, and commitment. Did it heat up quickly? Looking good! Thank you for the video.

[@lmars5933]

Great morning my friend, just passed 3 inspection on Friday, Question were are gutters??they make a 1inch or maybe it's 2 inch ,keep it from running down the side ,have a great day Vardo looking Perfect. 🐊🌴😎

[@kenskarpentry]

Congratulations. Thanks good idea

[@jerrytalley802]

Ken, I think running the planks horizontally makes it look larger inside? Can you put an access door inside in the back corner adjacent to the power station so you don’t have to go outside?

[@kenskarpentry]

That might be difficult because it’s going to be under the bed area

[@howardkearney7989]

Just thinking ... How about not mounting those solar panels on the roof but allow them to be placed (or hanged) wherever you park the Vardo. That way you can point them to the best location towards the sun. Instead of pointing the Vardo towards the sun. The panels look like they can be stored with the battery for travel.

[@kenskarpentry]

Good idea. Not sure if they will fit in the side compartments

[@jamesleach2987]

Don't mount them. Keeping them portable allows more options for positioning them.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@rudyfisher7660]

Those panels are not write it to be permanently in the Sun. You need to get like one of those plastic panels it. You know, kind of conform to the roof there are flat panels or you need to get a hard panel and put your rail up that rail system up there

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@jamesleach2987]

Don't mount the solar panels. Leave them portable for flexibility of positioning them.

[@kenskarpentry]

They do go up there pretty easily

[@rutht634]

I don’t think I would want to put a hole in my rubber roof…

[@kenskarpentry]

I agree

[@johnmeeks9618]

Think about mounting the solar panel lengthwise on the Vardo to reduce wind resistance going down the road.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@krenwregget7667]

12:10 Whoa Ken, did you just enter the matrix? :D

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha yes

[@jerrytalley802]

Ken, if it’s hot, open the windows, lol

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha right

[@silverado102002]

Hey Ken, I really enjoy watching your videos, thanks! The Vardo is coming out very nicely. One thing I’ve been wondering is are you planning to install some type of seal between the upper and lower halves of the Dutch door? Keep having fun and keep on building things! Good luck with upcoming knee surgery too!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks yes. I need to add the weatherstripping

[@pjdambra]

You will have to go out to restart the Power Station whenever it goes below a set percentage. Power banks like these are made to protect themselves from going to zero. They are usually set to about 10%. 😮

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool thanks

[@doncc6080]

The walls and ceiling look amazing. Will do the flooring before the Bed?

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks. Flooring will be after

[@waynedavenport3919]

Hello Mr Ken. I was wondering if u gona inclose the bottom of the heater box just to keep animals out. Maybe chewing on the wireing? Was just a thought. Everything is looking amazing. Awesome job friend ✌️

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I probably will

[@douglaskuhn3781]

Use a small 1200W Generator to charge the battery in under 2 hours!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@GHE2005]

A murphy bed would be cool. 😊 Did the Vardo heat up nicely? I'm surprised no one has created knee padded worker pants.

[@kenskarpentry]

The vardo heats easily

[@GHE2005]

@kenskarpentry Even for ur location it's too hot. Will not need that in the West. That means your insolation is good Ken. 👍🏽

[@clarencewiles963]

They make workers pants with pockets for padding you can add to the knees as needed.

[@GHE2005]

@@clarencewiles963 oh really! Good to know.

[@tomgrams2333]

​@@GHE2005Duluth Trading used to have them... I havent bought any for awhile!

[@rodneyfarrar9479]

Off topic question, your such a good builder, why not take requests for people who need/want a back yard shed and draw plans up for them and sell them? Just a thought.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks might be a good winter project

[@robertadriver6931]

Are you going to create the bed into a davenport style. (One that folds from couch to bed)

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes sort of

[@richardwhite3711]

@ 18:30 for simplicity's sake why not just hang the solar panels on hooks above the diesel heater ( I believe they have prop out legs to help orient them ) that way they could be stored for safety's sake.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@joeluppino824]

store the panes in the cabinet don't mount on the roof. I don't think they are made for it. Interior is perfect!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@arthurbatti9854]

Ken, is there a thermostat available for the heater?

[@kenskarpentry]

Good question. I don’t know

[@GaryHendrickson-z5i]

leave them loose!!! You can place them on the ground in the sun and get the same results.

[@kenskarpentry]

I agree

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Wind and curved roof is not a friend to portable solar panels. Prop them on the ground. Those panels aren't cheap. Just set them up each day the Vardo is used. Doubt it'll get used everyday. With panels on the ground, you can reorient the angle to the sun etc. Plus don't think u can wind proof the panels from 60-70 mph road wind while driving.

[@kenskarpentry]

Right

[@MarkBoggs-u8p]

could you put a thermostat on the heater?

[@kenskarpentry]

I’m not sure. That would be nice

[@VMc828]

❤🙏🙂

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

Did I miss something? Why insulate the box inside when there is insulation behind it 🤔

[@kenskarpentry]

There’s no insulation on the other side

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

@kenskarpentry oh, ok, I watch all your videos. They are inspiring, but I must have dosed a little on that part, lol.

[@CentralNH]

Have you had any interest from a buyer?

[@kenskarpentry]

No not yet

[@barbarawalker3620]

👍👍👍👍👍🤘🤘💋💋

[@robertdknight]

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