Solar Panel on your Camper Van? Avoid This Mistake! ⚠️☀️

Solar Panel on your Camper Van? Avoid This Mistake! ⚠️☀️
I will explain the impact of this and how the problem can be avoided.
Did you know that doing this can drastically affect your campervan's solar panel performance?
If you have gone off grid and your solar panel isn't producing the maximum electricity it can, you could have a lack of electric. Your electric fridge could run out of power and you can't charge your devices.
Ensure your solar panel is operating at its optimum.
I will explain the impact of this and how the problem can be avoided.
If you are off grid living or wild camping, then this problem with a simple solution, is something you need to be aware of.
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Whether you have a T5, VW T5.1, T6, T6.1 or even an older T2, T2.5, T4, the VW Vanlife scene is amazing, with so much help and assistance available for whatever project you wish to attempt. Panel van, Kombi, Converted Camper or VW California Beach or Ocean, enjoy the freedom van life brings.
The @Staycation Lifestyle van conversion is coming along.
I bought a VW Transporter T6 Kombi Highline van 140bhp diesel SWB with tailgate.
I have lots more to do though, I have a new electrical system, using Victron components and a Lithium LIFEPO4 battery, so I obviously need to install some power devices. I have a new sound system, with Focal speakers and ibus 2.1 amp, Playstation PS4, which will be removable, TV's on headrests.
Lots for me to look forward too and it would be nice to take you on the journey.
Vanlife for me is just beginning, it's a great adventure and I'm loving it. 😍
There are many great camper adventures to come
Thanks must go to the following:
titantransporters.co.uk - Sourcing my van, providing advice and soon a paint correction and detail
tamarcaravancentre.co.uk - Advising me with many of my leisure equipment purchases, including my Thetford toilet
www.dream-ice.co.uk - Quality advise on my sound system upgrade
plyworxuk.co.uk - Suppliers of my Halo roof and ply products
www.batteriesandsolar.co.uk - 1st class advice and guidance on my electrical system install
stitchesandsteel.com - Seat covers, carpet, roof straps, changing mat
Transporter HQ for my tailgate struts
Kiravans for my Swivel Seats
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In this video, I dive deep into the impact of shading on solar panels and how it can limit your van's electricity production. Don't miss out on these essential tips to maximize your solar power! ⚡️🔋 Subscribe to Staycation Lifestyle for more campervan insights and adventures! 🌍🚐
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[@ecokleensolarstrathpine5776]

Your 150 watt panel is rated in a controlled environment of 25 degrees at 1000 watts per m2 of solar irradiance. Placing this panel on your roof with no airflow underneath to help keep it cooler will drastically cut your solar production. Shading and Heat is the biggest killer for solar efficenty and is why most roof panels are raised off the roof to allow for adequate airflow to help keep them cooler. Shading also causes internal resistance which manifest as heat so you get a double whammy effect by shading your panels. when a cell is in shade the other cells try to compensate and heat up. In an electrical string it can only work as effectively as the weakest link in the chain. I would not recommend doing this to your vehicle, you have most likely oxidised your paint work as well from the extreme heat. This panel will also have a very short lifespan.

[@dagriffta]

Completely agree. My renogy 200W flex panel mounted in this way burned out after 2 days of sun in northern Scotland 😅 now left with a Sikaflexed useless panel. These are good price though compared to rigid, so thinking for next time to mount it to a thin board and hang it under the roof bars using U bolts.

[@Mauitaoist]

Flexible panels on a black roof are very hot no ventilation underneath them that reduces the output of your panels as well. Always get twice the wattage of panels that you think you will need

[@NoOne-jy6mc]

I just work off 3 sun hours in winter and 5 in summer. Rainy days expect about 1.

[@myfalconry76]

This is absolutely correct. The flat panels on a dark roof not having air under it will decrease output. Hot panels are less productive

[@goateegixer8458]

Thanks for making me laugh, I know that’s not the idea of your vids but keep the humour up cos that’s a good place to be ✌️

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you, that’s good to hear. There are definitely more laughs coming in future videos 😉

[@craigsmithx]

Thank you for the reminder. I knew this but not how dramatic the power cut was. I'm adding a telescoping ladder to my list.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 I laugh as I was the same. I knew it, but it was more than I thought

[@scotttacchi2991]

I had the exact same issue, and had the exact same results when I removed the roof bar covering the panel. I also make sure I carefully wash the panel before going away.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Many people suffer especially when they go away, as it then you need the roof bars. They are easy and quick enough to move. Especially when I keep the tool in the glovebox 😃

[@LeisureBit]

It’s really surprising how much a small blocking of the light can make such a difference to the output, it’s not proportional at all is it. Some great advice on keeping it clean.., one on the to do list😊 All the best, David 👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It sure is. Just watching the output fluctuate as a slight shadow is cast is fascinating. I know many don’t always clean the roof due to the hassle (I don’t all the time 🫣)

[@jackskeletony7666]

I believe it's important to leave some space between the panel and the roof for cooling purposes. Excessive heat accumulation can lead to a decrease in efficiency.

[@davecarter34]

I'm on my 4th panel, 1st on died due to heat of roof directed mounted to roof with 3m doubled sided tape, 2nd panel was 150 renogy its worked great although hung over the sunroof a little and in time bent back and contents broke, 3rd panel was DOA now 4th panel 200w and prior to permanently or semi-permanently fix it , I did many tests. 1st test panel out on a flat surface say a camp table using a multimeter set on amp check the amp age i was getting 8 to 10 amps, 10amps setting off the multimeter over current alarm. So we know the panels good. 2nd test place panel on roof area with a small amount of double stick tape, multimeter now reads 1,5amps very surprising Removed the panel and placed back on table now 7 to 10 amps. This all prior to connecting the panel the above measurements Currently I have the following ghetto setup Old panel still on the roof, it won't be coming off with that much 3m tape 1 piece of plywood in between old and new panel forms an insulation heat gap. New panel on top, again 7 to amps in full Australian sun. Once connected up to the dc to dc charger battery monitor shows 3 to 8 amps. Again out with multimeter and measuring current prior to dc to dc charger at solar input terminals results 6 to 9amps Going forward a piece of twinwalled polycarbonate roofing will replace the plywood, with air channels running front to back. They are solar panels but heat effects the flexible ones. If you look through KZbin there's a few people running airgap setup in various styles. Try the multimeter test where the panel wiring connects to your mppt, I think you will be surprised at how much work the mppt is doing to not over charge you battery. Measure both current and volts then times the 2 for watts measurement. I would be interested in the results

[@philfish6619]

I can't remember which one it is but. I think yours is the poly one and the mono one is the other type. Now if you block a cell with anything like your hand it cuts down power. But the other type shuts down completely. If one bit is shaded. So you have the best one I think.

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

🤨 wow! ...such a tiny shadow and it's killing the panel!😮

[@jamesvella851]

Fantastic video with great tips. Thank you for posting this.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you

[@dj516nadz]

also no airflow under the flexible panel will reduce the power.

[@timstephenson3341]

Looking at your panel installation have you had any problems with the panel lifting off whilst driving. What is it glued/stuck down with?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Not had any problems at all. I do check regularly and it hasn’t lifted at all. I used silkaflex

[@Ant-dx8yt]

Wow, who'd have thought solar panels need unobstructed light... mind blown.

[@michaelburns9199]

Yes considered that cenereo pal got one in suitcase type you can point where ever you want .

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Pros and cons. The suitcase ones only work when you put them out (obviously 🤣) the fixed will work all the time, but subject to any shading from trees etc. Suitcase ones take up more internal space and you have to remember to put them out, however you do get the perfect angle when required. Just a personal preference 👍

[@LinuxGalore]

You can get panels with a diode bypass in case debris covers one of the cells causing the whole chain to go off-line.

[@bellybutton123456]

Is it possible to fit a Solar panel to a VW Transporter roof and feed the cables in between the rear doors without having to drill any holes ?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

You can come through the rubber grommets, if you like. However, a hole done properly with a marine gland won’t have any leaks and looks better (not that you really see your roof)

[@fradaja]

Cells in series

[@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living]

Imagine glueing a solar panal to your vehicle and then realising you wanna sell it

[@StaycationLifestyle]

If I was selling it, I would likely sell it with the electrical components in their 🤷🏻‍♂️ And if it did need to be removed for any reason, it’s not a particularly difficult job

[@wowsly]

putting a solar panel on a flat metal roof is a big mistake. get a few inch of air flow under it to cool the panel down and point it at the sun and in the summer you will make more power that the sticker says :D i was getting 115 to 125w from my 100w solar panels in the summer with a 3 inch gap and a near perfect angle to the sun. i hope you had a battery connected to that controller

[@marinejunkies9625]

Have you ppf your front and full ceramic coated your t6?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Not going the PPF route, had been ceramic coated, but it’s something I will be having redone/doing again soon.

[@marinejunkies9625]

@@StaycationLifestyle How come no ppf? Saves you getting loads of chips

[@StaycationLifestyle]

The van had stone chips when I got it. PPF is good from new or after a respray.

[@flowplanet429]

waw massive difference

[@FASIGMAN]

You wouldn't believe that unless you saw it as wee did. I have a 220w to put on yet.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I know. Crazy the difference it makes

[@JouwMoeder]

Nice video! Quick question. I don’t have any knowledge about electricity etc. I bought a van, completely transformed it into a campervan and want to travel Australia. I have a deep cycle battery and a foldable solar blanket. The battery also gets charged while driving. Let’s say I will install a solar panel: how many watts should my setup be? I only have an Adventuring fridge which is covered with insulation. The main goal is to keep the fridge running and charge a phone/laptop. Would love to hear from you!

[@richyrees2770]

Your tailgate is making some shadows because of the big spoiler when open

[@StaycationLifestyle]

The sun was at the front of van, so no shadows from the spoiler 👍

[@fasm313]

This is not the way to mount a flexible solar panel on the roof anyway. The paint of black and the panel is black so all that heat will drop the solar panel output before even speaking about the bird drops.

[@fradaja]

I thought you was going to curl one out on the roof

[@Atrip111]

I was thinking should use a leaf after bird pooed just as you did it.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

😃 Would have been more effective if it wasn’t windy

[@zaneenaz4962]

This is what sailors quickly learned with their ropes hanging over their panels. Another tip is to allow air flow under the panels to allow them to cool down....increase another 10-20% output. my experimenting ...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYndZHmIbqyKsK8

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Those leaves wanted nothing to do with this video 🤭😁.

[@AarhamKaisar]

How much was the panel Just to get the idea

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I think it was about £250

[@chriscarey1879]

Really surprising that....Also sl8ghtly disappeared that your only getting 95 8sh watts from what looks like a perfect day😒 Ive heard that a good airlow around/under them improves the output

[@StaycationLifestyle]

My battery was pretty full and there wasn’t much power being drawn from the battery. The solar controllers are pretty clever, it only takes what the battery needs, therefore if the battery doesn’t need much, the watts can show really low. Until I plugged my laptop in, it was actually zero watts, as the battery didn’t need anything

[@chriscarey1879]

@@StaycationLifestyle ah right, didn't realise that 👍

[@_bav]

You're never going to get 100% efficiency from these panels, regardless of any other factors. You'll be lucky to get 70% efficiency which equates to 105W for a 150W-rated panel.

[@dmldml7886]

The main reason you might find is that there's no air gap and the panels boiling. I had same problem with my boat and van Etfe is prism design for European sun angles. But there for caravans ideally not for metal. So I was told and experienced on my van. Annoying as fook....best of luck

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Some panels, these included do have a purpose made backing, so that is fine. Also as this is on a ridged roof, there is a good airflow under (albeit not the entire panel). I’ve never had a problem with mine other than the shading, although i do know many people have.

[@sosteve9113]

My roof isn't flat ,but having a black coloured car, Guess the efficiency will reduce when its hot weather

[@dmldml7886]

I think they call it dioding or similar built into its structive that allows for shaded areas not affecting panels. Some have it. Some don't. Could be wrong

[@sosteve9113]

@@dmldml7886 your right ,the solar panels on my roof has something similar These days you have panels who aren't affected by clouds,shadow or dirt to put on houses Guess that's what you referring to

[@arkstudios1]

lol..need to nail down the leaf :)

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 why I picked a location exposed on the moors I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BillySBC]

Are you kidding me? That small cross rail is killing output like that? That solar panel needs a spanking man, totally.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It certainly does. Crazy eh?

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

Isnt this obvious?

[@TEAMPHY6]

Save 8 minutes of your life: TLDR: Just make sure it's clean and not covered by anything at all.

[@stevendilnott4399]

turn it up, cant hear

[@StaycationLifestyle]

HUGE Changes for Campervans - See here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmrapKqrnNydn6s

[@TyTalks2020]

I'm sorry but the solar industry has really pissed me off. Based on your own numbers, on a beautiful day, you have a 150W panel only producing 92W at most. 92/150 = 61.3%. That is awful in my opinion. Yes I understand that the panels need to be tilted and you lose efficiency as they heat up BUT they should be sold as what you are likely to get for production, not as the best case, perfect scenario. I say that because I have 3 x 370W panels on my truck for 1,110W. I never see that number. There will never be perfect conditions to make the full 1,110W so I think it's incredibly deceptive to label the panels as such. My car's gas mileage can be proven and it doesn't rely on perfect conditions which will never happen. If you sold me a car that gets 20mpg and I only ever get 12mpg, I'd sue the shit out of you. Angry rant aside, good video.

[@hassenyman8827]

Daaaa

[@timdale4047]

Never work with animals or leaves

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 That did make me laugh

[@_0O0O0O0_]

Duh

[@EelingStudios]

Sadly you couldn't have fitted more wrong but hey, every day is a school day!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Please explain? The size of the panel means it can’t go any other way. It’s quite simple, when the bars aren’t being used, one is moved towards the other not blocking the panel. When the roof bars are in use, the panel is blocked anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️ A different size/type of panel and things could be different

[@davidhooper5050]

Wow, talk about boring and repetitive. I’m sure most people got the message the moment you took the roof bar off. 😮

[@giovanni545]

watch this verse please Revelation 12:17 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring-those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

[@0777cnut]

That cos your battery is nearly charged , it will only supply the power needed thats what the controller does 😂😂

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I know, that’s why I plugged my 230v devices in. That’s why it’s not pulling near 150w, however you can see with shading it makes a big difference 66 to 93

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Just noticed i had no output at camperjam, checked voltage at the connection box and only getting 14.6volts……guttted, less than a year old too🥲. Posting vid soon