Super easy DIY solar panel for van life - VW T3 (vanagon)

Here is our way of utilizing a solar panel to deliver power to us while we're on the road, without any hassle or electrical knowledge you need to have. Super easy, dummy proof!
This is what you need to perform a similar installation:
100W flexible solar panel: amzn.to/2S0P0V7
Roof spacer: amzn.to/2XYUEdS
Strong glue (we used Tec7)
White, strong tape
MC4 extension cable: amzn.to/2zrEnUV
MC4 to 8mm adapter: amzn.to/3avdLix
Power station with built in inverter: amzn.to/2VLMXoQ (remember to check for US/European AC socket)
Drill: amzn.to/2XZxC6Y
benedikteroness
simonbraeck
huskyzulu
🚙 Van gear / accessories:
100W flexible solar panel: amzn.to/2S0P0V7
Roof spacer: amzn.to/2XYUEdS
MPPT charge controller: amzn.to/3rgwYNu
Power station with built in inverter: amzn.to/2YJLn92 (remember to check for US/European AC socket)
Diesel heater: amzn.to/2YFJfPo
🎬 Video/photo gear I use:
Main camera: amzn.to/3bwNu4H
Main lens: amzn.to/3eG4IhY
Low light beast: amzn.to/34VSgpY
Portrait lens: amzn.to/34W1Zwv
Best zoom lens: amzn.to/3ePTd7V
Pocket size camera: amzn.to/3eLBGO4
Drone: amzn.to/2VtBefK
Camera microphone: amzn.to/2yyFXnk
Lav mic: amzn.to/2Kp1LVd
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
🎶 Music:
Artlist (2 months FREE: artlist.io/Sim... )
Epidemic Sound - (1 month FREE: www.epidemicso...)
/Simon

[@t3chataigne377]

I discover your channel only few days ago. Always a pleasure to watch your videos ! Cheers from France

[@SimonBraeck]

Thank you so much! All the best, stay safe😊

[@brianhydesmith2662]

We have a simple 40 watt rigid framed panel (Coleman) on our 1983 T3, in our luggage compartment above the front. For under $100 it came with a charge controller which I connected to our main battery. A very simple and repositional option. I like how your 100w flexible panel fits so nicely between the ribs of the pop-top. I often have a canoe up there (with foam blocks), so a flat approach is important.

[@SimonBraeck]

Thanks! It sits really flush on the roof and we want to try adding a kayak there soon so it was important for us. Our setup might be too expensive for some, but atleast it is super simple to install and understand. I’m looking into adding a charge controller like you have, to be able to switch between charging the GoalZero unit and our leisure battery. Might even add a second panel if needed.

[@brianhydesmith2662]

UPDATE: I upgraded, replacing the 40 watt panel with a 100 watt Renogy panel. Same controller. This panel fits perfectly in the luggage rack, with enough room underneath its frame to store cords and things, while its profile is invisible from the ground. I used wooden blocks with quick release hinges to permit the panel to be easily tilted and propped up for optimal sun exposure, or removed and placed elsewhere while camped. Foam insulation tape ensures no vibrations. Very happy with the install. I'm carful when loading my canoe (from behind) and so far no contact with the panel.

[@dandronemoan4041]

How did you attach to my your luggage compartment and run the cable?

[@dandronemoan4041]

How did you attach to my your luggage compartment and run the cable?

[@nikydebernardin356]

Congratulation for solar pannell and more. Beautiful dog

[@SimonBraeck]

Thank you very much😊😊 she is lovely🐺

[@croberto9096]

Congratulations. Solar + lithium is the way to go. Love the end comment of “trusty van” with the clip of Benedikte pushing it (I remember that video). Looking forward to the next video. Stay safe + healthy.

[@SimonBraeck]

Hahah, yes!😂 I felt like it needes to be included. Really satisfied with the setup so far. You too, take care!

[@SimonBraeck]

So stoked to have this in place, finally! Let's hope for a sunny van season😎😎☀️☀️ Find the products used in the description!

[@aryanterrance6092]

@Chase Ricardo lately I have been using Flixzone. Just search on google for it =)

[@kaiserbrett9266]

@Chase Ricardo i use Flixzone. Just google for it :)

[@GermanKorb]

Nice idea about the solar panel. It looks like you have more space on your roof to fit extra panels. Any plans of expanding your energy production? Or this is enough for now?

[@SimonBraeck]

There's definitely enough space on the roof for a second panel. We need to see how this setup works in the long run before we decide whether to add another or not. I really want to look into adding a kayak rack on the roof as well, so still a few things to decide on. But as you know, we like to be away from busy campsites, so if we find ourselves lacking power, we will add a second panel for sure😊

[@jamieshaw4110]

Hi guys, great set up. I am looking to put solar panels on my van too. I watched a video the other day about the angle of the panel increasing the efficiency of the power you can harness from the sun. In Europe it was recommended to be around 54 degrees of angle towards the sun. I know you’ve secured the panel to the roof now, but I imagine building a frame which can be lifted to differing angles wouldn’t be too difficult. (I have never built anything like this, but where’s there’s a will.... There’s a way). :-) Good luck guys! 👍🏻 Ah.... Just watched the end of your video. You are already aware.

[@SimonBraeck]

Hi! Yeah, you have a good point and I would like to do something like you describe. But as our parking is in a shared garage with about 1 cm clearance to our roof, we needed a really low profile, slim installation.

[@jamieshaw4110]

Simon Braeck Such a shame about the parking situation. But it is still working for you and providing some power. I think your English is fantastic by the way! We’d love to visit Norway in our van in the future. I spent a little time near to Voss with the Army some years ago. Beautiful place! Take care guys!

[@SimonBraeck]

Yes, it works like a treat! We’ve also installed a MPPT charge controller so we can switch between the Goal Zero and the leisure battery. In direct sunshine we can run all we need (including the fridge) and still get extra charge😀 Thanks! We’ll be exploring Norway for a five week period shortly, maybe we’ll swing by Voss. Have a great week😎

[@amirdybala9859]

Yr video always inspired me and always be my fav dude . Love from malaysia❤.

[@SimonBraeck]

Wow, thank you for the kind words😍 Take care and stay safe🤗

[@mistamonyet1441]

Cant wait to buy my own t3 with my gf within the next 4 years😁

[@SimonBraeck]

Awesome! these vans are so much fun🤩

[@RetroRatz]

Nice video. What is the spacer you used under the panel. Was it a sheet of perspex? I received a new fuel pump and starter motor for our T3 this week, so crossing fingers 🚐😄 Happy motoring, stay safe ❤️🚘

[@SimonBraeck]

Thank you😊 I’m not quite sure about the English name, but I think it’s called a corrugated plastic sheet. I found it at a hardware store and the one I picked ut was ment for being used in a greenhouse. Just make sure it has canals to drain water and that it’s easy to cut into the desired size :) Nice! Always fun to add improvements to these old things. Same to you, take care!🤗

[@carlosbastidas8551]

learnt something new today thank you Simon

[@SimonBraeck]

My pleasure, thanks for watching😊

[@makarone]

Thanks for the review! Always nice to see the videos of your old camper van, that it is still on the road :) Could you tell something about it's reliability? Is it a money pit or it's fine for the long trips? Did you repaired it since the euro trip? Thanks!

[@SimonBraeck]

My pleasure, thanks!😊 It has actually worked beyond my expectations. I used to be a bit nervous about long stretches in the van, but after we fixed the parts in that Italian garage (it’s in the episode from the Dolomites), it hasn’t failed once. No new mechanical parts changed since then, though we want to change the brakes now to be sure they’re good for the upcoming long road trip in Norway. We have a lot of time at hand now because of the virus, so it’s fun to optimize the setup! Stay safe mate😊

[@makarone]

Thanks Simon! Good to know that it can handle such long trips :) Hoping to find a decent one here on sale! Peace! P.S. Watched a video about Switzerland here on youtube , and spotted a thing :) Is that Benedikte with Zulu ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6W9i2Cerd9siqs

[@SimonBraeck]

I see, good luck, hope you find something nice! Whaaaat, no way, that’s Benedikte and Zulu! I remember that guy actually, I saw him spending a lot of time taking photos and filming. You have a great eye for detail!😄

[@danielfeidal]

I see you run a 240V fridge. Have you considered switching it to a 12v? You lose a lot of power efficiency converting from 12-240v.

[@SimonBraeck]

It runs on both actually. Just an illustration. I’m working on a connection which let’s me toggle between charging our GoalZero and our leisure battery. Right now I use it on 12V while driving and 240V while stationary in the sun😊

[@marcell.422]

Hey Simon, does the Yeti 400 or the new Yeti500X with the 100W Solarpanell got enough power for your frige and phone charching? Or do you charge the Yeti with your car batterie too? Cheers

[@SimonBraeck]

Hey. Our fridge is not of top quality and consumes more power than the top models from Dometic etc. We power it via 230V (which uses the built in inverter) and we’re looking at roughly 70-75W. To get 70-75W off solar on a 100W solar panel, you need need ideal conditions. I don’t think it will power it without any downtime...

[@abdelhakimmeski8431]

That's great, congratulation , cheers 🥂

[@Aircooledbliss]

Nice, so no drilled holes in the pop top? ✌️☺️

[@AAa-tn5rz]

How long does it take to full charge from solar? Can the solar panels be daisy chained so it charges faster? If using all electronics like laptop, etc how long does the battery pack go from full to empty? Thanks

[@SimonBraeck]

Hi! According to GoalZero it will take 8 hours to fullt charge it with a 100W panel. You can daisy chain the panels, but this particular battery unit is limited to 120W input... I haven’t tested the laptop yet, but I know the battery will fully charge my MacBook 5 times without any solar input. Combined with a 100AH regular battery, we should be good😊

[@MistarBoomBastyk]

Hey there. Great video, love the van! I want to ask you about the fuel consumption, because i plan on getting one for myself and i'm curious about the possibility to make it a daily driver also while still being a camper van. Maybe you can share with us an average fuel consumption in city and outside on the open roads? Keep up the great work!

[@SimonBraeck]

Hey! Thank you so much :) We have a 1.6 TD engine and I would estimate it to consume 8.0-9.0 L / 100km. But that’s not very scientific, just my experience. We only own this vehicle and I think that it works fine, very spacious and practical, though the lack of power steering can be a hassle. This can be installed if you find a need for if of course :)

[@MistarBoomBastyk]

Simon Braeck Thanks a lot, cheers. Drive safe!

[@SimonBraeck]

You too :)

[@brianhydesmith2662]

The turbo Diesel engine in a VW van is great, but rare in North America. Most of the VW vans you will find are gasoline powered, with a 1.9 to 2.1 litre engine. These have more power than the original diesel, but you are doing well with 11-13+ litres/100km on flat highways. You will likely find that a cruising speed about 90 km/h feels right.

[@maximpattou9583]

Hello Simon, your videos are truly inspiring !! Quick question : how do you feel about the 200 version of this GoalZero power station ? Would it be able to power your day to day material on week trips or do you rather see it in a weekender van only ?

[@SimonBraeck]

Hi Maxim :) thanks for stopping by! We’re able to run our fridge mainly from the leisure battery, especially while driving. If we are standing still and have sun light, the solar panel will power the fridge without any battery drop from the GoalZero. So it all depends on the power need and weather to be honest... It’s easy to keep things charged while you drive using 12V socket etc, but for longer periods at one place, the 200 might be too small for our power need (cameras, drones, laptop, phones etc)

[@HansKeesom]

@@SimonBraeck The 200X is lithium ion so might charge quicker en allow you to go deeper. But yes it is 200 wH and the AC only 200 watts, although that is enough for many devices. 500x might be next level as it can do 300 watt. Jack of all trade at a lower pricepoint might be the ECOFLOW RIVER 600 , which has a 600 watt ac output and for heating devices that need more can do a trick called x-boost, lowering the voltage to keep the device going. You can buy the basemodel for $100 more then the 200X, same wH but more W, and later ad a batterymodule making it more powerfull then the 500X but still cheaper.

[@smokey2076]

The link is not available for me and I'm looking to convert a t25 westfalia and need a solar panel

[@smokey2076]

I'm doing the same as you were im plugging it In to a power bank

[@henrikm4657]

Nice, but how do you get the panel off without damaging the pop top when the day comes and it fails?

[@SimonBraeck]

Glue remover and a layer of paint should do the trick!

[@davidchase7166]

I think I would fit a solar controller to the leisure battery then you'd have the option to charge your leisure battery or the Yeti400 from the solar.

[@SimonBraeck]

I certainly consider it. The cables are already fixed with MC4 plugs so I need a solution for them to adapt to a solar controller. Do you know if that’s doable?

[@davidchase7166]

@@SimonBraeck Yes what you would do is wire MC4 plugs to a length of wire which is wired to the solar controller panel input . You would then simply disconnect the MC4 connector from the Yeti400 and plug into the MC4 connector on the solar controller. It's super simple. If you invest in a solar controller buy a proper MPPT one (watch out for cheap fake Chinese ones). They're more expensive than a PWM controller but as you have a fairly small solar panel you want to maximise the efficiency of the panel. I'd highly recommend a Victron energy controller. Have a look into it and if you are unsure ask an expert. Seeing what you both have done with the van over time you defiantly have the skills to do this you'll just need to understand it and you'll understand how simple it is.

[@mendozaconsultation]

Gold zero,is suppose to be a to connect to an external battery ie:leisure battery. It may depend on the unit you. Have also

[@SimonBraeck]

This feature is not supported on our GoalZero. But if you dont have the lithium GoalZero, you should be able to connect to other units.

[@thijskennis8757]

Awesome video! Could you please share a link for the panel, the converter and the battery?

[@SimonBraeck]

Thank you! Solar panel: www.sparelys.no/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_ny.tpl&product_id=2007&category_id=26&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=39

[@SimonBraeck]

For the GoalZero Yeti 400 Lithium, I recommend looking up local store or web retailer so that you get the correct AC socket. It comes with both 110V (USA plug) and 230V (European plug)

[@SimonBraeck]

Converter/adapter: www.amazon.com/ACOPOWER-Connector-Converter-Portable-Generator/dp/B0841ZCDHS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mc4+to+8mm&qid=1587504925&sprefix=mc4+to+&sr=8-1

[@furgonetapirata]

That's cool but don't forget about price of the GoalZero Yeti 400. It's about 1k $ - that is really expensive.

[@SimonBraeck]

I think the price has dropped a bit, but you're right, you pay a premium for the easy install and convenience.

[@Hergeeee]

Yup this here. "We only have a panel, no charge regulator no nothing" . Me :o. But an 1k lithium battery pack lol. I plan to install one and charge the 2nd lead battery with it. Cool video anyways!

[@per-erlingroness5447]

Nice work...😊👍

[@SimonBraeck]

Thanks mate!😉

[@j4nch]

For my understanding, there is no auxiliary battery in your T3?

[@SimonBraeck]

We have the Yeti unit as well as a 100Ah auxiliary battery under the sink

[@j4nch]

@@SimonBraeck I see, is the 100Ah also charged by your solar panels?

[@SimonBraeck]

Yes, it’s actually better described in my latest upload😊👍🏼

[@DavidDiaz-so5kj]

Im surprised you didn't get two (2) 100watt panels. 1 seems like it would not be enough. I would have bought 2 and put them in series for 24v. I cannot remember if the goal zero 400 will take 24v but I would have gotten a unit that would accept it. It's not that much more to add an extra panel and it makes a nice difference especially when you have a frigerator. Using your car alternator to charge an extra battery will cause it to overheat and fail.

[@SimonBraeck]

I wanted to leave some space for future installations on the roof (kayak, storage etc.) Also, I find that we have sufficient power between the two batteries and I can now switch between charging the GoalZero and the leisure battery via solar.

[@johnlounsbury6191]

what does the yeti and solar panel cost?

[@SimonBraeck]

Around $800 total I think

[@paveloleynik2743]

New video, but solar panel is old. For long time ETFE solar panels are available.

[@mendozaconsultation]

Also,the panel is suppose to have some air flow under heath from all I've read.

[@tokeraabjerg1835]

While it's true a solar panel works better with flow underneath (for cooling, as the power output decreases when hot), their panel is flexible, so you're not really able to have airflow underneath, as you'd mount it directly to the roof.

[@SimonBraeck]

We put a plastic sheet with air flow under the panel to help with this issue.

[@mouhamedhassani8584]

Good

[@SimonBraeck]

Thank you

[@mouhamedhassani8584]

Aim from moroco ai love t3

[@Lukvaler]

👍

[@SimonBraeck]

I like it too!😊

[@Italjohn]

Kjøpt her? www.vpg.no/goal-zero/283960/goal-zero-yeti-400-lithium-230v

[@SimonBraeck]

Vi kjøpte via dustinhome.no, men det var en kampanje for 8000kr hvor vi fikk med et solcellepanel på 50W i tillegg. Men den linken fra vpg ser ut som et bra kjøp! Sjekk også ut EcoFlow sine produkter, de virker bra men vanskelig å få tak i. Ellers har GoalZero nettopp lansert Yeti 500x som er enda lettere, mindre, kraftigere, men selvfølgelig også mer kostbar. Vet ikke om du har et slikt setup i din bil enda, men det er utrolig nyttig😊

[@zancim]

Do you guys delete negative comments or what? I am just stunned that there is not a single comment about how atrocious all that you are doing to that poor VW T3 is! Guys, GLUEING a solar panel to a roof?! Are you effing serious?! What are you going to do if it dies on you? What you are doing with the wires is seriously just plain dumb! And in the previous videos - spray painting the wheels or painting only the OUTSIDE of the van blue and leaving the insides RED?! Or throwing out original interior pieces to switch for plywood “furniture”? 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ Plus - the places where you are doing this restoration just goes to show that you have no respect for other people (a public garage next to other cars!) or nature. Do it in a workshop for Christ’s sake! Please educate yourselves on how to properly restore anything (!), needless to say a classic VW van! I mean you have some responsibility towards people who watch this dumb stuff you are doing and then repeat it, trashing more and more good vintage cars. Please, just stop ✋🏼 🛑 and buy yourselves a rusty old Toyota Previa to trash like this. I own a VW T3 bus and this is just pain for my eyes to watch.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

It’s his van he can do what he wants with it, if he wants to stick a Subaru engine in the back it’s his choice !