Van Build UK | Fitting a 160W Solar Panel to my Micro Campervan

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[@HenryTurnerphoto]

A couple of things for anyone interested and thanks a million for any advice! 1. I’ve decided to screw the plastic mounts into the top of the van as well as the Sikaflex for some belts and braces action. 2. I’ll be adding a wind deflector to the front area of the solar panel. 3. The Jackery Explorer 1000 has a built in MPPT charge controller meaning it’ll stop receiving incoming solar power once the battery’s at 100%. Cheers! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Adrian_Finn]

Very wise Henry.

[@christophergrove4876]

🇨🇦/🇺🇸... THANK YOU, HENRY... Thank you! I was ALLL IN A SWEAT when I DIDN'T hear "screws"! LOL 😂😂🤣

[@metalmick99]

I'm no expert in this field, but was thinking of suggesting both 1 and 2 in your list. I think they're both very good moves. I'm thoroughly enjoying the evolution of Blue Jay into your mobile home/studio. I subscribe to other channels where the owner has such a vehicle, and was thinking what a good thing it would be to have one rather than getting up at 4 am to chase a sunrise or battle my way through traffic after sunset. Maybe I need to find myself a rich uncle.😉

[@petertafft7844]

Hi

[@crpth1]

Wise decision regarding the mechanical fixing (screws). Just so people can understand. Sikaflex is an absolutely awesome product for that application. BUT, here comes the but! LOL 😂😂 Most people forget one simple detail. What its really holding the entire assembly is good old PAINT! Which is nice and strong and bla, bla, bla. But it's paint anyway, not exactly a good structural first choice. Wait until it start peeling... There's a whole lot of reasons why in engineering applications paint is NEVER considered a structural element. But you get the grip, no pun intended. :-) Cheers

[@willnotbetracked8222]

It might be worth considering a cheap roof rack with a hinged frame/board to mount the panel to that can be tilted toward the sun aided by some sympathetic parking for anyone else considering this. Only the cable hole to drill then.

[@ianpierce1888]

Going well Henry, my advice would be to add a heavy duty solar isolator switch to the solar cables before the Jackery in case you disconnect it, also it should be fine left connected as the unit has its own mppt built in to control the charge. Please remember the panel is constantly pushing a live current in daylight, and always remember to cover the panel with card when working on the system

[@DarioSolera]

Black PV panels are monochristalline while blue panels are polychristalline. Without getting into the details, which are pretty boring, black/monochristalline are more efficient while more expensive. Blue/polychristalline are less efficient and less expensive.

[@chuckwoodchip1696]

Great build Henry. Some type of wind deflector might be worth considering as the solar panel will generate wind noise similar to a roof rack and will also affect fuel consumption. Great to follow your build

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Will do, thanks a lot ✅🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Why am I getting visions of a solar panel bouncing along the fast lane of the M6?😁 Good luck Henry! 👍👍

[@Adrian_Finn]

Yeah I think I would of found a way to attach it to a roof rack myself, trusting it to just sikaflex seems sketchy to me.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

@@Adrian_Finn I just couldn’t leave the drive. Get screws Henry!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Done ✅ 😂. I also had similar visions James but they involved a windscreen and me in a prison cell 😂🤦🏼‍♂️.

[@Adrian_Finn]

@@HenryTurnerphoto Lmao!

[@jimwlouavl]

Great video showing how any DIY project takes on a life of its own with all sorts of challenges. The van is looking good.

[@clivewitney3557]

Re charging, the charge controller will regulate the charge going into the battery so leave it connected as per most vans with solar it is then charging if need be whenever the sun is out or trickle charging when more overcast. You could have removed the connectors on the solar panel the end cap unscrews and the wire would pull out and hole could have been a lot smaller.

[@AndyBanner]

The Jackery battery pack will have it's own battery management system that will prevent overcharging, so you can leave it charging forever. Just a word of concern. As well as being a stunning photographer, I spent 14 years running a boat yard where I did all manner of work involving putting things down with Sikaflex and fitting things out. I would NOT rely on adhesive alone to hold down a solar panel when it's going to be doing 60Mph down a motorway with air under it creating LIFT. Please, nut and bolt it down. A mechanical fixing will not come loose if you use Nylock nuts on bolts with washers.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks mate, will look into that!!

[@ianfollows4594]

Might be worth considering a deflector of some kind in front of the panel. Problem is the air getting under and lifting it. Vans looking good though

[@lynnk8887]

Being Canadian, I love that you named your van after my favourite baseball team.

[@kylezeringue5673]

Henry, if I read correctly you have the jackery explorer 1000. Look at the documentation. As I recall every jackery includes an mppt charge controller. I believe that protects from overcharging the battery. Also if it is the unit I think it is, it will also shut down if power is drained to 10% remaining power in order to to protect the battery from damage. So you should be OK leaving it charging and in use for some time. Try to have adequate charge in the battery for running essentials overnight to prevent low charge shut down. Interesting series on the build. Kudos Henry!

[@philiplewis1600]

Yes if the jackery is fitted with an mppt solar controler that will be fine.

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Henry, talk to jackery about charging as they’ll know best.

[@IvanRiveraStagea]

Great build update! The larger panel will let you charge even in less than ideal conditions. You can leave the Jackery plugged in, by the way. The built-in circuitry will prevent it from overcharging.

[@russellallan8564]

Looks good. Sikaflex is great but in wind and at speed it will rip off - add bolts or screws please. Also the Jackery is fine to leave plugged in and trickle charging - it has auto cut off.

[@m00rhsuM]

This is coming along nicely Henry. Also with that solar panel you could also split charge to the main van battery as well. Just in case you leave it for a while, we did it with our camper van build a few years ago. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@jadefinchscene5644]

I believe the Jackery unit has a charging control chip in it that will kick into safe mode once the battery is fully charged. if not i imagine it isnt something to be too concerned about as the unit is built that way, and someone had to have thought ahead and taken things into account.

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

Looking good Henry, it's coming together. Enjoying watching your van build 👍

[@Rob.1340]

The jackery will be fine left charging. Sikaflex is a great product, well proven and allows for movement from vibration. The blue jay is coming along nicely and am sure will prove to be a cracking addition to your life’s photography journey. Thanks for sharing. All the very best. Cheers. 👍📷😎

[@robertspeicher5047]

If there is a " next" time. Think about what is used to seal walls in showers. Different colors etc to seal cables

[@bobellisp5]

Should have fitted the brackets to the panel 1st then glued the hole lot down in one. That way you don’t stress the panel pulling it to get he brackets

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing your experience...yes as others have suggested a wind deflector to reduce drag & noise would be great. Also you can leave unit on when fully charged as they have inbuilt safety cut-off... good work.... cheers 😀

[@davidgood9786]

Good Job Henry. I am amazed at all the things you can do. Good on you.

[@StephenJoines]

Looking good so far Henry!. My advice (sure this has been said before) is an isolator switch to the solar panel. The Jackery unit should have a charge control chip so leaving it plugged in will be ok. Please remember that the solar panel is always producing current, so when working on it place a blanket or card fully over it to protect yourself.

[@teddyho123]

You can cut off the adapters and reinstall them when you put the wires into the van, thanks for your video

[@thebeardedgeordiephotography]

Ah mate! Those solar panel cable end plugs unscrew from the rear like the ones that fit the entry port you've fed them through. I've just fitted one last month and was scratching my head until I realised they do actually come apart. Also, you can leave the jackery plugged in 24/7 as it regulates its own requirements like an MPPT

[@markfoster5240]

Brilliant video, thank you. I'm just researching now to do my van. Such a helpful video.

[@lenp00]

Great video Henry, ta very much!

[@roaming-aus]

The regulator in the Jackery will only allow as much power in as the battery requires so leaving the solar connected will be fine

[@mushinman1]

Thanks for the video!

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Battery charging question, see manual. FAQ, Q7. Is your very same question. Yes you can leave it on charge, won’t harm the battery.

[@henrywilliam8506]

Hi Henry, the solar panel brackets that you glued onto the van roof, may become an issue. Here in Tasmnia, someone used exactly the same Sikaflex 522 to glue on the brackets. Unfortunately, after a year the brackets came off whilst towing and killed 3 people in a car travelling in the opposite direction. Make sure you periodically check their adhesive properties. Great vlogs!!!

[@minus1db]

Fantastic cheers mate

[@nickmay625]

Well done its coming long 👏

[@SteveMorris1964]

Looking good Henry, looking good 👍

[@louscannonmagoo9989]

Hi Henry. Have you got a charge controller between the panel and the battery. This would include a reverse charge diode to stop the panel draining the battery at night. It may be that the Jackery has one installed in which case you should be fine. Great vid mate. 👍👍

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

For better battery life only charge when it's below 70% and above 30% and don't over charge 💥

[@GlenJDiamond]

How resistant to movement / jolts , for the solar panel? The build is coming along nicely.

[@scotty4418]

Another big step forward Henry and certainly a great addition to your set up. Hope you get the answer to your question but was wondering would your Jackery not have a safety cut out to prevent over charging?

[@frstesiste7670]

Agree, cant imagine that a well known brand like Jackery didn't have protection against overcharging. Should be recommendations in the Jackery user guide.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

It does stop taking in power after some really helpful replies on here have said. Cheers all 🙏🏼

[@brianmcgrevey9832]

Your out of your comfort zone with this Henry, it’s great to see you asking advice and getting it from others. Is the solar panel central on roof or to one side? I know it’s wise after the event but could you not have drilled hole under roof panel? Then assembled panel over the top of it? Keep going I want to see this finished, it’s a lot of work but think of the end result.....custom built by you! B

[@seseikkailija5373]

You should not be charging a battery which is at 100%. To avoid this you would need a solar charge controller, placed between the battery and the solar panel. The controller will cut of the power when battery is fully charged or if there is some other problems.

[@monkeysausage2404]

Pretty sure the Jackery will have a charge controller that will manage the charge and stop the charge it when the battery is full.

[@goldenlabradorskye]

Coming along !!!!!

[@haroldhobbs1184]

Another great video Henry loved watching you're progress looks really good can't wait to see it in action

[@iandale]

White is the new blue

[@davidletz9123]

Love the update, Henry. FWIW, it might be a good idea to check the panel after a few trips to see if it has loosened. I suspect vehicle vibration might be a factor, but that's just my two pence worth.

[@petersmitham8273]

Grand job!…

[@vernpasfield3892]

Good Vido.

[@stevebird6246]

Van build coming together, starting to look good. Just wondering, have you had a look at Thomas Heatons KZbin channel he has done a few videos on his van conversion, might find a few tips on them to help you out.

[@Emmermacher]

Nice work, Henry. Most charging electronics stops the loading, when the batteries are on 100 percent. With the large plug I would try to disconnect the cable at solar panel, if this is possible. Fixing the panel with glue on the car - if this was a good idea, I can't say it. I suppose, in Germany this isn't allowed. In UK??? Ask an expert.

[@grahamallen3941]

Hi Henry, the build is coming along nicely!! When you have the panel fitted will you get wind noise blowing through the gap and the roof or will you fit a deflector so the wind flows over the top? It’s coming along very nice. All the best mate. Graham.👍👍

[@red_rangerr]

What size is the solar panel did you buy. My wife and I just bought the same van and just wanna check sizes. Amazing what you've done

[@EricPollarrd]

What can these things power, a fridge, cooker, freezer?

[@djdanfetish1]

So its just solar panel to the jackery ? Are your ceiling lights hooked up to that jackery ? Iv just insulated an carpeted my tranny connect lwb . Use it for mx an odd weekend away with r lass . All i wanna run is sum lights an a usb really . No tvs or fridges ect 👍

[@cipriantiron24]

Hi Henry! I have a few questions, as I am looking into a Doblo Maxi for a camper as well. Do you think you could put two 160w solar panels side by side? (is the roof wide enough?) Also, since you're the same height as I am (180cm), how is it like inside? Can you sit upright comfortably? Any chance you could tell me what's the interior height as it is now and how tall is your bed? Thanks and congrats on your build, looks lovely.

[@PeterGaunt]

The thinking at the mo about charging lithium batteries appears to be that if you want them to last longer you should charge them below 100% (say, 85 to 90%) and occasionally let them run down to 5% or so. This may be all total bollox and opinions do vary. If it's true then trying to stick to it except on days when you know you're going to need the full wack makes much sense - replacing those cells is not going to be cheap. It's going to be interesting to see what you can do with the 160W (max!) from the solar panel ain't it?

[@pathogan4854]

Nice job Henry ! I know the solar panel takes up most of the roof why did you not mount a roof rack for a bit of extra storage ?

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Cheers Pat, I just don't think I'm going to need it mate

[@pathogan4854]

@@HenryTurnerphoto Fair enough I just watched Thomas Heatons year review of his vanbuild n Basically the same the roof rack is not of major value ! Keep at it man stay safe.

[@simoncooper8662]

Hi mate thinking of doing my solar panel like u done your, are your brackets still stuck down

[@jamesss1953]

As far as I know you are best NOT continually charging a lithium battery Henry. Good stuff here ✔️

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Theoretically you lose some battery life if you keep it charged up and plugged in all the time. The difference is so small in a lithium battery that it's not worth the worry. There will be a big debate.

[@S.F.D.R]

that beard though lol

[@611delboy]

Hi Henry, i came up against the same problem with the solarpanel plugs, i found a video on how to remove them kzbin.info/www/bejne/mobXemeJbLOGnrc might be helpful if you ever have to do it again.. Great little van btw.

[@sheilafoster-hancock5687]

Hopefully you’ll have to shave the beard off now you have that stuff in it 😉