How to Install Solar Panel(s) on a Camper Van Conversion
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How to Install Solar Panel(s) on a Camper Van Conversion
![Van Conversion Halfway Through (4-).jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F4L/A91F/J1QPA5V0/F4LA91FJ1QPA5V0.jpg&filename=Van Conversion Halfway Through (4-).jpg)
The autonomy of our DIY camper van conversion depends on power, and extracting power from the sun feels a bit like cheating to us. If you say freedom, we say solar panels!
We listed all the steps in this Instructable, but head over here for all the material list (with links to products), tools and more:
http://faroutride.com/solar-panels-installation/.
We hope this helps, don't hesitate to ask questions if you feel like it! Cheers!
Material Needed for This Project
![Solar Panels installation, material.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FCV/GP87/J1QPA3LZ/FCVGP87J1QPA3LZ.jpg&filename=Solar Panels installation, material.jpg)
- 2 x Grape Solar 160W 12 volts panels
- 3M VHB double-sided tape 1″ width
- 2 x Renogy Z mounting brackets
- MC-4 Multibranch Connector pair
- Right angle cable gland 3/8″
- 30′ Extension Cable with MC-4 Connectors 8 AWG (cut in half to get 2 times 15 feet length)
- Dicor 551 LSG-1 Lap Sealant
- Isopropyl alcoholPrimer, Paint & Clearcoat
Clickable links to the products above: http://faroutride.com/solar-panels-installation/
Pre-install the Brackets on the Solar Panels (4 Brackets for Each Panel)
![Solar Panel Installation, fastener stackup.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FM4/WQSV/J1QPA3K7/FM4WQSVJ1QPA3K7.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, fastener stackup.jpg)
It’s easier to do this on the ground…
Relocate the Brackets on the Inside Edge
![Solar Panel Installation, relocating bracket.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FW0/G8PF/J1QPA3LA/FW0G8PFJ1QPA3LA.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, relocating bracket.jpg)
We're installing 2 panels side-by-side: this is to minimize the gap between the panels, so they are installed toward the middle of the roof and are less visible from the ground. A minimum gap should be left to account for thermal expansion and mostly for installation ease.
Install 3M VHB Tape on Brackets
![Solar Panel Installation, apply 3M VHB to brackets.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FXP/E12B/J1QPA3J7/FXPE12BJ1QPA3J7.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, apply 3M VHB to brackets.jpg)
We selected 3M VHB tape to avoid drilling through the roof. AM Solar have been doing it for a long time and reported to never have lost a panel. A screw will grip through the sheet metal, the tape rely solely on the paint to hold; therefore, we don’t recommend to use tape on rusted, damaged or used paint. In other words, we trust the tape method because the van is NEW. Also, we check our panels installation regularly.
Per manufacturer recommendation, the minimum application temperature for 4991 tape is 60F.
Cut the 30′ Extension Cable in Half and Pass It Through the Glands. Leave About 12 Inches Between Connectors and Gland.
It required a lot of force to pass the cable through the gland thanks to the right angle. It’s better to do this on the ground.
Pre-fit Solar Panels on the Roof to Define Location of Cable Glands
This extension cable is not very flexible. We found it easier to work with if we install the glands at approximately 12 inches from the panels.
Mark the location of the solar panel to avoid having the measure again afterward.
Remove the Solar Panels and Drill Holes for the Glands
![Solar Panel Installation, drill roof.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FDV/EPUH/J1QPA3JJ/FDVEPUHJ1QPA3JJ.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, drill roof.jpg)
![Solar Panel Installation, saw roof.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F7D/FTEE/J1QPA3LL/F7DFTEEJ1QPA3LL.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, saw roof.jpg)
We pre-drilled and then use a hole saw.
Break the Sharp Edges With a File and Smooth the Surfaces With a Fine Sandpaper
![Solar Panel Installation, file and sand.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F0K/8CW0/J1QPA3K9/F0K8CW0J1QPA3K9.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, file and sand.jpg)
This is tTo prepare the surface for touch-up.
Apply Primer, Paint & Clearcoat on Drilled Holes
![Solar Panel Installation, edge touch up.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FAD/VPKF/J1QPA3JU/FADVPKFJ1QPA3JU.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, edge touch up.jpg)
This is an important step to prevent corrosion in the future.
TIP: You can have your exact van color prepared for you in almost any auto-parts store. Just give them your color-code (printed on the driver’s door frame), year of production and make.
Think and Prepare Cable Routing on Solar Panels
![Solar Panel Installation, cable routing.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FGD/9LFO/J1QPA3JB/FGD9LFOJ1QPA3JB.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, cable routing.jpg)
This is to prevent cable chafing on the roof and damaging the paint. We also installed a protective tape on the roof afterward just in case.
Will the tape withstand the test of time? You might come up with a better solution than the tape!
Fit Solar Panels on the Roof and Connect All the Cables
Pass Wire Through the Roof Without Securing the Glands Yet
![Solar Panel Installation, cable interior routing.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FZZ/0VJX/J1QPA3J8/FZZ0VJXJ1QPA3J8.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, cable interior routing.jpg)
Clean the Roof With Isopropyl Alcohol, Peel Off 3M VHB Tape and Press Firmly to Adhere
No picture here. We had to act fast and it turned out more complicated than anticipated: you get no access to the center of the roof, the cables must be neatly fitted and you get one chance only to stick the 3M tape at the right place…
Fasten the Glands to the Roof
Seal All the Brackets and the Glands With Dicor Lap Sealant
![Solar Panels Installation, sealing the brackets.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FUK/6SYX/J1QPA3M0/FUK6SYXJ1QPA3M0.jpg&filename=Solar Panels Installation, sealing the brackets.jpg)
The bracket are sealed to prevent water contamination with the tape; it should help in the long run. We could not seal the inner edge of each bracket because we had no access.
Final Test
![Solar Panel Installation, testing the voltage.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F9C/EIBO/J1QPA3LY/F9CEIBOJ1QPA3LY.jpg&filename=Solar Panel Installation, testing the voltage.jpg)
You can validate that the panels are working by taking a reading the voltage.
It works!
Here Is What It Looks Like From Above
![IMG_20160616_120658-01.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FKZ/LPAF/J1QPA5H1/FKZLPAFJ1QPA5H1.jpg&filename=IMG_20160616_120658-01.jpg)
Nice! Time for a road trip!
Looking for More Inspiration?
![Van-Conversion-Resources-Heading.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FM1/1WY0/J1QPA5R6/FM11WY0J1QPA5R6.jpg&filename=Van-Conversion-Resources-Heading.jpg)
We're documenting thoroughly our van conversion! We tried to capture every details and share our experience, tips, lessons learned, etc.
This is our Build Journal: http://faroutride.com/ford-transit-camper-van/buil...
Or if you're very new to this, you might want to look here: http://faroutride.com/van-conversion-resources/
Thanks for reading!