Go Power Overlander Solar Kit with Bluetooth Solar Controller: https://amzn.to/3MKVMbE
Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit: https://amzn.to/3MQ4GVC
Victron Energy Battery Monitor with Shunt: https://amzn.to/3MJSqWx
Renogy 3000w Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter: https://amzn.to/3yWlBBJ
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Really laid out instructions love it ❤❤❤
I would add 1/2 spacers under the channel so water and debris can run off
I’m late to seeing this video. I don’t hate the channels and brackets to mount panels but I do take issue with how they are oriented. Running those tracks lengthwise won’t water puddle against them when it rains? Wouldn’t it have been better to install them the other direction so water won’t stand and try to seep in around screws?
It's convenient and looks nice, but how easy is it to clean?
Did you find the studs to screw into? I have read that with the flex in the roof you likely will end up with the holes pulling out of the ply.
Hello, I saw the video when you installed the solar panels. I have a 2022 Grand Desing 17MKE Rv and I am going to install the panels as you installed them. The only thing I have doubts about is the thickness and length of the screw that goes inside the roof of the RV. Could you tell me which ones I use, I would appreciate it.
Insert nuts comment
7:52 Coming from the airline aircraft maintenance industry, I feel your pain. Hidden RV wiring is scary when seen when stuff is removed!
Great idea on the brackets and roof install. Thank you for the step by step. Will be taking this suggestion to my trailer.
Great video
Thanks
Curious how your inverter is wired into this. Also I’m looking at a Victron MPPT controller with a 200W panel to maintain my two Type 24 AGM batteries for now and possibly expand later.
If you install it properly? What, do you think you are talking to idiots? Ya and you wonder about your watt output on your solar panels? Just who do you think you are? They don't call it U-BOOB for nothing. 😂😂😂
The galvanized unistrut is only a good idea until it starts rusting, which doesn't take to long. Then you ready for a whole roof replacement for $10k.
2 years later. Did you have any issues with the self tapers vibrating loose?
I used your hand me down idea to install 12 – 100 Watts panels on my friends big motor home , but the wireling is what's getting me confused , should I wire them in parallel or in series? He has a good inverter and a solar charger, but he like to run a lot of thin at the same time, can you help me with this please.
They made fittings for unistrut that are made per the gauge of the strut (12, 14 and 16 if I remember correctly?).
The fitting I have in mind is basically what you’re doing but stronger and cleaner. The fittings for unisteut is a little pricey for what it is (between $12-$20 if my memory is right)
Another option is residential solar rails. I’ve heard but haven’t personally experienced that Unistrut collects debris because there’s no air gap.
I used IronRidge XR10 rails. They’re made out of aluminum and super lightweight. A 14’ span is only 6 pounds and incredibly strong. I paid $43 per 14’ rail.
Only issue is that it’s slightly more difficult to find. I got mine at a Rexel but you can try contacting a solar distributor or electrical supply business nearby for pickup.
😀👍Good Stuff, Great Tips
Factory “solar prep” is a joke if the wiring is cheap…10 or even 12 gauge.
Will the converter and the solar power not create a conflict with charging and discharging?
Ibex and No Boundary come with these channels, it made expanding our solar way easier
You saw this at “Some other random YouTube video”. If you were transparent which sorry you are not, you would link that fellow’s YouTube. He addresses many more of the details involved in mounting panels with strut channel than you seem to be aware of. Fellow rv solar installers beware.
Great video, im planning on doing this exact same install on my 5th wheel. One question, what size bolts did you use for the drop in nut in the channel. 1/4 or 3/8? I was worried about 1/4 not being big enough for a strong wind. Also how long of bolts did you use for those, 1 inch? Thanks in advance for any information, and DIY people like me, rely on videos like yours to give us the information we need to do it ourselves. Keep up the great work.
Can you drill mounts anywhere on a rv roof or is there studs to lool for? All videos i have watched seems nobody shows them looking for studs for a solid mount.
Have you noticed how the water drains now? I’m concerned about water damming up against the strut. Maybe I’ll put some washers under the attachment points to the roof to raise the struts slightly. Overall great video, thanks!
love this, great job!
Dude that unistrut is a great idea thanks very much !
What kind of strut, was it pre-galvanized, stainless, aluminum or? How id it holding up a year in?
should have gotten the RV-C MPPT controller and hooked it to the Jaycommand then the info would be on your phone and tablet.
Don't know if anyone raised this issue…but what about fuses or circuit breakers?
Great video. Could you please tell me what type of small wood cutter you are using. Is small enough to cut with precision. Thank you
Is there room to drill a 1/4 inch hole through the top of the panels aluminum frame?
Question was that 1" lag bolt you used on strut channel
One of the best video's I've seen on this subject, thank you for sharing.
Wind test?
It looks easy to install then you start talking shunts and stuff and it threw me off.
Wish I could make a plan to discuss my install with you. My son and I live in a trailer and want to add solar to go off grid. I don't want to use gas for refer/hot water heater, I want them on solar power with lights. Basically, I want solar as if I were plugged into 30amp power. Jonesy
Nice job!
question what about the connection to the the main panel in the trailer do you need a switch to bypass? I am new to this
I recommend SquareSolar. They are just so much easier to install, and you can really maximize your output since they are modular. Worth checking out.
i am uncomfortable drilling into the roof, tho i appreciate your video.. for making the panels more secure, but i am using the no drill bracket method with eternabond.. ( i am parked at a campground and i just want to have uninterruptible power) and add resell value of course, .. but i have 1kwh of panels (24v) going to a hybrid 3kw all in one inverter (powmr) that can take shore/grid power, PV (solar) and use battery for load .. with priority settings.. using PV 1st then battery to a low 20% state (i set that) and after that it will pull from grid .. to power the RV and also charge batteries back to 80% before the batteries take over again.. or if the sun comes out PV takes priority to run load and charge. all told cost was 2200.00 .. I am surprised your not running something like that for the cost basis and scalability.. I can scale my system to 5kw in solar and 50kwh of battery as the inverter can handle 450V of panels.
To run my ac I have 1400 ways solar ! 3,000 watt aimes charge invertor! 10 lithium batteries! Gets so hot driving the Moterhome I had to take action to keep it cool while we drive
Can Chanel be installed with just eturnabond tape?