DIY Solar Panel Installation - I DRILLED A HOLE IN MY POP TOP - VW T6 Camper Van 

I spent far to long after your Daughter came out, thinking, "You need to go in for your lunch" good install of solar, I'm thinking of getting a stand alone panel to connect to my C-tek while we are camping, just to keep the leisure battery topped up.

Have to admit, my heart was beating faster when I saw you drilling that hole. Tears and a trip to A&E came to mind. Both hands, next time, please. And a backing block on the blind side if there's access. Sorry, I'm a retired engineer and my wife's an operating theatre nurse. We have a habit of seeing accidents waiting to happen and the consequences later. Good project though. Well done. All we want now is an end to lockdown and warmer weather so we can get our T6 back to following the slow roads. 😷👍

Great vid. Thanks! I happened upon your vid after independently doing something similar: except I'm going with a setup totally separate from my cvan's current electrics. Using an ecoflow delta2 power station and a couple of 180w microcrystalline solar panels (w' a reinforcing panel that I can detach/attach to move about and find the sun). The 1800w ecoflo allows me to power an air fryer, etc alfresco cooking. And the system allows me to lend it all to my friends for them to enjoy off grid mega power if they want it 😊 liking your honest, humble, relaxed vids 😊 sharing your experience 👍 informing others and allowing people to then choose their best way that suits them, on their own journey 👍😊

Fitting my one this weekend, thought I’d RU-vid some ideas and yours came up. Better get on with mine as it’s only been living in the bedroom for 18 months 😂

Another handy video, thanks mate. As you say, there's not many videos on RU-vid that cover this in the same way you did, I've been looking for them, so was chuffed to see your upload. Look forward to the update on performance etc. Cheers

Just brought a VW T5. Love your channel learning so much buddy 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

So do I get this right in essence you’ve put a jackery with its solar panel in your van yes 👏 well wired mate haha

Just picked up on your channel and still deciding when to take the plunge on buying a van. I must say you do have guts taking on a job like this because, no offence, after watching the video on fitting the board to stop your pillows dropping down, there's more enthusiasm than engineering skill on show. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Hats off to you my good man. Really enjoying your videos too keep up the good work 'warts n all'👍

Like the videos! I converted a.small van last year and put solar in, it's a game changer! I've also been living off-grid with mainly solar for power for about 10 yrs. I would have had the solar go straight into the leisure batteries and connect the external battery to the 'load' on the charge controller. You can have the load output switched by voltage so you don't have flat domestic batteries. Charging a battery from a battery is so inefficient. I've got 150w on my van and it isn't really enough in the UK for extended trips, so a second panel will never be a waste of money!

I used the same approach however the rain has caused the tape to lift. I am now going down the sikaflex route.

I had to laugh at the start of your video, you managed to align your head perfectly with the light fitting :-) Loving the your channel and the videos you create.

God i don't miss having to line up outside shops waiting for people to leave Seems like yesterday and forever ago

That corflute is going to turn green with water getting in it and being in the sun.

3mm pilot hole first, to check, absolutely bigger ladder, two hands on drill, however you got away with it, well done.

Brilliant - I'm going to copy you mate 👍

I drilled through my brand new pop top a few days ago, to fit solar cables - I was bricking it!!

Man this really good, I got the same roof good to know how tough they are

Thanks for the video, I’ve been thinking about adding a solar panel to my camper van but have been put off by what might be involved. Having seen how you went about it has renewed my interest on fitting one.

Nice one what a great idea. I’ve been thinking about buying a portable battery and solar panel but thought I would need to go via the leisure battery. Never thought to go straight to the portable battery. Like your videos keep them coming have learnt a lot through them especially liked the video about your top purchases. Unfortunately the portable battery that you’ve got has sold out, you should get commission.

I used 6” galvanised nails to fit mine so they don’t rust , and then bent them over on the inside to use as Cup hooks , well chuffed!

IDEA! further to the below... (it cut out some of my final comments) ... Drilling into the roof inside the pop-tops' material skirt (as far back as possible) means:- There is only 1 hole to make The cables simply go down via the cable roof gland, through the roof via 1 hole and simply turn through 90 degrees into the top of the rear electrical cabinet (on drivers side) where my BEAUDENS Power unit is... ...so much more simple than routing out and in and along as you chose to do... Also a consideration was ... The rear of the pop top doesn't have much use/traffic and so for me wont cause any problem with cables tied in there... Hope this is helpful and hopefully interesting to some... any comments / advice greatly received .. Paul

Nice Informative Video!

Hi there, Great Video! Few Questions, and an idea!: 1 What did you use to clean the surfaces? Special grease cleanser wipes? Or simple Soap & water? 2 Did you contemplate putting 2 nylon Nuts & Bolts, through the two front ringed holes through the roof, to ensure that the panel would not fly away under any circumstances? I'm just about to do the same polycarbonate sheet plus the panel on my Mazda Bongo using 3M 5952 double sided VHB tape.. (as I just don't trust B&Q double sided carpet tape) do you think the bolts would be overkill? 3 Also I'm going to use a cable gland on my roof and seal that with SIKA silicone, however the MC4 connectors on the Panel just don't go through the glands' waterproof holes... my question is, how did you get both your MC4 connectors on the panel cables through the drilled hole, as i believe they wouldn't both fit? I'm contemplating taking the MC4 connectors off, and putting back on, on the other-side of the roof gland and after the drilled hole. 4 Do the fiberglass roof hole edges need to be sealed with epoxy resin to keep damp from seeping into the fiberglass?? FYI MY IDEA I thought long and hard about this .... I am planning to drill straight into my roof, BUT BUT BUT , as near to the back as possible AND importantly INSIDE the pop top's material wall. wouldn't Anyway, great videos and keep them coming! Looking forward to your reply, Cheers Paul

Great Install video, but why didn't u install it on the left side? You wouldn't have had so much wire on show that way. Easier to hide in roof lining.

did you do a follow up to this video interested to know how the panel is doing cheers Ian

why didn't you use the two holes on the right? You have the same roof as me too

This might be a bit late but you can get them lights that are touch on touch off, if that makes sense ;-)

Great channel mate, just found it. How's the solar panel still performing, thinking about having a go myself! Thanks

Sorry me again :) Can I ask, why didn't you run the cable into the van through the grommet on the drivers side of the van which would mean you wouldn't have to route across the roof on the inside? I am loving this mod and going to do that myself.. The panel is arriving tomorrow :) Cheers

Hi mate - great channel! How's the twinwall panel doing at removing heat build-up? Gonna be doing it myself soon hopefully!

Hello Very good movie How has the solar panel installation worked? Did the assembly with the butyl tape last? Did the plastic under the solar panel work well? / Håkan

Hi Colin, how did your black PVC tape around the edges of the solar panels hold up against the weather?

Hi Colin where did you get the light for Michelle from.?

Can you do a the follow up video for this? I am keen to see how it has faired up... Cheers

I’ve only just found your channel and am loving it!! I’m about to purchase a van and pretty much do as you have, so it’s all really helpful! One question regarding the solar/battery charger/split charging. Do you have to unplug the battery charger when running the engine (using the split charging system) or does the power pack know not to charge at the same time? Or do they both charge the leisure battery at the same time? That was longer than I had planned, sorry!

Nice video. Really helpful! I’m about to embark on fitting a flexible solar panel to my pop top roof. What strength (kw) was the panel you chose to fit? I’m getting fed up with my leisure battery only being able to keep the fridge running for 6 hours max when off grid and putting up with warm beer and wine!!

Well done mate. I may have missed it or got it completely wrong. Great way to use the Beudens feature to charge it with the solar but am I right in staying that you then use the Beudens to charge your leisure battery via you split charger? If so how do you do that? Cheers

So after 3 years have you had any problem with the panel lifting off whilst travelling on the road?

Got same roof as you colin(your van walk around influenced me to get the C+H roof)....my question to you is how’s the tape holding up mate?What with the roof being black they get really hot in the sun.I’m after buying and installing the lensun etfe coated matt black one 100w each(in parallel)but would love to know how it’s all doing up there stick wise ect.Cheers Paul

Hi mate great video. What double sided tape did you use? Also what was the black tape? Cheers!

This is great! Quick question how do you attach the leisure battery to the beaudens generator as wasn’t clear?

Hello just found your channel . I'm looking to put a flexible solar panel on my van. Does it goe straight to the battery or does it have to go to a charge controller. Thanks.

@yorkshire pop top - Conscious you’re taking time off the tubes currently, so not overly optimistic of a response (that and ive no idea how to tag someone apparently haha) I know you did a follow up, but down the line how has the panel held up mate? Have you changed anything and would you do anything differently? Trying to find inspiration to ressurect my DIY pop top conversion so appreciate any responses that can help. Also what wattage was your panel and what js your leisure batter and are you happy with the charge it gives you?

How is this going? How is the tape fairing up? I was a bit worried about the plastic sheet shearing apart, so one side remains stuck to the van and the other to three solar panel but sheared through the centre.

Could you post a link to the kit you bought please?

If you attach it via a plastic panel like you've done here, is it easy enough to remove the solar panel if you later want to install a pop top roof?

Hi Colin , I have the same roof as you & I'm looking at copying your idea. Is your panel just held down with tape then ? I was wondering if its work me sikaflexing the corrugated stuff to the roof and then sikaflex the panel to the corrugated stuff & as a final safety measure then use self tapping screws in the corners holes on the panel ? I just have nightmares about the panel lifting off on the motorway 😲

Great video of something i've been toying with for a while. I notice you use just the 1 panel but have space for another in future. I'm looking to install 2 panels on my Poptop. You don't show using the Solar Charger Controller. Do you actually use one/need one?

Good vid, do you really notice much of a difference with just 1 100w panel? It’s tough being from the UK!

Fantastic video mate. Just wondering how the solar panel is holding up. As we're looking at ordering one. 👍

Hi just found your channel what was the double-sided tape that you used

I wonder what the life of these panels are, I’ve seen fold up panels that may have a longer life. Trouble is you need the space inside to carry them and they can be stolen if left out while you are away from van. Any thoughts?

Have you got a link for the elasticated wire thing that pulls the pop top canvas in? Not seen those before.

Cheers for the video, i'm trying to build up the confidence to do it myself :) One question, almost 8 months after you did it, would you do it that way again?

Hello great vid :D what intelligent battery charger do you use?

Hey, Where did you buy the corrugated plastic sheet from? Thanks

Hi, Is your installation on the roof still working and stable? I am planning to do the same on my sprinter. Thanks

Another great video Thanks. one question, how does it connect to the Beaudens generator as the solar panel plugs / connectors look too big? do you use an adaptor? cheers

LOL, that's a wood cutting drill bit.. Should've used a proper hole saw :)

Another nice video mate, I've subscribed . With that accent are you a bradford lad by any chance ? Im also a yorkshire lad, living in sunny oakworth 😁

What double side tape did you use and is it holding up?

Fabulous, where did you get the wire to pull the pop top in please?

Great video of something i've been toying with for a while. I notice you use just the 1 panel but have space for another in future. I'm looking to install 2 panels on my Poptop. You don't show using the Solar Charger Controller. Do you actually use one/need one?