Glad too see you are wearing an appropriate hat! I've had numerous bouts with skin cancer (the easily treatable kind - so far) due to stupidity in my youth - spent most of my time at the beach. Take care of yourself, the desert and mountain sun can be intense.
I worked for the Navy repairing night vision, lasers, and thermal imaging (FLIR) devices and I have quite a bit of experience with the science light and heat. In thermal imaging, everything is based on a "Black Box" and how the color black absorbs heat and white reflects heat. (Light energy is transformed into heat energy when it strikes a surface). That's also a good reason to purchase a white vehicle to live in. White will always remain cooler than any darker color.I believe it would be better for you to paint your ladder racks white and your 2X4's white to reflect both light and heat away from your van. By painting the 2X4's black, they will absorb ore heat and breakdown much quicker, while white will extend their life. The ladder rack is an excellent idea! The space between the roof and the solar panels will prevent the heat absorbed by the black solar panels, from being transferred into the metal of the roof, thereby keeping the inside cooler. I have been watching your videos continuously for several days because I have considered this life style for years. I am 54 and left my navy job in 2001 and I am on SSD. I live well on my income now, but I believe I can live happier living as you do. Thank you for allowing me to develop some foresight before I do make the change. Your experience speaks volumes to me and is an inspiration that alleviates so many of my fears about "Just Doing It!"
The ladder rack idea really made my install less stressful I haven't installed my panela yet but I got the racks on last night and I'm glad I don't have to drill so many wholes in my roof. Gooooood stuff. I paid 50 bucks on Amazon for mine.
Thanks Bob, Just finished the design on my little tow behind camper. Iam installing 4-100watt Grape Solar panels. With a 3500-7000 peak modified inverter and 30ampcharge controller. Considering going to 3000 pure sine inverter. So your video was very helpful as always, I should be seeing you out there by this time next year. God willing. lol. Iam doing this because you sincerely inspired me. And this is what I want for my retirement.
Absolutely fascinating (if intimidating at this point). I was thinking about a solar "suitcase" setup until a commenter made the point that roof mounted could sharge while driving, something a suitcase set up could not do.
It looks like a TOP NOTCH job! I don't have a clue about solar but one step at a time... Beautiful build and I am so happy for you Bob! Thank You for all the information and the video!
Now all you need is a mini air conditioner and you're set. there's super durable liquid plastic paint you can brush on with a cheap simple brush. The stuff is amazing against rust.
just went through all vids about insulating and powering system. Everything that I had confusion/blurry ideas on has been clearly discussed in all your videos! Thank you so much for all your vids and info!
I made it through 9 minutes. LOL. I'm betting this made a lot of sense to a lot of people but I have a mental block when it comes to solar install. I don't know why. Managed physics classes and linear equations, no problem. But this stuff makes me scratch my head. I was sooooo hoping your video would clear the fog but I guess I need it dumbed down more. Still 'n all, good video!
Lori Smith Me too but I'm hoping if I keep exposing my brain to solar panels and batteries it will eventually make sense lol. Sorta working a bit. Still a ways to go though.
Lori Smith In this case, not wrong in this approach, just mistaken about combining different voltage panels. Overall presented as done a very good job. The only thing observed: Would do differently would be to series all of the solar panels into the MPPT charge controller and use only one controller. It is mistaken that a person can't combine low voltage and high voltage panels. You can if you run them in series. That adds their voltages together. In his case, a 30 volt panel and two 18 volt panels equals 66 volts. The MPPT controller would have no problem handling it as most MPPT controllers can handle up to 150V. In fact, if a person were to run the panels in series and use just one charge controller, their solar system would be more efficient.
don't feel alone on this one @Lori Smith I have tried and tried to understand this stuff, watch it over and over. Once Bob said these are the 4 new cart battery's I bought ....that's where he lost me.
Bob mentioned in other videos that these "cart battery's" are actually batteries designed for Golf Carts. They are the best in my opinion. I do understand how it can be confusing if this was the only video watched of Bob's OR only video of Solar Installation. It sounds complicated and if you were going to install Solar Systems on a regular basis it would be easily learned. However, doing this every 5 years or more, it's best to leave it up to a professional.
I'm looking forward to seeing your new high top, that Carolyn showed on her channel, of your van behind her, of your van with a new high top. :-))) ☮ ☕ ☺ ✌
I started researching that microwave. Knowing there was a reason you selected that one. Looks ideal for what you are doing. I'm planning on getting one just like it when I do my build. Great video!
You should use a wrench at the bottom of the post while tightening that battery cable that will keep the post from twisting inside the battery and damaging it.
I'd love to hire you and Terry to do the wiring in my rig when I get it. However, my husband has been watching your videos and feels he can do it. I'm sure he could. He does wiring for big trailers at work. I guess I just appreciate your attention to detail. Thanks for another awesome, informative video!
Wow, that's super cool Bob. I'm waiting on delivery of my solar panels, and was suppose to hook up my battery to the solenoid that I bought today. It rained so that didn't happen, but it will tomorrow. I am quite nervous about doing it. We are going on a week long test run of the van next week. I hope I've done everything right. I'll be making videos of the whole week. Thanks again for doing this. It has helped me a ton getting the confidence to do this build.
I've watched 3 times, and I'm feeling awfully dim, but how did you attach the wood to the roof brackets? It's late at night and I may just be spacing out, but if you can clarify I'd be grateful! LOVE these videos, I am learning SO much!
Good information here, Bob ! I especially like fastening everything firmly in place. A car drove into me recently, and Everything in the cab moves, Fast ! rc I'm still searching for Jim's cheap internet video !
You don't paint pressure treated lumber until it fully dries out... Clean the wood with a deck cleaner and let it dry. And you have to use a primer and 2 coats of latex paint not oil based. If you don't wait for the water proofing chemicals to evaporate from the wood, any paint will just peel off.
Thanks Bob. I'm trying to educate myself on the how-to's of solar, as well. This video helped me understand things more. I have a long way to go, but this really helped! Great video :)
Bob. I see the cables out the front of the fridge unit. Why didn't you put a socket at the back wall of the space the fridge is in under the bench so the connection and cables were out of the way? Would be much tidier and the cable length would still allow the fridge to slide in and out. I would think adding a socket in there would be really easy considering the proximity of the power system!
Two 6v 224 AH batteries in series = 12v 224 AH Two 12v combos in parallel = 12v 448 AH 50% usage before full recharge = about 224 AHs. More usage can shorten the battery life. 4 66 lb. batteries = 264 lbs.
In this case, not wrong in this approach, just mistaken about combining different voltage panels. Overall presented as done a very good job. The only thing observed: Would do differently would be to series all of the solar panels into the MPPT charge controller and use only one controller. It is mistaken that a person can't combine low voltage and high voltage panels. You can if you run them in series. That adds their voltages together. In his case, a 30 volt panel and two 18 volt panels equals 66 volts. The MPPT controller would have no problem handling it as most MPPT controllers can handle up to 150V. In fact, if a person were to run the panels in series and use just one charge controller, their solar system would be more efficient.
Mike Mead Your right Mike. I have 4-225w panel's at 36 vdc output for a 24 vdc system & wired it 3 different way's "Series, then parallel then series paralleled to see what's most beneficial. I found that series paralleled 2 + 2 at 72 vdc output was better. My 5th panel is for 12 vdc device's only. My inverter is 24 vdc to 120 vac. I did this survey on 3 different back to back sunny day's & temps.
Jim Hamilton one important thing when u series panels, is to make sure u dont go over the max voltage of the controller. (u did it perfectly by going series parallel) and its different for every controller. usually controllers max efficency is around 40-60% max voltage. more voltage gets wasted as heat. and less voltage doesnt utilize the mppt as much.
I'm with you I don't understand I'm going to have to watch this later so that I can try to make sense of it. I couldn't follow if we were inside or outside and I just need to watch it at a different time where I can make sense of it. I need it more common language I don't know I kept getting lost from the camera switching. and the language I also didn't understand from one to the other.
4:20 hopefully your negative terminals are closest to the metal divider... you don't want to short your wrench to metal while touching a positive terminal!! As we say in the telecom world..."Tape up your Tools!"
Maybe it's just me but that guy reminded me of Gunny, the guy that used to do mail call on the history channel I think, oh and enjoying the series, thank you
Bob, I noticed a year ago, someone asked about the missing link to the gutter mounted ladder rack and I didn’t see a response to his request but I would also like that link.
The microwave in your van is intriguing. What is the output (cooking) wattage and what is the actual power consumption? Also, what is the brand and what is the advertised cubic footage of the food prep cavity? Knowing the brand, power output and power consumption of your microwave will be of great value in my quest for one.
More power to you! Literally, you must run your microwave 24/7. Mine runs a whopping 6 minutes per day and my Champion generator handles it with ease. I'm guessing you want to use the sun for 100% of your needs. That's cool.
Bob, Awesome video! I am closer and closer to doing my own install (having it looked at a couple of times - in stages). I am sorry but I do laugh at some that do not get it. Like so many others, I will benefit from your wisdom. Thank you
@Darrell Wampler LOL! Good point. I was just teasing Bob. That van is his full time home and he should have all of the creature comforts that make him happy :-)
NoProGoPronto what does the price of the microwave have to do with it? It's not how much it cost but what it can do for you. Your observation is simple-minded.
likely Bob had a lot more than just his microwave ---with his 2 x12v agm batts he can have a very decent power supply for all his needs--agm batts was a great choice--nice work Bob
i think he feels that he can save money that way rather than paying for propane and having to run into town every two weeks to get the propane. i thihk
Using metal would last a lot longer than any kind of wood.. they would be a lot lighter. The panels already have aluminum frames. And as Bob said. The uv and elements are terrible on wood.
GREAT VIDEO BOB! I'm making preparations to do my Solar Install, so this is perfect timing. 2 Questions: 1. What kind of paint do you recommend for the treated lumber. and 2. Do the gutter mounts come with the metal cross bar that the 2x4s connect to? Love your positive energy...you're lookin great! :-)
Hi! Just wondering about the exact brand for the roof racks here? I've found multiple sellers - Maxx Haul, Bully, Pro-Series - that all look exactly the same and am wondering if they all manufactured their own in the same style or if this is really the same rack distributed be various vendors... But either way would love to know which brand you used as you have experience with it. I even tried to screen grab the manual you showed but didn't see a legible brand name!
Being so concerned about redundancy and not having too many wires running around, why didn't you use micro inverters? They convert DC to 230V right at each individual panel. You would have just three thin AC wires going through your roof or they could be easily routed somewhere on the back of the van.
Bob I think you need to go back to the optometry department at Walmart and pick out different glasses. My advice is go to with wire rims. I think you would look better in the glasses like those worn by "Grandpa Jones". Google him.
bob you need to protect your eyes from harmful uv rays plz...make your lenses transition that changes from clear to grey or brown or sunglasses...very important protection from cataract.
I'm dumbfounded. I'm currently building out a truck camper with solar and reading up on microwave/battery/inverter info. "400w minimum" yada, yada. How the heck in 2005 did I run a 800W microwave with a 1500W Xantrex inverter with no problem and a 55AH Optima yellow top battery? I ran it about 5-10 minutes a day while living out of my van. Every now and then I'd start the van (battery isolator charging main and aux battery) for giggles for an extra boost.
Very much have been enjoying all the careful information you are conveying. Also, what's a free life without microwave popcorn?!? Plus I have to say your beard is looking super nice!
You did batteries in series then said run them pos to pos neg to neg from there but didn’t show us. Which pos and which neg? Always something to hang me up trying to follow.
Hello, love all your vids and the info you provides us. Please keep up all the great work. My question has to do with the gutter rack mount. I have a Ford e350 shuttle bus and I have no idea how to mount a roof rack to it. I very much want one but I don’t know what to use or how to use it. If you any ideas or suggestions please share with me. Thank you.
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I was told by Grape Solar reps that, should I combine two panels of different size (a 100 and 140 for example) I'll get total watts based on the lower of the two times two, not the total watts of the two panels (100 + 140 = 200, not 240). What say you?
Half way through vid very well done. Question want to run 12 volt everything water pump, whynter 95 quart freezer, lights, laptop, charge smart phone, and a fantastic fan. How many batteries would you use for 2 days and not drain more than 50 percent.
