Useful video! A couple of points you'd probably want to know. A lot of Chinese manufacturers incorrectly state that their PWM charge controllers are MPPT - they're not, they're PWM. Yours looks like one of these (if you do a bit of googling you'll note that MPPT controllers are large and have big heat-sinks because they're transforming the power down and that generates heat, whereas PWM charge controllers just alternate between 0V and the input voltage so the average voltage is the required charge voltage. This isn't great for the batteries but it does work (and is a lot better than letting them run down regardless). MPPT actually track the charge voltage and increase/decrease charging current based on the supplied voltage, whereas PWM controllers are incredibly lossy and notably can't charge at all when the input voltage is lower than the charge voltage (MPPT can). Second is the heat - your solar panels will be getting extremely hot underneath because of the loss. Energy that's put into a system but not taken out has to go somewhere (basic laws of science - energy can't be created or destroyed, just converted). Bending the panels will increase the loss and thus the heat generated. Having a PWM controller will increase this loss because any energy generated while the controller is not taking it is going to go to heat.
@SphericallyChallenged
2 жыл бұрын
Now this is a proper install! :D Brilliant!I was waiting for duck tape to pop out and then.....
@redneckdel4494
3 жыл бұрын
Wow. getting ready to go off grid In about 5 months. But in between now and then will be in my vehicle. I've learned a lot about the solar panel videos for my truck through you guys thank you!
@LibellulaGlass
6 жыл бұрын
I thought this was ingenious when you did it, so glad to see it has been so successful.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
LibellulaGlass 😊😊thanks so much! We got lucky with our crack too! 🤣
@alittlehouseinlancashire6347
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Please keep doing updates on the performance of the panel and setup.
@bidnow
3 жыл бұрын
How is the flexible panel holding up? Do you still have the same one that you installed in 2018?
@TheDawnofVanlife
4 жыл бұрын
excellent video, We all have to make the choice that works for our van and situation. For me, I have a polycrystalline instead of a Monocrystalline panel on my roof. Despite all the praise for mono being better, the square shape and dimensions of the poly panel I found online fit the exact space I have for a panel better than almost every Monocrystaline panels, which were mostly rectangular instead of square. It's been working like a champ since I installed it, no complaints.
@62shunto
6 жыл бұрын
My flexible panel is stuck to the roof been on there for over a year no problems at all. From cold weather in Scotland to hot weather in Spain works fine.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
shunto sounds great, thanks for watching 😊
@michael601
6 жыл бұрын
Great video Solar cables cracked roof. Great to have power on the move Hope those two little darlings are having fun very windy here in the UK safe journeys 🐶🐶⚘
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Michael Bell Thanks so much, yes we weren’t happy about that crack when we first got the van! But turned out to be a blessing in disguise!😉hope the weather is improving there xx
@drifter-tt2bk
3 жыл бұрын
thank you guys I really enjoyed your video on solar panels as me and my partner are looking at buying a static caravan and this look's like a cheapish and a good option, thank for all the hints and tips. ill be looking out for your next video. stay safe and stay well.
@neilhoganwa
4 жыл бұрын
I know this is a long time ago, but, that is not a MPTT charger. They tell you they are but there not. You can tell if the input voltage is greater than the output voltage.
@markowenmartin6760
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the Vaseline tip! Who knew? I have some magnet clamps on my roof to hold down all my wires (I have 3 panels and lots of wires). They work great but they are NOT intended for outside use and want to rust. I will go coat them with Vaseline now!
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Mark Owen Martin Yeah, someone told us about the Vaseline trick a while ago and we were surprised at how good it works😉 thanks so much for watching xx
@linz_in_NZ
5 жыл бұрын
For your cables use cable ties and some cable tie stick down clips - remove the sticky pad and use sikkaflex or other sealant to attach to the roof - these work really well and are a very tidy solution to cables on a van roof.
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
Linzi Douglas Ok, thanks so much for the advice! Merry Christmas to you 🎄xx
@ArieJon
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for a great video. Crackin tune
@gaetanproductions
3 жыл бұрын
thanks guys, most helpful
@marks-0-0
6 жыл бұрын
I think you did a great job considering the shape of your roof guys. The only thing I might have done differently is try and find a way of spacing the panel off the roof by an inch for an air gap. It would keep the panel cool and would prevent moisture building up underneath. Hi to Dizz and Charlie! xx
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Mark Velo Thanks Mark, yeah we originally wanted a bigger gap but couldn’t figure out how to, so it’s how it is and it’s been great so far! 😉 hope you e had a nice weekend xx
@paulmills1605
2 жыл бұрын
@@theexPAWers guys, I'm no engineer, but looking at your innovation, I'd suggest using another nut or 2 under the panel raising it up. That would take it in laces off the roof and allow some air flow. But the thing with that it could cause noise when driving unless you use additional spacers glued to the underneath of the panel to prevent the flap. But if it works keep it as it is. If it ain't broke!
@philiptew2940
6 жыл бұрын
Hello again, Enjoyed that, you have done well to get 5 amps out of a 100 W solar panel. Glad your trip was a great success.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Philip Tew Thanks Philip... Yes we are surprised how this cheap setup performs actually! Very happy xx
@NomaddUK
3 жыл бұрын
Hi guys. I have just re-watched this video as I have just received my first ever solar panel and it is a flexible 130w unit. I am very worried about it not staying on my van when doing 70mph on a motorway when its windy but also wanting to leave an air gap under it for cooling and water egress. But after seeing how you have done yours I think I may have over engineered mine now. Thanks for confirming how well they stay put and giving me more confidence. BTW Nick... I miss you having your hair like this pal. Get it back mate :o) I was very disappointed that there was no Sarah dance at the beginning though :o( Now I need to make a crack in my van LOL. Loved that comment.
@linz_in_NZ
5 жыл бұрын
70W from a 100W panel via a PWM controller like yours is good - not sure you'd get any better from a solid panel. Flexible panels were originally designed for yachts and get stuck to the deck - so they should be fine on a van roof. You can now buy solar panel mounting kits that stick to the roof made of a strong plastic - they also make a special cable entry mounting too - drill 1 hole for cables (add a rubber grommet to stop the cables being worn) and glue the cable entry mounting to the roof - again - they are designed for yachts and vans - so perfect for the job.
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
Linzi Douglas Thankyou 😁😁 yes we are really happy with the performance of this simple setup! X
@kevinsvanlife1259
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Nick&Sarah I use a ridged one and it caused my fiberglass roof to fracture on the sides because with it up in the air 15mill the wind going through made it drum so I was told to use the semi flex panel and glue it down to stop it from happening.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
VK7HKN Radio Wow, thats not good! Some folks complain about these flexi ones, but we think they are great on fibreglass roofs! Thanks for watching xx
@christadallen
2 жыл бұрын
Love your video and innovated way of putting the panel on top! Do your panels hold the capacity to use heaters/fans or charge small appliances such as small water pumps?
@fabioposser2
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, this panel is working fine after 3 years?
@paulthomas3374
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks guys this video had given me the confidence that my 120w installation was worth the effort and all appears good after 2 months 😁 Just as a footnote I stuck mine down to the pop top roof with sikaflex but I placed some plastic insulation between the back of the panel and the roof to be safe.
@C4M3120N
3 жыл бұрын
Chair bolt feet, very creative, nice!
@yunick1408
3 жыл бұрын
hi why put tape on the panel? what’s wrong if the wind goes under the panel? tnx
@niklas67
5 жыл бұрын
Smart install, great tip. Really appreciate the links. All the best!
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
niklas67 Thankyou 😁😁
@gjonesii
6 жыл бұрын
Very clever. Love you guys.......and the pups! Very informative videos.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Gil Thanks so much xxx
@bucknaykid5821
6 жыл бұрын
Awesome the chair foot idea is fantastic
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Buck Naykid Thanks Buck, yeah we were quite happy with how he chair feet turned out for us, took us a while searching in stores to find something suitable!! 😊😊 xx
@jimbob-robob
Жыл бұрын
Good stuff!👍🖖✊️
@floresavu7522
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for making these videos! Great idea, needed one for my flexible solar panel! So glad I found this information! Thank you guys for creating this! 🤗🙏👍
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
Florentina Savu Thankyou! Glad you found the video informative ☺️😉
@rdkuless
6 жыл бұрын
100% rubber silicone will completely seal the hole where your cables come inside. Regular silicone (not the 100% rubber) will eventually leak if it remains wet.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Rob K thanks for the advice, yeah we should probably do that? At the moment there’s just abit of tape on there, no leaks so far but it’s not a proper job🙄 😊
@dtriplett03
4 жыл бұрын
Rubber silicone?? Never heard of it...🧐
@rdkuless
4 жыл бұрын
@@dtriplett03 rubber silicone can be purchased at home depot or lowe's... (rubber silicone) is used to seal a shower) you want one that is 100% because you want it to never breakdown when its wet. Regular silicone will not work.
@dtriplett03
4 жыл бұрын
Rob K Thanks, Ill ask for it!
@rdkuless
4 жыл бұрын
@@dtriplett03 Just use 100% rubber silicone to permanently seal holes.. don't use it to mount a flexible solar panel, you will never be able to remove the panel. :)
@whu58
6 жыл бұрын
Very useful & practical information guys - great to see that your solar panel is lasting well with no real issues = a credit to your ingenuity when it came to fixing it to your roof! - Request;- Any chance of posting a short vid on your cycle carrier rack?........I have a fold-up mountain bike and I am planning to convert the interior of my MPV into a camper for solo travel/sleeping purposes (not really practical to put the bike inside the vehicle), so I don`t know whether to buy a tow bar mounted type or rear hatch type or roof rails for me 2005 reg Berlingo MPV.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
whu58 Thank you!! We are so happy that the method we used to attach the panel has worked so well!! And yes we will be doing a vid on our bike rack really soon😉..... Hope you’ve had a nice weekend
@andreabalderstone4272
6 жыл бұрын
Another useful video. We also have the portable solar panels which we have found really useful. It’s great to be able to top up our devices no matter where we are. As long as we have some sunshine of course, which at the moment in the North of the UK is pretty hard to find:-(. Roll on next summer. It can’t come soon enough :-)
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Andrea Balderstone the portable one is great! We’re still enjoying sunshine here, cold in the evenings but lovely sunny days!! Hopefully for a while longer!! 🤞🤞🤞 xxx
@pacemake29
4 жыл бұрын
Did you try it under subzero temperatures? Or heavy snows?
@andygarner8477
6 жыл бұрын
Another good video cheers and keep em coming 👍
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Andy Garner Thank you so much😊😊
@WoollyWanderers
6 жыл бұрын
Useful, informative video. From what I've read a lot of the heat issues and subsequent failure of flexible panels stem from them being bonded to metal roofs on panel vans., which get incredibly hot in the sun. On a fibreglass roof this is much less of an issue. Of course a rigid glass panel would be ideal but we all have to work within constraints in terms of roof space, size shape etc and a bendy roof lends itself to a bendy panel!
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Shaun Robertson Thanks so much, yes that would make sense that the metal roofs would get very hot, had no issues with our fibreglass roof, so very happy with that! 😉😁
@ladyB59
6 жыл бұрын
Excellent timing 😁. Looking at different options. Definately wanting simple 😏 The suitcase solar panel is on my wish list for Christmas.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Heidi Bennett Hey Heidi, it’s difficult to know what’s best with solar isn’t it, we are looking into the suitcases solar panel for the next trip, we do manage with our panel (just about😬) but the video editing software if extremely power consuming, so we are thinking the suitcase one would be a good addition to what we have😉.... Hope your having a nice weekend xx
@ladyB59
6 жыл бұрын
@@theexPAWers lol great rainy weekend glued to van builds on youtube.
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Heidi Bennett oh no! Well you’d feel guilty watching KZitem if it was sunny outside! 😉xxx
@rdkuless
6 жыл бұрын
What cleaning solution can we use on Flexible Solar Panels.. Concerned about chemicals (like windex) causing the plastic film to cloud or turn yellow. Thanks PDX USA
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Rob K Hey Rob, as we said in the video, we have only been up and cleaned our panel once or twice, we didn’t use any chemicals, so not sure about that... We just sponged it down with a warm water! It was only really dust and abit of bird poop, so didn’t need anything major. 😊😊
@ou6037
6 жыл бұрын
Guys, that was a great review thanks 😁
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
O U Thanks so much 😊😊
@brettnbeckvalleyvan
6 жыл бұрын
Nice one both very informative as always looking forward to the next video glad its all going well on the trip👍 with you all the way 😁👍❤️
@robertcairns3528
5 жыл бұрын
great video, idea how you fitted the panel like a lot, and useful feed back, keep up the good work. rob from the toon
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
robert cairns Cheers Rob!😁😁
@Elinor_Scott-Lester
6 жыл бұрын
Cheers for the update. I’ve still got to fit solar on my roof and I wanted to know how successful the flexible panel installation would be. I think the button/bolt arrangement was brilliant and I’m a firm believer in the quality of CT1. My skylights are bedded in it and it’s been perfect. Any chance you could tell me what mppt controller you’ve used, (and how much it cost) pretty please. kind regards, K33F
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
keith lester Thanks Keith, yes we are quite happy with this basic setup, it’s working good for our needs, the CT1 is good stuff and not forgetting the Gorilla Tape😉.... Theres a link to everything including the charge controller we have in the video description😊hope your having a good weekend x
@Elinor_Scott-Lester
6 жыл бұрын
the exPAWers 💖
@rogeriorodriguez1212
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent idea my friend
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
Rogerio Rodriguez Thanks so much! 😁😁
@deirdre444
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@brianboczko7169
6 жыл бұрын
Love the life you have have been working on the wife to do the same as you bloody hard work😀
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Brian Boczko 🤣🤣 Thanks so much Brian, hope you can persuade your wife to give it a try😊😊
@travel-van-world6312
6 жыл бұрын
Flextastic advice! 🤗😎
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Travel-van-world Thankyou xxx
@penguinchick6563
6 жыл бұрын
I just bought one but have not needed it yet. It will be used outside the van and not attached. ✌🐧
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
penguin chick These flex ones are very lightweight and easy to move around, although ours is attached to the roof and the tape will be abit tricky to peel off, it’s still good to know we can get it off if needed😉 thanks for watching xx
@fibranijevidra
Жыл бұрын
And, how is it holds untill now?
@theexPAWers
Жыл бұрын
We have the same method now.. It was no problem doing it this way, this works fine with the flexible solar panels as they are so light weight 😁
@mickroam9991
4 жыл бұрын
Any updates after a year with them?
@joeblow593
4 жыл бұрын
You can also use something like 1/4-20 bolts that have a rare earth magnetic base with a pull force of 75 to 100 lbs. Those ain't going nowhere!
@leftblank6036
4 жыл бұрын
that's a very good idea, i'm now looking for something like that
@bondasfaq
3 жыл бұрын
Two of mine broke overtime. It breaks in such a way that it will only work again if I curve the panel. Never buying again, I also own non flex one been working just fine for so many years.
@sue9763
5 жыл бұрын
Recently found your channel as we have been researching vans. Have gone back to the start and rationing myself from binging on the vids 😆, what's the music you've got on this video guys?
@theexPAWers
5 жыл бұрын
Sue Sue Hello Sue.. Welcome to our channel.. Glad your enjoying the videos, we have got quite a few on the channel and we upload twice a week, so plenty to keep you going! 😉😂 xxx
@solar24gr
3 жыл бұрын
hello Your solar charge controller not Mppt! Its pwm.Open it and you will see no transformer.
@alanmctavish3628
3 жыл бұрын
Please include costs.
@thevideostump46239
5 жыл бұрын
nice job..
@crowyyy
6 жыл бұрын
If you ain’t got a crack in ya van you’ll have to find another way 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂ace 👍
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
crowyyy 🤣🤣🤣🤣 yes, cracks can come in handy!! X
@hawaiidogs9277
2 жыл бұрын
Ty
@steadycamuk1
6 жыл бұрын
we've had flexi panels due to roof area limitations - had nothing but great trouble and highly charged batteries even on dull day of last autumn so been very very happy - nice to see you've had good outcomes with yours. PS love your videos and love where and how you travel. Keep on Truckin
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
Ed Hall Thanks so much, yes the panel has been great for us too😉they are perfect when you don’t have space for a rigid one! 😁
@EnglishVeteran
6 жыл бұрын
Yes yes, but what do Charlie & Dizzy think?
@tarifapirateyork
6 жыл бұрын
Eh up fellow van people...are you running your fridge ok from the solar ?
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
John Eyre Hey John, The fridge isn’t connected to the solar, if we use it (which we generally don’t) we use it on the gas, or when we have hook up... Think to use the fridge we would need more than a 100w panel🤔xx
@tarifapirateyork
6 жыл бұрын
@@theexPAWers looks like cold beers in the bucket of water then 😊
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
John Eyre 🤣🤣😉😉xx
@brettmasters5379
2 жыл бұрын
beaut review-
@liams7409
4 жыл бұрын
these calculations seem off. i just read a flexi panel seller seemingly proudly advertising 17% efficiency...
@dtriplett03
4 жыл бұрын
Im thinking the bolts were a little overkill... i would think the gorilla tape would only be needed...
@astronaut205
5 жыл бұрын
cool guys
@bornfreefreedom4900
6 жыл бұрын
Loverly good advice 👍😊 Happy weekend everybody. 😊🐕😊🐕🚐🌟👍🌍🙏 Best wishes 🌟🌟🌟
@theexPAWers
6 жыл бұрын
D H Thanks Darren, 😊😊 hope your having a lovely weekend ❤️❤️
@ifyouvote.5005
2 жыл бұрын
Didn't they look younger there.
@tehdreamer
3 жыл бұрын
Man those panels are shite. C grade cells full of defects. Got two 100W and one broke after 2 years, the sealant layer split and water got in between the layer so probably shorted.
@eppityrrell8236
2 жыл бұрын
Hi you lovely couple 💕✨
@vorname1563
5 жыл бұрын
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
@masterbillla1434
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mates witch Part UK ya both from my Cuzzz Sammmie n Cuzzz Marky Mark live in Manchester... Also witch area ya travelin in or stickin tooo??? + B Safe n wash hands wear masks +Keep a 6' distane to protect u n ur older Family members + Friends OK??? +I'm keep ya both in my Prayers n in Jesus name Amen!!! OK??? Peace!!!/Out... :-) Bra n Babe!!!/Chic.../Dude'et!!! :-)
@jashanbadoga4851
2 жыл бұрын
Nice easy setup. If you need more Get a single 500 watt panel. Thats all. Btw worst choice of background music.
@solar24gr
3 жыл бұрын
Flex solar panel made not for RV,made for boats.To install on RV you must put under solar panel a polycarbonate sheet (remove heat by air).if you not install it your panel will damage or burn fire after 1 or 2 years.
@bigfoot8085
Жыл бұрын
Yea flexible is about your only choice on that roof.
@ralphpercy4846
3 жыл бұрын
yes the rich have us all broke.. soon we will be having videos on how to live on the streets
@marilynwisbey9446
6 жыл бұрын
Brilliant info thank you both , would love to meet up one day! Hopefully abroad 😃have you got email address.. or contact address?
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