Upgrading the Solar Panel on My Van: Increased Power and Efficiency

When it comes to being on the road in a van or motorhome, having enough electrical power is crucial. Whether you’re off-grid or away from a power source, the need to recharge devices and run appliances throughout the day is constant. This is where solar panels come in handy, providing a sustainable source of energy. However, solar panels can lose efficiency over time, which is why I decided to upgrade the existing 100W solar panel on my van that came with it when I bought it.

The original solar panel was installed during the van’s construction and had been in use for about 19 years based on the date I found on it. To improve the power output, I purchased a larger 175W Victron Polycrystalline BlueSolar panel. I chose this panel because it offered a good balance between power and size. Many panels I came across were either too long or too wide, and I wanted one that would fit well on my van’s roof without obstruction from other items I often carry, such as a windsurf board.

Since the new panel was longer than the previous one, I had to mount it on the roof rack rather than directly attaching it to the roof. Despite the change, the overall aesthetics of the van remained intact. In addition to the upgrade, I wanted to experiment with the ability to tilt the panel for optimal positioning. Solar panels perform best when hit at a perfect perpendicular angle, and tilting them can help achieve this, especially in the morning, late afternoon, or when the sun is low on the horizon for extended periods of time.

To create a tilting system, I built a small structure that allowed me to adjust the panel’s position. This way, I could optimize its performance based on the sun’s angle throughout the day. Unfortunately, during the removal of the old panel, which was directly glued to the roof, it broke into multiple pieces. The strong adhesive used made it challenging to remove without risking damage to the van’s roof. Although I lost the old panel, I was pleased with the overall upgrade from 100W to 175W and the added flexibility of the tilting system.

During a trip, I put the upgraded solar panel to the test and was impressed with the results. The lithium battery charged much faster, allowing me to run the fridge constantly, use appliances like a hair dryer and boiler, and charge all my electronic devices without worry. The increased power and efficiency provided me with peace of mind and greater independence on the road.

Looking ahead, I plan to further expand my solar panel system. After the summer, I intend to add another panel identical to the one I currently have. This will double the power output, which will be particularly useful during the winter months when the sunlight is less intense. Additionally, in winter, I typically don’t have any items on the roof, making it easier to accommodate two panels. However, at the moment, I have only ordered a single panel to test the waters and make sure my Victron SmartSolar solar charge controller can handle the additional power.

In summary, the solar panel upgrade on my van has significantly improved my energy capabilities on the road. With the increased power output and the flexibility of the tilting system, I no longer have to worry about conserving energy. Whether it’s summer or winter, I can confidently rely on solar power to meet my electrical needs while enjoying the freedom of van life.

(tags: solar panel upgrade, van life, solar power, energy efficiency, off-grid living)