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ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

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ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby cargovanconversion » Fri Nov 17, 2017 4:45 pm

It was finally time to install the flexible panels from Link Solar. I chose the 135W version as its length (59.5 inch), did fit the width of the Ford Transit's roof exactly. That meant optimal use of the roof area. Without a roof vent you'll be able to install 5 panels (675W), four (540W) if you have a roof vent installed and three (405W) like me, if you eliminate the front panel, because it is readily visible from the street. An Extended version of the Transit will support up to 6 panels or a whopping 810 watts.

Image
video here

I use 3M's VHB tape 5952 to create a leak-proof connection to the roof; the panels are virtually invisible from the street, except for the MC4 connectors.

You can read more on CargoVanConversion.com http://cargovanconversion.com/10389/fle ... stallation
Image
video here
Replace(d) my old Dodge B-250 with a new Ford Tansit-250 LWB Medium Roof and convert it into a full-fledge RV with ultimately all amenities imaginable!

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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby Beaker » Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:16 pm

Well done sir!

I used 3M VHB tape to fix my solar panel on the roof too - it's amazing stuff.
2011 SWB medium roof 2.2l Mk7 115 T300 in Frozen White. Stealth Camper converted.

"It's better to burn out, 'cause rust never sleeps..."
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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby cargovanconversion » Sat Nov 18, 2017 3:23 am

Beaker wrote:Well done sir!

I used 3M VHB tape to fix my solar panel on the roof too - it's amazing stuff.


Thank you! I have the same experience with the VHB tape and no more holes in the roof!
Just hope it's useful for someone.

Van Williams
Replace(d) my old Dodge B-250 with a new Ford Tansit-250 LWB Medium Roof and convert it into a full-fledge RV with ultimately all amenities imaginable!

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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby rogerw » Sat Nov 18, 2017 5:14 am

Why such heavy duty power cables?
2003, petrol
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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby Beaker » Sat Nov 18, 2017 6:16 pm

rogerw wrote:Why such heavy duty power cables?


I'm not so sure they are - I think it's a bit of an optical illusion going on in the second photo.

Look at the top picture, they are "normal" sized.
2011 SWB medium roof 2.2l Mk7 115 T300 in Frozen White. Stealth Camper converted.

"It's better to burn out, 'cause rust never sleeps..."
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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby cargovanconversion » Sat Nov 18, 2017 11:15 pm

rogerw wrote:Why such heavy duty power cables?


Yes, the photo was taken with a GoPro in a wide angle mode. They are actually 12 AWG cables and are part of the panels. I used only the included cables. From the rear panel, I use a 8 AWD MC4 extension cable (cut in half) to continue through the roof to a breaker box. From there, a 6 AWG wire to the controller, back to the breaker box and continued to the bus bars, where the batteries are connected. I'll post that video next Friday on my [url-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSAwAcTpneafRiMl00C1xQA]YouTube channel[/url].

Van Williams
Replace(d) my old Dodge B-250 with a new Ford Tansit-250 LWB Medium Roof and convert it into a full-fledge RV with ultimately all amenities imaginable!

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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby cargovanconversion » Sat Nov 25, 2017 6:40 pm

The panels are now installed, the wiring laid on the roof; today I am placing the cable gland on the roof and pull an 8AWG MC4 cable through the roof.

View the video here
Replace(d) my old Dodge B-250 with a new Ford Tansit-250 LWB Medium Roof and convert it into a full-fledge RV with ultimately all amenities imaginable!

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Re: ETFE Flexible Solar Panel Install on Ford Transit

Postby cargovanconversion » Fri Dec 08, 2017 4:13 pm

I finished the installation of my ETFE Flexible solar panels now.

View the fourth video here

Image

View the last video here

Enjoy!

Van Williams
Replace(d) my old Dodge B-250 with a new Ford Tansit-250 LWB Medium Roof and convert it into a full-fledge RV with ultimately all amenities imaginable!

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