Renogy 100W Solar Install

Truck Camper

Jul 29

We Have Solar!

Great news! I now have a rooftop solar panel installed, and I'm thrilled with it. In this post I'll go over the tools I used and how I installed my Renogy 100W Flexible Solar Panel on the OVRLND Truck Camper.

There was a slight change of plans, though. Initially, I had wanted to install two 100-watt solar panels on the roof. Unfortunately, one of the panels was damaged during shipping, so I will make do with just one for now. I can always add the second one later if needed. So far, during the initial use, I've had enough power.

My installation process was easy, but before we dive into that, let's start by reviewing the tools I used.

Tools:

Cordless drill with a 3/4 hole saw

3/4 in rubber grommets

Rubbing alcohol

A link solar solar gland

Wire crimp and strippers

12 gauge solar cables with mc4 connectors

An inline mc4 fuse

Buetal tape

Self-leveling lap sealant

3M VHB tape

A Renogy 100 Watt flexible solar panel

Installation

I started by marking the location of the solar gland and finding the center point. Then, I drilled a 3/4 inch hole in the roof and inserted the rubber grommet. Next, I assembled the solar gland and wires. I inserted the wires and cleaned the roof with rubbing alcohol. Afterward, I hopped in the camper and routed the wiring along the frame, following my Maxxair fan wire. Next, I stripped the wires, connected them to the solar charge controller, and mounted the unit back on the wall. Back up top, I applied butyl tape to the solar gland, removed the non-stick paper, and carefully mounted it to the roof. I applied a bead of lap sealant around the perimeter, and the shroud was complete.

To prep the solar panel, I laid it face down on some cardboard and cleaned the back with rubbing alcohol. Then, I applied 3M tape horizontally along the windward edge and vertically up the remaining panel, leaving gaps for air and water flow. Up on the roof, I connected the inline MC4 fuse and plugged in the panel. With a friend's help, we carefully stuck the panel to its final location. I cleaned up the wire routing, and the job was done.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional electrician. This is just how I did it. Please make sure to do all of your own research.