PV Logic MHD rigid panel on a Hillside Birchover - installation steps

[Anakin]

I’ve taken some pictures along the way, so in case it helps anyone else, here’s a series of posts on “how I done it” (chanelling my inner @Dellmassive).

I chose the mono high-density rigid panels from PV Logic as I wanted an efficient panel that looked neat, had an air gap underneath for longer life, and I thought they looked really smart when I saw the same panel on @Salty Spuds van.

Link to blurb on panels

Mono High Density Solar Panels - PV Logic | Solar Technology

Our quality Mono High Density solar panels in our PV Logic range deliver premium performance for off-grid living; perfect for boats, caravans & motorhomes.

www.solartechnology.co.uk

And their aero brackets

Aero Brackets for the MHD 125W150W200W Solar Panel

Stylish aero brackets designed especially for the Mono High Density solar panel

www.solartechnology.co.uk

 

[Anakin]

The aero brackets came with self-tapping screws, but I preferred to drill and tap M4 holes and thread lock some stainless machine screws

 

[Anakin]

I then cut a hole in the side of the rigid panel and the aero bracket so the solar wire could come through in the correct place on the pop top.

 

[Anakin]

Taped up the edges to protect the wires from chafing

 

[Anakin]

And drilled a hole in the pop top. The wire that came with the panel is 8mm external diameter, 2 core 2.5mm2. I drilled a 9mm hole so that it came out outside the pop top canvas.

 

[Anakin]

The cable emerges through the velcro, down into a 13mm hole drilled through into the rear shelf. A small excess of cable here gives the slack needed for the roof to raise without straining the cable.

 

[Anakin]

Then into the top of the cupboard and behind the wiring panel in the cupboard, down into the footwell space.

 

[Anakin]

Into an isolator and then the Victron MPPT controller.

 

[Anakin]

Scuffed the paint (no going back now), activator, sikaflex and on it went

 

[Anakin]

The panel has an air gap underneath and adds only a tiny increment to the existing height of the Fiamma awning. Measured at 203cm mid van and 204cm at the rear.

 

[Anakin]

And it works !!