Solar Camper Solutions

[Danish_David_T5]

Hi All, I am looking to order a 300w solar panel system from Solar Camper Solutions with a victron MPPT controller. It’s for my T5.1 California 2015MY.
I know that Roger (owner) just uses emails to reply but I just cannot get a response despite quite a few attempts. I’m just looking to get confirmation that he has the kit in stock and I need to time delivery so that I can be home. No replies to either the enquiries email or his Roger Donoghue email.
Does anyone know if he’s still in business as I’m not incline to order if I can’t get any reply.
Also, does anyone know of alternatives? I like the fact that his kit doesn’t require drilling. I like the Victron MPPT 100/20 too. Does anyone else have ideas on possible kit? I can easily make up some brackets to run in the roof rails but I need panels that have a suitable cross piece such that they can be secured by bolts only to the roof rails. Thanks for any help or advice in advance.
Currently sat in our van up in the Lake District on a National Trust campsite.

 

[DGB99]

In the last few months I have just built my own 300W solar system for my 6.1 - you are welcome to come, look and discuss. Send me a message if you would like to arrange.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

In the last few months I have just built my own 300W solar system for my 6.1 - you are welcome to come, look and discuss. Send me a message if you would like to arrange.

Hi, Thanks for the quick reply. Do you have any photos you could post please? Did you manage to mount the panels without having to drill the roof? I understand that it’s better to leave an air gap under the panels to keep them cool and more efficient. But I don’t want to stick the panel La to the pop roof or drill holes in it.
I’m heading back home (near Kendal) Saturday. Will send you a message also. Thanks.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

In the last few months I have just built my own 300W solar system for my 6.1 - you are welcome to come, look and discuss. Send me a message if you would like to arrange.

Apologies - how do you message someone privately. I can’t see any option for that on my phone ? Failed the test

 

[colintfcolintf]

Apologies - how do you message someone privately. I can’t see any option for that on my phone ? Failed the test

You both need to be VIP members

 

[ThomasHJ]

Hi All, I am looking to order a 300w solar panel system from Solar Camper Solutions with a victron MPPT controller. It’s for my T5.1 California 2015MY.
I know that Roger (owner) just uses emails to reply but I just cannot get a response despite quite a few attempts. I’m just looking to get confirmation that he has the kit in stock and I need to time delivery so that I can be home. No replies to either the enquiries email or his Roger Donoghue email.
Does anyone know if he’s still in business as I’m not incline to order if I can’t get any reply.
Also, does anyone know of alternatives? I like the fact that his kit doesn’t require drilling. I like the Victron MPPT 100/20 too. Does anyone else have ideas on possible kit? I can easily make up some brackets to run in the roof rails but I need panels that have a suitable cross piece such that they can be secured by bolts only to the roof rails. Thanks for any help or advice in advance.
Currently sat in our van up in the Lake District on a National Trust campsite.

Have very recently seen post on these forums from happy new customers so perhaps Roger is on holiday or otherwise busy. I'm sure he will reply soon.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Have you checked your SPAM folder ?

 

[Danish_David_T5]

Have you checked your SPAM folder ?

Obviously

 

[Danish_David_T5]

I now have a reply from Roger. Apparently all my emails were in his spam folder. I’m interested in what DGB99 has done too. I don’t really understand the logic behind only VIP members being able to message each other. I’m sure someone will come up with some.
DGB99 - if there’s any photos or further explanation you can post it might help me. Failing that we could meet at Kendal train station - I will be wearing a red carnation and carrying the Westmorland Gazette LOL

 

[dspuk]

The logic is to support the management and maintenance of the site only VIP members get enhanced functionalitry. For 15 quid a year, about 15 Mars Bars in 2025 money, it's not much of a hardship.

I have and fitted Rogers kits but if I had to do it again I would use different panel and panel chassis to be a little more flush and better looking than the angle iron frames.

Like this:

 

[DGB99]

Here's a quick pic of mine. I am planning doing a more detailed post of installation when I have time, cost about £700-750 all in. Out today, can follow up later if it helps.

 

[WelshGas]

I now have a reply from Roger. Apparently all my emails were in his spam folder. I’m interested in what DGB99 has done too. I don’t really understand the logic behind only VIP members being able to message each other. I’m sure someone will come up with some.
DGB99 - if there’s any photos or further explanation you can post it might help me. Failing that we could meet at Kendal train station - I will be wearing a red carnation and carrying the Westmorland Gazette LOL

Very simple. It costs money to run the Forum. As a Guest member you can read or post messages for free.
Access to Editing tools, Direct Messaging to members, Resources Section and Discount codes is for VIP paid up members. Don't Pay Don't Get.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

Here's a quick pic of mine. I am planning doing a more detailed post of installation when I have time, cost about £700-750 all in. Out today, can follow up later if it helps.

View attachment 140202Looks good. The key issues seem to be panel efficiency and quality. Mounting mechanics (securing the panels to existing roof bar slots) Using an MPPT controller (like Victron) Other? Yes - very interested to catch up later. Out walking in Eskdale today but early evening good. Thanks for the help and input.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

The logic is to support the management and maintenance of the site only VIP members get enhanced functionalitry. For 15 quid a year, about 15 Mars Bars in 2025 money, it's not much of a hardship.

I have and fitted Rogers kits but if I had to do it again I would use different panel and panel chassis to be a little more flush and better looking than the angle iron frames.

Like this:

View attachment 140201

Thanks. Assuming the photo is the “what you would do next time” - I guess I need some help to navigate the massive array of panels out there and the hardware to connect to the roof rail slots. Any further help appreciated thanks

 

[colintfcolintf]

Obviously

Their website says to do so, and I’m never afraid to ask an obvious question

 

[Danish_David_T5]

Very simple. It costs money to run the Forum. As a Guest member you can read or post messages for free.
Access to Editing tools, Direct Messaging to members, Resources Section and Discount codes is for VIP paid up members. Don't Pay

Very simple. It costs money to run the Forum. As a Guest member you can read or post messages for free.
Access to Editing tools, Direct Messaging to members, Resources Section and Discount codes is for VIP paid up members. Don't Pay Don't Get.

Well that’s clear then

 

[sticky1]

I use a variety of solar panels and I am very pleased with the Solar Solutions kit from Roger.
I think some people miss some of the subtle detail in his kits and how he ensures water resistance and quality control. I think his panels can be underestimated too, given how low profile they are.
If you are experienced putting together the components it is absolutely possible, I considered putting higher capacity panels on my roof but then you have the complexity of ensuring the panels can cope with being on a roof driven at high speed. Also if you go higher output you’ll need to source a MPPT that can cope with the higher loads.

 

[BenCar]

Thanks. Assuming the photo is the “what you would do next time” - I guess I need some help to navigate the massive array of panels out there and the hardware to connect to the roof rail slots. Any further help appreciated thanks

I went with the set up from these guys.

California T5 T6 T6.1 - Van Vagabunden

www.van-vagabunden.de

V well made and super sleek. A bit of googling and I did it myself for about £300 (I did need a friend in Germany to post it to me though). Just needed the bluetooth victron, some cables, solar connectors and a couple of hours.
I'm a donut with DIY but it was easy.
b

 

[Danish_David_T5]

I use a variety of solar panels and I am very pleased with the Solar Solutions kit from Roger.
I think some people miss some of the subtle detail in his kits and how he ensures water resistance and quality control. I think his panels can be underestimated too, given how low profile they are.
If you are experienced putting together the components it is absolutely possible, I considered putting higher capacity panels on my roof but then you have the complexity of ensuring the panels can cope with being on a roof driven at high speed. Also if you go higher output you’ll need to source a MPPT that can cope with the higher loads.

Good points. Thanks.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

I went with the set up from these guys.

California T5 T6 T6.1 - Van Vagabunden

www.van-vagabunden.de

V well made and super sleek. A bit of googling and I did it myself for about £300 (I did need a friend in Germany to post it to me though). Just needed the bluetooth victron, some cables, solar connectors and a couple of hours.
I'm a donut with DIY but it was easy.
b

Thank. These also look very well made. Looks like the metal carrier extends the full width of the van. Really hard to tell from photos which is really top quality. Do you get any wind noise when driving from the roof? Did you route through the rubber grommet? Also it looks like their 260W kit is circa Euro 850?

 

[DGB99]

If you do want to contact me re my 300W installation I can't think other than briefly posting your e-mail or mobile - I am happy to contact you a soon as I see your post and you could then delete?

 

[Danish_David_T5]

If you do want to contact me re my 300W installation I can't think other than briefly posting your e-mail or mobile - I am happy to contact you a soon as I see your post and you could then deleteHi DGB99

 

[Danish_David_T5]

Hi DGB99 - yes please to taking a look at your installation if you are OK with that. I think I cannot delete posts after nmaking them so hard to leave an email live. I could possibly just use an alais email like apple’s Hide my Email. Alternatively is there somewhere we could meet up near to you or is that too inconvenient. I’d understand if it is as not wishing to be a pain.

 

[Danish_David_T5]

We live in a village about 10 miles south of Kendal.

 

[DGB99]

Ah, I assumed you can edit posts. I'm up in Keswick, you are welcome to visit and have a look.....