After two years of harsh weather conditions and drastic temperature swings through Central and South America, the prototype solar panels we were testing for another company bit the dust. To replace them, we turned to REDARC Electronics. Our latest video shows how we installed two REDARC 120W monocrystalline solar panels on the roof of our Alu-Cab Canopy Camper.
Watch now:
Why did we choose REDARC solar panels?
We were fortunate to already have a relationship with REDARC Electronics. The REDARC team sponsored our build in 2021 by providing the Manager30 to control power inputs (solar, alternator, shore power) and show state of charge, and the RedVision System to control power outputs via a full color panel in our habitat or the phone app. But back in mid-2021, REDARC didn’t sell solar panels yet!
🎥 See our full overlanding electrical system
Long before we partnered with REDARC, we associated the brand with innovative engineering and the highest quality products. Since we’ve run REDARC products, we’ve also learned from experience that REDARC is the best in customer service. We are grateful for international support as we drive around the world.
Are there any downsides?
REDARC Electronics engineers its products for robust, heavy-duty applications, including large RVs and complex trailers. To provide maximum solar power and withstand the elements, REDARC’s monocrystalline solar panels are designed to be durable. Sounds like a good thing, right? Absolutely, but there are two downsides for our specific application.
First, because the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper has to push up on struts, the monocrystalline solar panels add to the weight on the roof and make it more difficult to deploy the tent. Second, for overlanders concerned about their vehicle height, the panels add slightly more height than the flat panels we used before. REDARC’s panels add about three inches total to our height.
Obviously these things did not dissuade us from running REDARC panels! We are excited to use panels that provide us with massive renewable energy and will stand up to the pressure of driving around the world. But we do want to be transparent about the cons, so you can make an informed decision for yourself.
📲 Read our build story on the REDARC blog
Enjoy the install video
Because REDARC’s monocrystalline panels are fairly new to the market, we had a tough time finding a good tutorial video showing us how to install REDARC solar panels. So we made our own! If any questions come up during your install, drop us a comment and we will help the best we can.
Thanks for being part of our journey around the world! Our next Peru video releases on YouTube in a week, as we conquer a giant sand dune outside the Huacachina oasis and fly over the infamous Nazca Lines.
-B
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