How I mounted a flexible solar panel to my truck camper roof

Mounting solar panels to my OVRLND Campers roof was one of my top priorities when I got the camper a year ago. Having a way to charge my power station while my truck sits idle has been nothing short of fantastic. My fridge is always running 24/7 whether it’s sitting in my driveway, the parking lot at work, or an epic campsite somewhere in the wilderness.

I didn’t want to add too much weight to the roof of my truck. I also didn’t want to use up the roof rack space. So I decided to research a bit for a lightweight, low cost solution. That’s when I came across an Offroad/Overland company on Instagram that installs flexible solar panels daily. So I decided to use their method.

How I mounted the Renogy 100 watt flexible solar panel to my camper roof:

Products used in my setup:

• Renogy solar panel: https://amzn.to/4a4i9FE
• Heavy Duty 3M dual lock hook/loop velcro: https://amzn.to/4h5sLGD
• RV Tape: https://amzn.to/3DGU8bw
• Powers the Anker Solix C1000

Method:

1. Stick heavy duty velcro to back of panel. I stuck them down east/west on the truck so crosswinds can still get underneath for airflow. The front will be sealed down with RV tape preventing any air from the front getting in while driving.
2. Clean off the roof of the camper real good with rubbing alcohol. Attach the other side of your velcro to the velcro you already attached to the panel and peel off the backing. Stick it down to the camper!
3. Once in place add the RV tape down along the front of the panel. Make sure it has plenty of contact with the camper. If you feel like you want to put some down on the rear of the panel go for it. But I didn’t.
4. Plug it all in and enjoy!

This method was sent to me by the guys over at Zero Declination. Here’s a quick video they posted with the panels they installed on someone’s camper:

Pretty neat, huh?

I understand a setup with nuts and bolts is more secure and hard-sided panels last longer. But for less than $130 if this setup lasts 3 years I’ll be happy. I already have an Etaker F1000 that charges up to 500 watts off my truck alternator when driving, so supplementing that with this 100 watt panel has been great.

I check my panels every week when I clean them off to make sure they’re still sticking down good. If any start coming loose I’ll probably rip all off and put new mounting velcro down.

Overall I am happy with this setup and would recommend it to anyone looking for a solar panel mounting solution for their truck campers.