Скачать или смотреть DIY Ambulance Solar Panel System | Sliding, Tilting Array for Off-Grid Power

Welcome back to our DIY Ambulance Conversion series! In this episode, we’re diving into the solar panel setup on our expedition rig, the Ambulander. Designing an efficient solar array for a limited roof footprint—especially one that performs in northern latitudes—came with unique challenges. We needed a solution that would maximize solar charging year-round, offer tilting capability for optimal angles, and withstand wind while off-grid.

After several iterations, here’s what we came up with:
🔹 𝟒 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬 - 2 fixed, and 2 recessed panels that slide out on drawer slides powered by linear actuators.
🔹 A 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, positioned for the best leverage and angle.
🔹 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐬 added for wind stability during tilt.
🔹 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 to preserve critical roof space for vents, AC unit, and wood stove chimney.

In this video, we show how the array deploys and tilts, share key design decisions, and explain the trial-and-error process we went through to get the tilting right.

Key moments:
00:00 – Our Requirements
00:40 – Final Design Overview
01:16 – Tested Tilting Options for the Solar Panels
02:55 – Tilting the Entire Solar Array
03:23 – Frame Overview
04:35 – Gas Struts
05:10 – Extending the Side Panels
06:25 – Main Measurements
06:54 – Choosing the Right Hinges
07:24 – Failed Tilting Design
08:23 – Fixed Tilting Design

Big thanks to Steve at Firgelli Automation for helping troubleshoot the actuator issues.

👉 Stay tuned—our upcoming videos will cover installing limit switches for actuator control and mounting the entire system to the Ambulander roof!
Subscribe to follow the full conversion journey!

#diycamper #solarpanelsystem #offgridpower #expeditionvehicle #Ambulander #solarpanels #diysolarsystem #overlandtruck #linearactuator