Van Life - Our Amazing Stealth Solar Power Set up! Off Grid Camper Van
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2015
- Check out our new Guide to Van Life: goo.gl/dnhZQq
- We installed a 300 Watt solar system in our stealth campervan and we love it! It makes living in a van much more comfortable, especially since we're also working in the van!
We're using Renogy's flexible (bendable) 100 Watt panels, a 40 amp MPPT charge controller, a 500 Watt pure-sine inverter and a 155 ah Deep Cycle AGM battery from VMAX. Watch the video to check out how we installed it!
If you want more information about the components, prices, etc., check out our blog post about the solar panel system here:
www.exploringalternatives.ca/w...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.
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"as you can see, there's nothing to see" i like this
"you didn't seeee annnything"-skipper, Madagascar penguins-
You have a MPPT charge controller so you should run the panels in series. You will generate heaps more power than the parallel you describe.
When you said, “I didn’t know what I was doing,” I said, “Oh, thank god,” because that means I can do it too. 🙏❤️
I think I just ran through every single video.. and ended here.. What a NICE addition to the van! I lived about a decade with much less and in a custom tour bus with 10 other people. I miss the road life. The apartment I rent now is under 1,000 square feet. Thanks for sharing!
"As you can see.....There is nothing to see" I love it lmao
For someone who "doesn't know what they're doing", you did an amazing job! Very clean installation, cables are perfectly arranged, connections look great, very solid, terrific job! Congrats. The flex panels are more expensive, but they are totally worth it!
QuantumBraced Thanks! It wasn't easy but I'm happy with the end result =)
Exploring Alternatives One question - do you power the laptops through the inverter using their AC adaptors or do you power them directly with DC power?
QuantumBraced We just use the AC adaptors. The inverter has 2 regular household outlets.
Exploring Alternatives I don't know the figures, but there's a big loss of energy in converting up to AC and back down to the relatively small amount a laptop needs. When I got a DC laptop charger consumption went way down. You may not need it at the moment, but once you get a high-quality electric refrigerator (SO great!) you'll want to save your power for a rainy day. Nice videos!
Dave Adair +Exploring Alternatives I have a DC adapter for a Macbook. Plugs into a lighter jack and works great in my van. Check eBay.
I have the same basic set up in our sports wagon (100w, MPPT, 120AH) but I also have the system connected to the car's main battery via a separation/isolation relay so that the solar system also charges directly from the alternator when we drive. This removes the need to have such high wattage panels and provides a back up for those unfortunate rainy weeks you may encounter. Great Vid!
Looks like a real solid system. Your choice of a pure sine wave inverter will prevent you from damaging your electronic devices. You can debate all you want about your other choices but I think it will work nicely for you.
wtam69 Cool, thanks for watching =)
"When you are living in a (SOLAR) VAN down by the river" Motivational Speaker Matt Foley.. Aka. Chris Farley RIP
I love the fact that they are.so thin and light. For a travel trailer this seems to make more sense to install instead of the Aluminum framed units. Thx for the info.
replace the zip ties if your clement gets cold in the winter, I installed cable TV for a decade in the 80's and can tell you for a fact they can snap in half like a twig when it's very cold, replace with heavy duty metal twist ties or screw in brackets.
Richard Hardy Thanks for letting us know!! We'll replace those really soon :)
I prefer screw down Isolated Stainless clips ; found in Most decent hardware electrical sections .
Just started researching making my own camper van since I love camping, and want extra comfort without spending THOUSANDS on an rv...This was something I wanted for sure...I also want to have a moon roof...so when I'm sleeping in parks I can look up at the stars...Love this!!
Amazing. For someone who did't know anything you did a super job. This will sure make van life much easier.
We are so installing this on our van....if we can just get those damn hippies off the roof!
+Kombi Life LMAO! HAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH
Solar wasn't invented when we started ;)
So *Kombi Life* When did you start? I have kept up with Solar technology since 1967-68.
started with a model t
This is the video I have been looking for. Your blog is extremely helpful too.
You are living my dream! Currently have my eye on a (1) owner GMC extended work van with high top roof and all rack/tool shelves already removed! Also, has all oil change records/complete record of all maintenance performed on the Van!:) It has the very reliable 4.3 Vortex V-6 and because it is a GMC, it has the stronger springs and suspension system. Our goal is to be "we are building an airplane frame of mind" in reference to being weight conscious. Our heaviest items will be water and off grid battery bank. Making sure that all tires will be all terrain and nitrogen filled. The back will be completely modular and most power will come from the batttery bank, which will be recharged from roof mounted solar panels and wind turbine generator. May even add a stronger alternator, so that it too can charge the battery bank while driving. Goal is to have single stand up shower, compact fridge, 2-burner stove, regular a/c plugs, usb plugs, etc. On demand water heater for night time use will be a must, as well as a water filtration system. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for the awesome video and for sharing with us all. Have a super day!!!
You guys are very inspiring. I love how everything is so well considered. Your goals are so well defined.
Psygodnp Thank you so much :)
Nice set up! My sister just purchased a Nissan NV3500 and I told her about renergy solar due to the light weight, I saw some of these panels in May that a guy was using they do look pretty sturdy. Personally I like my 120 watt portable set up I can park in the shade (I have an 87 VW Westfalia) and I have 30 feet of wire to move it for best performance and it stores in a nice case for transport. Enjoy your travels and great video.
I have a Ford Transit Connect I was looking to hook solar up to. I'm glad to see it's already being done. Thanks for the vid!
Oh! I live a few towns inland from Renogy! Sweet.
I must have watched a ton of diy small scale solar videos . Yours is by far the best . I am mounting a Renogy 100 watt standard hard panel above the door of my shed ( man cave ) which is facing south and the best angle for my town in Florida is 25 degrees . This setup will also form a awning for the door.
Your video is straight forward and extremely helpful . My wife and I really enjoy your videos and your interaction as a couple . Best wishes , David & Maggie
I have seen a ton of videos. I'm "tryin" to do a small bus convert. & I have to give you 100% that was the most idealist VIDEO I have seen so far. You gave me hope that looks doable!!
awesome set up thanks for the video & blog post. i'm installing a solar system in a backpacking / camping trailer and your supplied allot of great info.
I appreciate the blog of all the parts, prices and the great explanation. Also your opinion and the suggestions of the others really helps
Wow very nice installation indeed!
very cool. Very practical. Love it!
Such an awesome setup! The total amps and battery output you've mentioned would make it possible to run a lot of awesome things in a van. Solar energy technology is the future and we should be powering every home on earth with it and finally put an end to the asphyxiating pollution of fossil fuels
We are in the checking out options phase of our future van life. Really impressed with your whole set up and DIY skills. Solar is definitely our choice and I love this option. Gone with the Wynns used something similar to this and one of his negatives was gouges from low hanging branches. I will have to go back and watch it again. I love how stealth this is! Great job. I hit your Subscribe button.
Another job well done! The pure-sine inverter is more expensive but definitely the best choice. You have my interest up about the flexible solar panels. Congrats on you new SOLAR power system!
stringbender57 Awesome, the flexible panels aren't perfect but they are working great for us. Thanks for watching :)
awesome brother, I'm getting prepared to go off grid with everything..thanks for the info, it was awesome..again thanks
Dude that set-up is perfect for our summer van! Thank you for taking the time to present this.
This is so helpful! Thank you!
You guys are awesome for making available all of your efforts and hard work for anyone to purchase !!! saves me lots of heartache and trial and error !!! thanks for being Awesome :) Blessed Be
Thanks for the video, looking forward to build my own van.
Absolutely beautiful setup you guys have !!! we're going to be creating one of our own !!! thanks for the video, it's going to be our guide !!!
Great information, well done!!
really neat and clean wire setup!!
That is so great you have solar now! Will be interesting to see how those flexible panels hold up over time. I live how you covered the battery.
Tina
tinabeane Thanks, yeah we plan on doing another video in while to let people know how they perform over time.. Thanks for watching!
Good job, enjoy!
Very well explained in terms of the components used and how they interconnect to become a usable, practical system. Thank you.
Thank u for telling us so much on the solar panels this helps me find the ones best for us in this overhaul w/o losing out the stealth ability.
very good detailed video. thank you
I’ve been looking for this! Yay!
Good info - thank you for the video!
Cool Setup
I had a '99 Econoline with a hightop that looked almost exactly like yours. It served us well for many years. I wish I had a sweet solar setup like yours. Good job!
John Norris Thank you :)
Nice work guys! Everything looks tidy. Thanks for the video!
Greg E Thanks for watching :)
Glad to see you guys active again. I was missing you!!
Richard Tilford Cool, yeah we were really busy for a while! Thanks for watching =)
love it...I am planning a VAN/RV Conversion and this video is definitely inspirational
I have one of those 100w flexible panels!! :)
If only they were like HALF price... if Renogy reduces their price to like $115, even for a minute, I'm buying like 30 of them!! I love them!
Great job!
Great job, thanks for that review and for making all those calls to get it working so may be we can learn from you.
We have a 1992 Toyota Warrior RV that I plan on setting up just like you have done with your van. Ours has a generator but noisy. Definitely will hwlp me to find sources for the items needed to make this happen for us! Thanks for taking the time to upload this video!
Super helpful! Thank you!
Thanks for the video and good information
Sweet installation. Good job.
SonofSilas Thanks!
That's amazing dude... Good work!!
I love the idea of these flexible panels for all the same reasons you cited. Thanks for turning me on to them.
tracy smith You're very welcome!
Excellent addition to the van.
A.S.A Thanks!
I'm really impressed with your clean setup :)
Thank you so much for your video. It really helps me a medical professional to understand how the electric system works.
Thank you for this video. Great explanation!!! This is great place to start for anyone who is looking to install a solar setup.
Russ Kendrick Martin Thank you!
Very well done!
I will love to invest in that when i buy my rv, or camper van but i know i would never be able to hook this up my self. I think its great to have in your camper van safe journey
I like how you used those bags to hid the battery!
Thanks for the vid! :)
This will be SO helpful, once we have the new van! Thank you :D
Hi guys, I lived in a van a few years ago in the UK. I'm thinking of maybe returning at some point for a short while probably. I didn't have a solar set up back then, and things have moved forward in that area as you know. I've watched a few of your videos and they are great to see. I hope you don't mind me saying something on Batteries. I have thought about sealed batteries even sealed ones and being inside a tiny area with them. You have done a great thing but I have thought about doing what they do with gas canisters for stoves in camper vans and having a small vent 1 preferable 2 high and lower to circulate air and keep cooler to the outside of the van from a sealed container holding the battery. That way you can feel much safer about them, I think. With these things as you sat better to air on the safer side of things. All the best. John.
Nice job guys :)
Thank you for great vanlife solar power solutions. I need to figure out my roof still but this is still very useful.
I like the flexible panels. I haven't seen those before. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Nicely done.
Awesome, thanks for the clear explanation! 🙂
Yes! Down to earth; thank you!!
Nice video and clean looking install. Thanks for posting!
WannaBFree Thanks for watching!
Congrats guys you are doing very well.from Doug in Ontario Canada.
Hey Guys!
Thanks _so much_ for these videos. Each one is so interesting! Please keep them coming...
And nice Bye & Bye coaster: I watched this vid after eating there last night.
elizabeth tresCosas Cool, thanks for watching! That's funny you recognized the coaster, we love it there!
couple of thought for improvement :
Run heavy gauge wire from car battery positive back to your AGM solar battery so it will charge when driving
Install a blocking diode so as not to draw down on van battery but put a switch accross diode just in case you every need AGM for starting.
Also add LED lighting off charge controller output on far right side
insitetech Thanks! Those are some great suggestions :) Might look into doing that at some point down the road.
That was so informative.Thank you very much.I was so blank on'' how to calculate your needs.''
love this! solar is great.
good work guys
Great job buddy
Awesome !!!!
I wouldn't worry about the velcro giving way, the adhesive backing on the other hand may degrade. Solar is the way to go glad to see your build!
You did a wonderful job inside and out ..looks excellent!
Pastor Cameron Thank you!
Awesome idea, I think I will adapt your design for my home
...Its a clean looking setup
globalproductvendors Thank you!
Great job. You go Boy!!!!
+nzinga zindua Thank you!!
Oh wow! That is awesome! Thanks very much for this info!
Brad Herder Happy to hear that, thanks for watching!
We are going to do this for our Land Rover! Nice!
GREAT INFO THANKS
nice job guys
Very useful thanks👍🏻
Thank You So Much .... Im buying a,van stripped down. Im going to do solar and live in my van first time. Im an older lady tired of the rat race ! So going full time at this ... Thanks So Much Cindy
cool, flexible solar panel
Very helpful, thanks for posting. I'm considering solar for my cargo van which I'm planning to convert. Way too expensive to buy even a used rv.
great job
very informative
its so nice, thanks
awesome van
sweet set up people