Photo from Zamp Solar of one of their roof mount kits In the rest of this lesson, we’ll be covering all these elements that make up a solar power system including van solar panels, inverters, batteries, wiring, charge controllers, and more, starting with solar panels. If you’re using a battery (which you will if you’re planning on having a solar setup in your van), you’ll also need an inverter to convert the DC power in the battery to usable AC power for your appliances. In case you’re not already familiar, the way a solar power system works is that solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity which is then used to either directly power something, or more commonly, that energy is collected in a battery that can then be used to run power from. Since solar power offers the most flexibility to live and travel off the grid in a van, that is where we are going to focus most of our time in this lesson. We’ll talk more about this option later on. I don’t recommend relying on this as the only way you charge your batteries, but it is a great backup especially during the winter months. Automatic Charge RelayĪ final option I recommend is to connect your house batteries to your vehicle’s alternator which allows you to charge your batteries while you’re driving. My shore power plug is located under my hood, and while we haven’t had to use it out of necessity, it gives me peace of mind being there in case I ever were to have an issue with my solar setup. When the days are short and the sun isn’t out very long, being able to plug in if your batteries are running low will help prevent them from getting damaged while allowing you to still function in the van. If that’s the case, this is a perfect option that will allow you to use power as normally as you do in your brick and mortar house.Įven if you don’t plan on staying in campgrounds all the time, being able to plug in to top off your batteries is a smart option, especially for the winter months. Shore power is a viable option if you plan to stay in full-service campgrounds with plug-ins. Plus, many paid campgrounds have a sound ordinance or noise pollution policy, restricting their use during certain hours of the day. Generators can be loud, impacting your ability to enjoy the sounds of nature.
#Sprint layout rails generator#
A storage box on the outside of your van – like those made by Aluminess – is one option.Īnother major downside of a generator is the noise factor. The generator and fuel tanks are heavy and take up a fair amount of room, so you’ll need to have a dedicated space for these. One caveat is you’ve got to keep gas stored for the generator, so that’s something to consider when planning your build. Generators are also ideal if you plan to run an AC unit, electrical heater, or a microwave – these things aren’t easily powered with a solar set up due to their high wattage requirements. Plus, you can move them around wherever you go, creating power even when you don’t have access to the grid. They’re favored because of their reliability no matter the weather or time of day. Powering with a generator is a tried and true method for road travelers and was the go-to prior to the rise of solar power. We’ll get more into all that later in this lesson. To have a complete solar setup you need solar panels for your van, batteries, a charge controller, and an optional (but recommended) automatic charging relay (ACR). Opting for a solar power system is a more eco-friendly option, but it does have a heftier initial investment. Solar is a great van power option if you plan to be off-the-grid often and want to be able to sustain your day to day without needing to fuel up a generator or plug in. The three primary ways of getting power in a van are solar power, a generator, and plugging into shore power. There isn’t a one size fits all approach to van life, but together, we’re going to explore the foundational pieces necessary to determine your priorities to help you plan for your ideal electrical system.
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