Consider My Perspective if You Plan to Install Solar in Your Conversion Van

I could have gotten by with a lot less solar if I had of only known.

Photo by Melvina Mak on Unsplash

Solar is free energy from the sun. The magnitude of how we can harness energy thru a small panel and operate light, tv. computers, heaters, etc. is fascinating to me.

Solar energy intrigued me enough to go out and learn more about it. My favorite go-to source is You-Tube tutorial videos, where I found numerous information on how to buy solar and install it.

My Solar Choices

While shopping for solar, I settled on a company called Renogy. It had a 5-star rating, so I thought they must have some good dependable products and offer decent service. As it turned out, they do!

First I bought a 170ah lithium battery, because I could run it down to 0% without damaging it. Even though I cold have purchased the AGM battery for half the price, I worried I might forget and run them down past their 50% capacity they were rated for.

I figured 170ah battery would take care of all my needs, except for the rooftop air conditioner. And it does.

Next I added a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter and a 40 watt Mppt control charger. It’s better to spend the extra money to buy a pure sine wave, especially if you are charging sensitive electronics like cell phones, laptops etc. Pure sine wave means cleaner electricity.

For now, I recharge my battery through a 110 outlet, until I can find someone to install solar panels on the roof of my van, unless I decide on using the portable suitcase panels. Not sure I will have room to store them properly.

I have everything wired to one cord that powers my whole van. While living in the desert heat, I must have ac, so I plug in to shore power. It’s not cost effective to buy enough solar to power a 14,500 btu ac.

If you are thinking about doing a van conversion, I would suggest using a good insulation to begin with, and use as many 12 volt gadgets that you can. Even though my mini fridge is a 110 with 442 watts, the refrigerator is not powered while I’m driving, but the Alpicool is powered with my 12v plug located on the van dashboard. I transfer food from the refrigerator to the Alpicool, so I don’t have food spoilage. It works out fine.

My lights are solar powered. I use lucy lights that I purchased from Amazon for $12. Every morning I place it on the dashboard to recharge in the sun. Also, I have 2 puck lights that use 3 AAA batteries. They are useful for a dim light wherever I need it.

With my current setup, I power an electric oven, water pump, max air fan, 2 small refrigerators, hair dryer, heating pad, electric heater (1500 watt), electric skillet, and a coffee pot.

I cook my meals on a one burner propane stove or outdoors on an open fire.

I have everything I need with my current solar set-up to fit my life style. Also, I house a Mr. Buddy propane heater for a back up on those cold winter nights.

I also carry a small Rugged Geek 60ah lithium generator and a battery starter in case I need it sometimes to start the van. I can also use the battery starter to power cell phones or any USB device.

The Rugged Geek generator comes with a powerful built in flash light.

Take Away

If I were starting out again on this Van life journey, I would invest in a Blue Yetti generator for my solar needs and save money from installing individual components needed for solar. But for now, my current set-up should satisfy my needs while I enjoy traveling and writing my stories.