Solar is Overrated. Here's a CHEAPER Alternative that Generates 200W!

Unpopular opinion: I think solar power is overrated for overlanding/camping. Unless you're staying in the same location for several days and in full view of the sky, you simply cannot generate enough power to solely rely on solar to keep your battery charged. Besides, there's a much stronger power source already installed on your vehicle!

In this video, I'll show you a device I discovered that allows me to charge my portable battery at 180W compared to the 100W Max I can get from solar. Oh and the best part? It only cost me around $60 in parts.

Parts list: (affiliate links)

4. Not linked, but you'll also need 10AWG wire which you can buy from your local auto parts store.

#diy #overlanding #solar #jackery

[RhinoOffroad]

** Correction: Watts law, not Ohms law (stay in school kids). Subscribe if you found this helpful! More like this to come!

Also I appreciate the feedback on the voltage cut off! Going to raise it higher than 12V

[RhinoOffroad]

Appreciate the feedback! Going to raise the cutoff voltage higher than 12.0 to preserve my battery. Thanks 🤘

[RealitySurvival]

It works, but just be aware that those converters do get very very hot when converting. Could be a fire hazard if not mounted in the right spot with good ventilation.

[atomicsmith]

You have to factor in the additional wear and tear on your alternator and engine. ( drawing more amps DOES increase your engine load). Also the setup you have that automatically draws your starter battery down to 12v will shorten the life of that battery. There’s a reason battery tenders keep them above 12v….
When you factor these in, the $300 solar panel that only weighs 5 pounds and will last 10 years with no maintenance will seem cheap…

[natenut]

Your message is well balanced. This coming from someone that runs over 90% of his gadgets currently from energy obtained from solar panels..

[shadowhacker]

unrelated to solar, you just helped me solve my 2004 Explorer problem with a solution I would've never thought, and neither did my mechanic in 4 years. Thanks a lot.

[TalonsRebellion]

Best part, you can always use both. This setup with solar, always going to have power.

[wildernessrecon]

Yup I have a high speed Jackery charger onboard in the gladiator cap that charges at 190 watts. You don’t need 24 v either 😉. You are the first person I have seen that has figured this out. Jackery charged in 3 hours 🎉

[OFFTHEGRIND]

Love this dude. What a great setup. My 12v outlets in the bronco crapped out so I’ve been looking for an alternative. Thanks man!

[ethanbelton]

So you found an adapter to take advantage of your engine as an inefficient gasoline generator. Not only is this not a replacement for solar, but it will also reduce your trip duration as you will need to refuel if you want to continue on your journey.

The primary function of solar power generation is to have energy regardless of your location, so that despite being hundreds of miles away from civilization, you can still power your equipment even when you run out of fuel.

If that isn't your primary goal then maybe consider a more efficient/powerful alternator to make this method more viable, as well as an upgraded car battery to handle the increased charge and discharge loads, as well as increased power cycling.

[cruzer]

Amazing. He didn't say the two most annoying words on youtube. Like/subscribe. So I will.

[SixOverland]

Nice! Never would have thought of that. Thanks for sharing 👍

[ReflectedMiles]

If your refrigerator draws 400+ watts continuously, you need a new fridge.

[freedomtowander]

Trailnewbie sent me!! Can’t wait to see your channel blow up brother!

[kennethz]

Love this video. I watch the setup part. Can you show a more detail how to connect it to the car? I'm totally new to this.

[KirbyLouis]

very surprised the comments section hasnt heard of this already

[jackm]

This definitely has its place, and an option we may nearly forget about after setting our minds on solar for do long. Not for everybody but it is for somebody.

[tombrenes]

Thank you for this video
I’m working on a diy generator
A real heavy torque converter on a shaft getting it started is hard even for a HD cordless drill. 1 heavy drill impact to get it running, now a heavy duty cordless buffer to just. Keep the rpm’s at a steady speed the buffer can go to 4000 rpm I keep it to1000rpm (an engine 800 to 1000 to activate the alternator. A pulley to run a racing alternator 120amp steady plus a capacitor, , My generator can charge ALL HD portable drill batteries in 45min
On one full charge the impact drill and buffer have. Kept the generator running for 3 days on 45min charge

[falcorthewonderdog]

I use solar panels at 200 watts to maintain 4 6v golf cart batteries in my class A RV. The only time i have issues is in Dec and Jan when sun exposure is at minimum. Simple cheap solar works great. My system cost around $300.

I would never consider running my RV engine for charging unless its an emergency. Why waste gas when solar does the same thing fir free. If it's cloudy add more panels to make up for it.

[michaelbigelow]

Solar is AWESOME, and not at all over rated. The alternator charging is absolutely useless when at a campground for a few days and not driving... I have BOTH systems on my van, but never use the alternator charger. Solar is so much better in every way.