How I Installed SOLAR POWER in my VAN (The Easy Way) | Off Grid VAN

C L I C K T O S U B S C R I B E:

▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬

0:00 - Intro
0:11 - How off grid systems work
3:08 - Why Power Stations make it easier
5:05 - How to set up DC power on a power station
5:40 - Installing Solar Panels
7:51 - Running wires for DC appliances
8:20 - Connecting Wires to Fuse panel
9:27 - Cutting Ceiling panels
9:48 - Installing 12V Lighting
10:07 - Connecting Fuse panel to the power station
11:31 - Ending

How I Installed SOLAR POWER in my VAN (The Easy Way) | Off Grid VAN

When I say my van is run on solar power, that’s technically not true. Its battery powered, but that battery is charged by solar panels. Like I said, everything is actually run off of a battery. Most people use 12v or 24v battery systems. This is usually referred to as Direct Current (DC). Not everything can run on DC but some examples are 12v lighting, 12v roof vents, 12v fridges, etc. 12v appliances usually have a 12v “car” outlet or simply a positive and negative wire to be attached to a power source. 12v batteries can also provide power to 110v (AC) appliances, but not directly.

If you use a battery, eventually it's going to run out of energy. So the same way you need to charge your phone when it dies, you’ll also need to charge your battery. There are 3 common ways to charge a battery. Shore Power, Solar panels, and vehicle battery/alternator. These methods can be used individually, you can use 2 of them, or all 3 at the same time. In this example let’s say you have all of these methods set up. Your energy sources are pulling energy into your battery bank, where it's being stored for usage with your appliances. This is a full system because you have power coming in to replace the power that’s being used.

Now unfortunately, you can't just plug a solar panel directly into a battery and get power. Actually, you can’t do that with any of these methods. You’ll need some extra devices to regulate and convert the energy going in and out of your battery.

Portable power stations have all of the small components combined in one device with a lithium battery and a screen to monitor your system.

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[Dualex_Builds]

▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
0:11 - How off grid systems work
3:08 - Why Power Stations make it easier
5:05 - How to set up DC power on a power station
5:40 - Installing Solar Panels
7:51 - Running wires for DC appliances
8:20 - Connecting Wires to Fuse panel
9:27 - Cutting Ceiling panels
9:48 - Installing 12V Lighting
10:07 - Connecting Fuse panel to the power station
11:31 - Ending

[iamintentional]

I'm 62, recently homeless. I used to watch these channels for fun, but now by necessity. You check all the boxes; you have mad skills and creativity, but not the ego to go with...you explain and show. Thank you

[LB]

I've watched so many videos with complicated systems, all the while thinking that a portable power station is the simple answer. Thanks.

[johnabriggs]

one mistake I saw was that one should always face the grommets away from the direction of most heavy wind and water to lessen the possibility of forcing water in with the wires coming from your roof whole for them. also adding a rubber grommet to feed through the hole in the roof to keep wires entering the van so they don't chafe on the metal

[libragirl]

Thank you for finally explaining the way these work in a simple way I can understand. You can tell me all day how to plug all the parts in but knowing the mechanics of it all helps a lot.

[BeRadHump]

I’d recommend avoiding the flexible panels put directly in contact with the roof. My build had 3 but they only lasted about a year and a half before breaking and needing to be replaced. There wasn’t enough heat dissipation underneath, so they ended up overheating and breaking by the second summer. Also they ended up turning my roof into an oven when I was in the van since it was direct heat contact from the black panels to the metal roof. In a low top build like this, and my 2016 ram promaster city, it literally feels like an oven broiler unless you’re in shade… and the panels are useless then since they aren’t producing energy.

You’ll want more rigid solar panels with a couple inches of space between the solar panels and the roof of your van to let air flow underneath and not directly transfer the heat.

[Shorkshire]

just lost my job unexpectedly, might have to spend what little I have left on converting my car to live in, something like this might be just the ticket. thank you for the video

[SeaOfLuv]

Dang, he should have his own tv show. So clear in every way. Lovely scoring too.

[judyeuller]

I finally have a better understanding of all of the electrical terminology I keep hearing when I watch these videos. Thanks!

[leese.]

Somebody explain to me why on Earth he doesn't have more followers or even his own show. I've been watching your videos for quite a while and they're always really really good.

[carolwilkeshoward]

As always clear and understandable, you should be a teacher because you see the grand design in things you gave those of us a quicker and easier way to connect. Now I won't set any van on fire! lol thank you

[Jesusistheway]

Clearest explanation I’ve seen yet. Excellent!!!

[bucksmedia]

I’ve watched this video once before and it was super easy to follow, but now that I’m actually going through the electrical portion of my build and now rewatching this, it’s making more sense. Thanks for the clear and well explained video.

[qefrifh]

OMG... THANK YOU for taking time out to explain this.. VERY HELPFUL for BEGINNERS.!!!!

[meeshlvslobster]

Out of all of the van conversion videos I've watched in the last 2 years this was the only one that was explained how everything works! Thank you, super informative 😊

[mrbengerman]

You are the first person to ever help me understand anything with electrical work!!!!

[debraproctor]

Literally today I told someone I need someone to break down this electrical system for me. Thank you so much, you've made it easier to understand. I'm not 100% yet but this has helped.

[tamararenee]

Wow, thank you so much. I just purchased a Bluetti AC200MAX because no matter how many videos I watch I just can't get the hang of all the different parts of the electronics and just figured I run a couple of power strips from the Bluetti outlets, but your way is much better and makes compete sense to me! Thank you!!

[lmullen]

You are such a great teacher!! I always enjoy watching you and actually feel like I understand and can do much more without paying somebody. Thank you for sharing!!

[blueteamsix]

Most vehicles aren't connected to the grid. So to say one is off-grid is kinda funny. I love your videos. Truly a master.