A Closer Look at the Components in My Solar System Setup!

Today we are taking a look at my solar system in my ambulance! The overall decrease in price on solar panels is fantastic compared to when I first started in 2009. There are four major components that you will need for any solar system: solar panels, an inverter, a charge controller and batteries!
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Thanks for watching!

[@cotter9751]

I still feel overwhelmed as I contemplate adding solar to my van. I watched this one twice, and I'll watch others' videos until I start to feel more comfortable. Thanks so much for sharing this useful info!

[@littlepotato2741]

One key point about setting up solar systems is picking a few pieces of equipment as a starting point and building around that. I would say that picking your battery type could be the best starting point. The type of battery determines the type of battery charge controller you will need to use. Now you can pick your battery charge controller/etc. A lot of modern solar battery chargers actually fill the role of several pieces of equipment. This echos Bob's experience. Note how he said he picked the Battleborn lithium batteries because of constant good reviews. And although he knew about the battery controller's good reputation, it was the battery maker that recommended that controller also. Decent battery companies are going to recommend good equipment because having a reliable charge controller is so important to the battery's life and performance. If they have a good reputation, they want to keep it.

[@spoosieoopsie1616]

I agree totally! My husband and I have gone back and forth. He only wants to camp at state or national parks so we have shore power. I protest that we won't want to do that always; we would go broke! I'll have to do more research.

[@Irideonandon]

Once you do it , you will see how simple it actually is. To install/use solar, you don't need to "understand" solar. Its like a car. You can use it just fine without understanding it. Just learn some basic info. Get to where you can draw a simple block diagram of your system and tell what each block does. No need to get super deep. Like your car, pay someone to repair any big problems until you learn more.

[@jollymatilda5890]

@@littlepotato2741 Thank you so much for this. I appreciate your reply greatly. ❤

[@jollymatilda5890]

@@Irideonandon Thank you so much for this. It helps take some of the anxiety away. I'm definitely electronically challenged. 😄❤

[@realmicrobet]

I'm a solar contractor. The last panels I bought were 350 watts for $202 each or $0.58/watt. You can get panels pretty easily for under $0.50/watt now. A big factor is the size. The small panels, like under 200 watts, are much more expensive per watt. So if you have the space, one big panel will be much more cost efficient than two small panels. The shipping for one or two panels would be too expensive, and this is a bit harder if you're not a contractor, but if you're willing to do the legwork you can find a place that will sell to you and you can pick it up probably not too far away, especially if you are in CA or the SouthWest. If you do the Henry's patch it's good to throw a layer of sand on top of it. Sun wears out patches like that and the sand protects the sealant.

[@seawrightstudios]

Jay, do you mind if I ask where you got that 350-watt solar panel for 202.00? I can't find any that cheap.

[@realmicrobet]

@@seawrightstudios AEE Solar out of Northern California.

[@seawrightstudios]

@@realmicrobet Thank you!!

[@jimbob3030]

@@seawrightstudios i got my 10x 440w panels from signature solar in texas, $240 ea, shipping was expensive though for these big guys but I'm hoping with this much solar and 20kw of lipo I can run a mini split heater / ac. Haven't mounted it all up yet but just four of them on the ground fills my battery in under 2 hours of sun for everything but heat and a/c that will add to the charge time, the overkill is to compensate for winter and my non sunny location in cloudy rainy oregon.

[@debjustdeb4301]

Great info, appreciate it, THANK YOU!!

[@ceetee2021]

Oh my gosh... those mountain behind you are spectacular!!!

[@thenomadicmechanic6414]

I should have watched this video again before I went and bought a bunch of stuff. All I remembered from watching it last time was "BougeRV" and now I have electricity out the wazooo and nowhere to put it. Hope you're having a good day Bob! Also, I'd like to give a shoutout to Gary Collins, the creator of "The Simple Life", who has recently passed. He was a great inspiration in my life, much like you, Bob. Thanks for doing what you do. I aspire to enjoy my life as much as you do sir. You are appreciated. I hope to be your neighbor someday, even if it were only 5 minutes. I didn't get to meet Gary and that son of a gun was only 52. RIP Gary! Have a great day!

[@gimmepeace]

Hi Bob! I bought an ambulance and am 65. I want to use solar and appreciate you sharing your wisdom!

[@violahacket5014]

Hi Cindy, I just bought one too - can you point me to an insurance company that will cover an ambulance. Please and thanks.

[@gimmepeace]

@@violahacket5014 I used State Farm but they almost didn't cover it because it still has original equipment on it and is not built out yet. My agent was persistent! It is covered under business insurance and was reasonable for liability only.

[@violahacket5014]

@@gimmepeace Thank You

[@violahacket5014]

@@gimmepeace I found two and the price wasn't off but 40. Hagerty was ready to write but State Farm had to send it off and delay a few days. I went with Hagerty - which is now also State Farm - so it didn't really matter. You were the ONLY person to answer me at all. Lots of videos on ambulance RV's - I'm left still wondering who they found to write a policy. Thank You Cindy.

[@gimmepeace]

@@violahacket5014 Viola, that is what is called community helping each other! Maybe we will meet someday on our journeys!

[@ronmance6715]

I love what you did with the back yard Bob 😎

[@danrandall794]

Over panel over panel over panel. Full disclosure this is my first year with solar. I over paneled and was happy I did. I recharged batteries back to full even on cloudy days and a couple of days where it rained off and on all day. I guessed right on having more solar than I needed and once again Bob is correct. Granted it was winter and panels not angled but was surprised how panels don't get near the rated capacity. I knew they did not but thought it would be better, so if you can, more panels than you think and you will be happy you did. Just my experience from a newbie to solar.

[@brownbunny2513]

Thank you to Bob, I brought 400 watts from Renaogy, and another 1200 watts,( 3 x 400 watts) from a company out West ( I can't recall the name now, over a year ago, still sitting in storage)with a controller, but I'm afraid to install it all by myself. At this time I only have 6 lead acid batteries hooked up to my alternator with a small 750 watt inverter, and Harbor Freight 100 watts solar panels in the windows to maintain the batteries when the alternator is not on. I need help is what I'm trying to say.

[@ranman5501]

Informative video, but that view steals the show!

[@cobyporschifer221]

Thanks for info Bob. As always very informative. Saves novices like me a lot of time and grief. Good Vibes 👣

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Wow, A Double First on a Brother Bob Video!

[@irnomo9784]

hey bob, ive been watching you for about 5 years now! i lived in a rebuilt motorhome that i did myself for about 3 years, and gave up on that for a bit. i just purchased a converted ambulance and am very excited to be back out on the road 💪. came with 800w monocrystalline panels, 3000w aims inverter, and epever solar controller. they work well for now but i will be upgrading to lithium this summer!

[@VonBluesman]

Bob thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge about solar. You might try a thin foam window air conditioner filter to put over your screen to help cut down on some of the dust the fan is pulling to help cool off your solar system setup. With your ever changing knowledge, I think some day you will have an electric motor on your side by side and solar panels on the roof to charge the system. You are one cool dude Bob, thanks for helping so many people and always sharing positive energy. GOD bless you and Cody.

[@garyanthony4854]

Thank you for sharing and posting this. You were the only one that finally linked it all together in my low tech brain. That was about two years ago then it all became so simple to understand. A tremendous thanks for that. I’m forever curious to know your recommendations on all the goodies before I ever purchase. That alone saves so much time for low tech ones like me. Let alone the cost savings and not getting burned on the price. I’m a part timer out roaming the lands every opportunity I can. Because of good people like you sharing your knowledge I know the any day I decide not to return home my big truck and I will be just do just fine. Like a I’m never going back bug out bag. / KC the voice. Wow!

[@jannwebb]

I want my vehicles to also “have all the power I ever need”.

[@juri14111996]

what do you want to power? fridge? lights? induction stove? ac? ...? and for how longe? what options do you wand to charge the battery? alternator (while driving)? solar? shoure power? ev charger input? generator? what is the max ac and dc load you ecpect? then you just but it together almost like lego.

[@8754roberto]

Thank you bob ☺️👌

[@alicefly3198]

Thanx for posting & being an all-around great guy, Bob!😊

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Outstanding information Bob... Thank you so much! 👍😁

[@karenwright2704]

🌺Aloha…. FROM MAUI … BEAUTIFUL SHIRT BOB…. Love your videos

[@mondavou9408]

Great point about shipping size and cost. I never thought about it or heard anyone mention it before, so thank you.

[@AlexaMGilbert]

Thank you Bob. I always respect and trust you.

[@ericg9092]

I've been binge watching your channel, and this is the first time I've seen your ambulance. I'm off to hopefully find a tour of it. Thank you very much for the solar walk-through!

[@margaretdevries8090]

Really glad I found Bob ‘s videos again, Unfortunately with health problems I cannot do tjis but I love watching his and Caroline’s vids , nice regular peeps , AND SO NICE AND FRIENDLY ,

[@deedeetravels969]

I'm #3! On Bob's video!?!!! Wow. That's my lucky number. Thank you Bob for another great video. Filled with so much knowledge, expert advice in my opinion. Love 💘 you! 66 is just a number. Your still handsome

[@eqmuse]

Thanks for more excellent info!!!

[@kansas_off_grid]

Is that a bear or large animal of some sort creeping behind those rocks at the 9:24 mark, Might be Cody. Lol. Directly across from your hand in video. Good video i might add.😃😃😃

[@outdoorsman2b918]

Love your channel and your videos. 1. Regarding batteries, you may want to check the Lithionics. Those are 315AH less than $2000 like the Battleborns, while gaining 115AH more. Many people just jump into the bandwagon and exclude themselves of the research process . 2. If I needed an affordable system, I guess the best source is Will Prowse. That guy really knows the sokar technology in depth. 3. Some people are as good as to build their own batteries for 20% of the MSRP.

[@tex959]

Good advice. Overall, lithium has dropped in price while battleborn has stayed about the same price. I put together my own system using the lithium cells straight from China( where battleborn and all the other companies get their cells) and then adding my own BMSs. Saved a ton of money and now I can run a split unit ac or an electric heater

[@paulrydzinski9995]

Should check out Enduro batteries, based on CO. I have 2 x 12v 200AH in a 24v system and they have been great. 100ah 12v are only $699

[@DutchK75]

Yeah but...Lithium Ion isn't going to last as long as Lifepo4. And the composition isn't as stable. It's going to be a race to the bottom once the patents are up on Lifepo4. Tesla, Samsung and others start to produce the batteries in square cells. Yeah you save up front with a Lithionics battery. But they will never have the longevity of a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery.

[@michaeldautry]

Did I read your comment correctly, if I can build my own battery I could potentially make it for 20% the price of purchasing a battery at retail?

[@tex959]

@@michaeldautry I don't know about 80% off but at least 65% off if you build your own and it's not very hard

[@janp7660]

I'm lost on all of this, but you're such a wealth of knowledge I keep watching . In a few years I'm hoping to be on the road.

[@chad2886]

You have a great system. I'm still a agm guy, my thinking is solar is cheap and batteries are expensive. You mentioned you don't go below 13 volts so your not really cycling the batteries anyhow. agm will last a long time if you baby them and don't deep discharge them.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

what an unusual video. the view from on top of the van is spectacular. both perspectives. i like your calm careful explanation of the solar.

[@ricktrent275]

Thanks Mr BOB, I'm in the process of a solar install on my 33ft "Nomad" Trailer, and had seen in a previous Vlog how you figured your needs etc. So I had picked up a 1240 watt system package from San Tan solar, and came back to you for clarification on my components. But!, in my excitement I didn't connect with how I was going to get 4 big 310 watt 6'x3' panels up on my trailer roof. OOPS! WELL they didn't seem that big on the floor, until I asked how much they weighed..60lbs. ea. Whoa.. Now I have a problem trying to mount them flat, on a crowned roof. I'm trying to figure out some wedge foots to go under the panel legs, and get a solid mount. LOL. Nomad Engineering in progress. Thanks for your helpful Vids. RT.

[@nmr6988]

Thanks for sharing your setup with us Bob and for educating us. You are the best.

[@cindychurch925]

Bob. I am thankful for your informative and conversational videos.

[@lenurban]

Super informative as always!

[@cliftontorrence839]

Thanks Bob, great intel from your own experience. Very cool.

[@boufd2008]

Thanks for sharing Bob and thank you for all you've taught me.

[@BuyLandCheapOwnerFinance]

Ty Bob for sharing

[@terrapintravels3829]

Great solar video, Bob, I am learning so much, thank you!!🦋

[@artatexture889]

I am putting my system together now, I just ordered a bunch of stuff. I am building a vehicle, I was gonna buy an ambulance, but was having a hard time finding one, I found a good deal on a little activity bus and went with that. I am trying to make you proud Bob.

[@charofheart37]

Thanks for sharing your Solar setup. It reminded me of just how much Solar power has dropped in price. Got my panels finally! 🤗💯👍🏾❤️

[@jollymatilda5890]

Thank you so much for this video on your solar setup Bob and Cheap RV Crew! It helps a great deal when you go through all of the components starting with the solar panels. 😄❤👍🏻

[@Dave-qp8rq]

Oh and one other suggestion, economize when it comes to power usage. I run a 400W panel and 2 110a/hr batteries and it's more than enough for low wattage lighting, TV but won't run a refrigerator. We don't get a lot of sunshine in New Zealand anymore thanks to chemtrails so a 200W wind generator makes good sense also. Brilliant videos Bob!

[@saltyfry8688]

Well Done Bob! so glad you shared the setup I was honestly very curious!

[@cherylroumillat3660]

Beautiful Blessing Darling Bob..⚘🎚⭐🍑

[@azvwbaja]

Thank you for sharing

[@honeyiroam]

we love your channel! you are a big inspiration. we live and travel in a 6x8 tiny camper full time. thanks for the great content

[@debcecotti8273]

Very helpful. Starting to understand.

[@angeladawn805]

Yeah! You're looking really good there Bob, many thanks for a comprehensive and helpful video :)

[@ShayTBD]

Great points and as always great perspective

[@joecolon8197]

So much good information!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing Bob. Awesome love it. 👍❤️

[@33plyrod]

First class install and a very well thought out system. First class video explaining it all too.

[@jameshaynes8489]

glad to see you go for more comfort as you age

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Brilliant work, Bob! Thanks. ^5 💖

[@listen.youreblooming.793]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience...and for your guidance!

[@cindychurch925]

Thanks for this info. You are amazing 😊

[@funzeevanzee]

I love your new shirt. Looks like Columbia with all those awesome zipper pockets. Great video as always.

[@stephencullum8255]

Nothing like practical experience. Good information. Looks very doable.

[@TeddyBearFarmer]

Looks like you have a new shirt Bob it looks good on you nice system thanks for the measurements I needed them 😁

[@daynacook4140]

Thank you so iChat for the step by step “Solar for dummies”. This newbie needed this. 😀

[@62WILDCAT]

Thanks for all the info here !

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. Compared to my electronics bill, your solar investment is a bargain. I love that solar is quite too. Thank you again for creating this video. Safe travels.

[@jojom.4462]

Thank you for your video. I have been interested in solar for quite a while now. I like your set up. I still need to understand more about it. I do appreciate that you shared what you have.

[@jhemnes1]

Great video Bob. Yeah you've almost got me talked into Battle Born 😂

[@TheWonderwy]

Thanks Bob. I enjoyed seeing what you have. Solar is still a bit over my head, (heh heh), with the tech side of the connectors. However, your, explanation was so smooth you made it easy to understand. And for that I am very grateful. God bless and take care.

[@gloryanna365]

Nice job, thank you.

[@peggybloomfield1406]

Thanks Bob! I never even thought about screening and put a fan there. And I have a sharps drop that goes down in the middle storage compartment. Thanks. This gives me a better idea how to plan that step into solar.

[@scotteakins7203]

🤔 extremely informative & helpful, thx so much. Has me going in the right direction for my system.

[@hg2.]

Thank you for giving us the "block diagram" tour of a solid solar system. (We tie it back to earlier videos that are more technical.) "Yes, you can do it." :) Looks great. Enjoy.

[@margarethutchens5463]

This was very helpful. I am in the research stage.

[@theworldaccordingtofloyd1035]

What a great build

[@boxtruckhouse]

Fantastic! I bought the Battleborn batteries for my rig as well.

[@campgoerOne]

Your looking sharp today Bob! 👍

[@leslieservantofgod8601]

I love this video it's the video that keeps giving I'm thankful and grateful thank you have a great day

[@richardhowe5583]

I am and everybody else should be interested in your personal set up because you have so many years experience. Thanks👍👌🤔🤗😀

[@mordanistl9869]

Love it bob those panels are the ones for me and I like the practical electrical system. Every one does it so so perfect, well I don’t either and it’s working also safely great video thanks so much ps I went with the silicate salt sealed batteries 2 -250 = 500 amp hour as I’m needing to be in cold north east climate for family holidays and don’t want them freezing up like my water did this past winter . Will keep you posted on there performance

[@brianleonard6885]

Good stuff right here

[@tommaples9174]

Cool, been waiting for a video like this with all the links 👍

[@talk9198]

Thanks Bob

[@debjustdeb4301]

Outstanding video! Thank you! I have my 2 battle borns, but stopped there because setting up a system just boggles my VERY NON ELECTRICAL geared 67 year old brain. I have saved a lot of your and Will Prowse’s videos, bought Will Prowse’s books and still just don’t trust myself, and don’t have the money for professional install. I do appreciate you giving exact brands and sizes, that helps! Thanks again!

[@ricktrent275]

Thanks Bob, got some good info.,for when I'm getting ready to buy/install, A system on my 30ft trailer. I'm thinking of going to Santan, soon to see how much gear I can get there first since I'll be going by there soon. Thanks again.

[@aspitofmud6257]

Another great and informative video Bob. Personally I've purchased a all I one inverter paired with server rack batteries. There a lot less separate components and wires and everything is muçh more simple to hook up.

[@maehay4065]

Bob, it sounds like a lot of money but if it lasts as long as you need it then it’s an excellent way to have solar for your rig. I might go with a similar one myself when I move out to my brother’s off grid land. I am hoping I get plenty of internet so I can continue watching your channel and all the movies I like watch. Maybe with having people who like to eat I will enjoy making some of my favorite dishes that I know they will enjoy sharing our meals together. I believe taking the weight of living in my expensive home would help me live longer because the worrying will be a thing of the past. 👍

[@Birdzy100]

Thank you!!

[@jacklabloom635]

Looks like you put together a great solar system.

[@judyproctor5305]

Thank you!

[@Dave-qp8rq]

Nice video, very informative. I tell you what I invested in which I have never regretted, panel covers! We had a hail storm come through and it destroyed every panel in the region exposed to the weather. You can used soft padding, ply, ACM, netting suspended over the RV etc pretty much anything is better than nothing! You get caught out in hail and you'll never regret being prepared.

[@ronpeted]

Nice job.

[@ijzerkoekie]

Love it. I bought a panel and installed it on the roof before I left Boise last year and completed the setup in Quartzsite. I think it is worth mentioning that if you need help setting up a solar system and don't want to order the parts, there are several places to go in Quartzsite. Because my panel (400 watts) was a house panel, I needed a special controller that would bring it from the rated 24 volts down to 12 for the battery. With advice and parts from Solar Bill's (hope the plug is okay here), I was able to install it all myself, and like you, Bob, haven't had a problem with the system and have an endless supply of power even though my panel lies flat and barely pulls in a little over 200 watts in winter (in Quartzsite), hooked up to the 105 amp lithium (Lion), for my needs, it fills the battery back up by 11am or 12pm, usually sooner these days now that it is Spring. I run a laptop, propane furnace fan, ceiling fan and lights - as well as charging a cell phone, a second laptop and sometimes a miroir projector. The only problem I have had is that my new fridge does not work consistently and one night I woke up with all the power dead. Before the fridge started running wonky, I had no power problems - thankfully the battery has a protection program that shuts it off before it is drained to the point of being damaged. I have put the fridge on eco-mode and have had no problems since and have plenty of power to last on cloudy days. Getting solar was a huge game changer and I'll never go without. Besides that, I have a generator I haven't touched since the setup and didn't do half the job the solar setup does in providing consistent power. I hate to say it, the fridge is a joytutus, next time I'll go with one of those super expensive ones for reliability! But yeah, solar power is awesome.

[@marvindockery4377]

I have 800 watts on roof of truck camper, and six 6 volt lead acid golf cart batterys under the truck. You are right about needing lots of wattage. I have been bus and truck camping since 1984.

[@kevinandmarymoback4537]

Bob, One of the things I like about this channel is the honesty. If you get something as a gift or free then your upfront and say so. Thank you.

[@JulieinMichigan]

Thanks so much. After watching this video, I almost think I could do it myself! But if not, at least I'll have all the necessary equipment ready and will understand what is doing what.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@jessicawells3379]

Thank you for this video! I was wondering if you could possibly do a video on how to use the Henry 208 Wet Patch product you touched on in the video. We have a leak in our skoolie and have used other products that worked, but not for very long. We enjoy all of your videos so much and hope to go on the road soon.

[@qnslanman]

Henry's comes in silver and white also.

[@Noah-qt3rq]

It’s very important to have a State of Charge shunt. I recommend either the victron or Bogart TM-2030. They are easy to install and tell you the percent of battery energy you have left. Although you can totally drain a lithium battery, and it will just shut off, they will last longer if you go to 20-30% before empty.

[@donnamount151]

LOVE THAT SHIRT!!!!

[@CdnBiggles]

Good video & nice shirt.

[@petecoventry6858]

There are so many good ones - but you chose the best :) But also remember LifeP04 does not need float

[@GroovyVideo2]

i have been using Victron and LFP battery for 7 years has worked Flawless

[@stanmurray5991]

"Microwave!" Now I may have to consider solar for my minimal pickup camping.