How Much SOLAR Do You REALLY Need for VAN Life?

[@schmonsequences]

It's not difficult to add more solar later but a good rule is 2x as much solar as batteries, i.e. 200 watts of solar per 100 amp hours of batteries (useable). Roof mounted is great for setup and take down time, but means you'll always have to park in the sun. I recommend flexible panels (they're light and easy to store) and a 50 foot cable.

[@maw6456]

Thanks ❤

[@XCX237]

I had 5000 watts and all the bells and whistles and dumped it all. I now have 300 watts and it's more than enough. I run USB everything and get away with cheap truck batteries. 2 to be exact. It works all year round and I'm in Canada

[@laurentgontier-versailles8542]

Same here. Living in a northern area, with not that much sun, a 300 watt panel with a 100 A/h 12V battery is enough to be confortable. My fridge runs on LPG, my heating system, and water instant Heather too. All my lighting is LED. The less electricity, the less troubles...

[@cdnbuddy5798]

@xcx237 300watt invertor or solar panel. Im guessing 300watt invertor

[@sorchajones1788]

Hope you don’t mind me asking- do you run a diesel heater with that? I’m curious, because I’d like to work online from my van in the U.K. through the winter. Everyone is saying I won’t have enough battery to keep the heater running.

[@Les_Grossman]

Whoa - I want that! AC all day long 🌞

[@bobk18]

USB is the way to go. Also in Canada, out west and live full time in my classic 19 foot, 82 class C, 3500 GMC. For the summer I’m fine with my 120 watt panels, 100 amp hr. CanTire marine battery and a 300 watt Cobra power station (the CB people) and it works fine. Heat, fridge and hot water are all propane. Spend the winter in a heated quonset. . .

[@GroovyVideo2]

I had 360watts of solar on roof and 100ah LFP battery for 3 yrs - had to be careful and plan out power usage - then upgrades to 1200 watts solar and 300AH LFP - Larger system makes life Easies - less planing -

[@bruceallen6016]

Your 2 to 1 solar to battery ratio just made it so much easier to understand. Thanks Bob. I think I would enjoy sitting around a fire chewing the fat with you.

[@patricialongo5870]

I have two one hundred watt panels and two two hundred watt power stations, I can definitely fill a third one, and I should have a third. I😂grind coffee on alternating current, everything else is USB powered and very efficient.

[@j4m3s24]

Please make a video with everything else you need for solar, like amps, spitters or connect a battery to your alternator cause all I know is connect a panel to a power jack

[@ritamachia3354]

Yes please. I was hoping for a more inclusive cost for the two 100 w panels and the one battery for example.

[@davidgreen9957]

This is good advise from Bob. I would add, that if you are east of the Mississippi you should plan to have enough battery to last 3 days and as much solar as you can carry. You may need to supplement your solar with a Generator in the winter, but this has worked for me. My Ambulance has 7.5 Kw h of battery and 1200 Watts of Solar, but I'm a heavy electrical user, 43" TV, College size Frig on AC and a PC running all the time. You can pre-plan all you want, but real world usage is very dependent on what appliances you use and how you use them.

[@camrodger8638]

Bob, your videos are always so down to earth and common sense. Thank you for all the time and effort that you take to make these videos for us. ❤️

[@danoc51]

This is Bob's best solar presentation yet.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Atop my minivan are two 100 watt solar panels keeping my EcoFlow Delta 2 (1000Wh capacity) topped up. I travel up and down mostly sunny California. With affordable DC-DC chargers solar is enhanced.

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

Excellent advice. There is no many confusing factors, but you boiled it down to good recommendations.

[@cetifoxproductions]

The thing I learned early on was start with what you can afford and fit, but install with expandability in mind. I went with a deluxe 200w system from Renogy (lower learning curve), but I did have to start with a gel hybrid battery. Eventually I could afford replacing that with a 200ah LiFePo battery. That dance between how much solar generation vs battery can be challenging, especially when whether sunlight consistency is challenging. So, as you suggested, we're now on a 400w and 200ah lithium system. We have a 6x10 cargo trailer so that is the max 100w panels we can fit. If we needed to upgrade, we'd have to go with larger panels. Your explanation of the key factors was spot on. The rest of is it getting smart about when you use power--use higher consumption during optimal sun so that your panels are able to keep your battery charged. At night you know your fridge is still going to be running, and you'll be running lights. If your nights are still warm (we live in SW Texas, so nights are still hot here even in mid-October), then you'll be running your fan as well. So far, our 400w/200ah system is handling everything great. The only mistake we made was getting an underpowered Inverter. At only 1000w, it is NOT enough to handle even a 750w microwave because just to startup/cycle uses MORE than 1000w. Also, other minimal use appliances like hairdryers are hard to find below 1000w (we did find one). Since we're in a converted cargo trailer, it's not practical (though not impossible) to have our battery alternately charge from our tow vehicle. We have a small 1000w inverter generator that we can supplement either shore power or recharge our batter as needed. Bottom line: Your recommendations are solid. Buy what you can afford, but consider how you can expand your system. Upgrade as you go--as you use your system you'll discover what you can do without and what you can't.

[@chatgris6301]

Cody gets beamed up by aliens at 10:53. Alien abduction caught on camera.

[@winsome6705]

"Buy all u can afford"❤

[@MightyMoneyMatters]

Hey Bob! Always a thumbs up for your videos!!

[@rayward100]

Great Information!! Please make video on portable vs mounted solar panels, Pros>Cons,

[@makingendsmeet551]

If you can put in a dual mppt/alternator charge controller it can really be a game changer when running minimal solar especially at night and cloudy days.

[@daledeimel1833]

Please keep giving us all of this information Bob. Thank you for what you do.

[@TomandLoriRVLife]

Bob, we had 350 watts of solar on top and 4 lead acid batteries for 7 years! Same batteries! Finally pulled the trigger and went lithium (4-100amp) and upgraded solar to 1150 on top with a portable 400 watt panel Dec 2023. (1550 total now) We are LOVING life now with all this power and extra battery storage for us! Love your vids!

[@angelocardoc]

Can your setup power your RV air conditioner and occasional 120V appliances? I'm contemplating getting a gas generator to power my AC unit and 120V appliances.

[@andrewmeitner4818]

Bob, I love seeing Cody in the background. Makes me happy.

[@danoc51]

I was going to say the same thing. Cody seems to take the same walk behind Bob during the presentations. Very cute and it lets us know he is OK.

[@auntlynnonline6206]

Thanks for this video, Bob. I'm getting ready to convert an ambulance for myself and I've never done a solar system setup before. I tend to lean toward redundancy and overkill, so I have been questioning my own judgment. 😂 I really appreciate all of your great information.

[@SuzyQ-r4q]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@Tbar5691]

Thanks again Bob. I have purchased a 40 YO 22' Class A. After shopping for a van in my area, Pierce Co WA, this motorhome became available in my area for 2K. I am going to strip out much of the old infrastructure and replace most of the wiring. This will take time but will hopefully allow me to get free by next summer. I'm on SS and predict that I will be investing in this rig for several years. Hope to meet you at this years RTR.

[@ReflectedMiles]

I first put two Arco SM55 solar panels on my full-time RV around 1991. Over 30 years later, I have about 15 times the capacity of that first set. Just about anyone can learn how independent alternative-energy systems work and how to manage them, but there's nothing like experience. Just don't give up reading and watching the top sources like DIY Solar Power Forum and working with whatever you can put together. It is far easier and cheaper to do now than it was back in the day.

[@laurie2715]

I’m just beginning to look into solar and this was very helpful , thank you !

[@Pomiferous]

Same here!

[@go0ot]

We 💖 Bob

[@OWK000]

The cheapest entry level use is having a small enough panel to be portable fit in your windshield. One or two 12 volt of 50 watts or some of the new 100 watts are pretty small. Then you can use your car battery as an anchor when you are parked and just charge your lithium devices and backup batteries off the solar rigged to that. Only during daylight! Don't run down you starter battery! This also has the advantage of keeping your lead acid starter battery conditioned and you can always charge it up with a solar panel with clamps and a cheap pwm charge controller. You may need one of those new high volt usb c charging outlets they make for 12 volt to charge devices. You can run a 12 volt panel direct to one of those high volt usb C charging outlet designed for 12 volt, by passing the anchoring car lead acid, and charge directly through that, like to a car jumper battery that has two way usb c outlets (important feature to look for). Might take some rigging. I wouldn't charge direct to Apple products from that rig, however, just to the starter battery pack or other battery packs. The usb c port becomes part of the charge controller, so you don't need the pwm. It is also dangerous to jump to or from running modern vehicles these day with all their computers and fragile electronics, so a jumper pack is kind of a necessity these days and can also be used as a device and phone back up battery

[@araina5896]

That's Bob, I really needed this video 😅

[@Amber-xe5ti]

i wish he'd show us how to fit it too.

[@Numberzerosix]

I converted my hiace van into a campervan and use it for camping/glamping. I put a 200AH battery in it, with two 160W solar panels on the roof. They generate a bit over 20A during the middle of a sunny day, so they take about 10 hours of midday sun to fully charge the battery, but the DC-DC charger can also pull 40A from the alternator when driving. This system is enough to power the ceiling fan all day and night, recharge all electronics, use a toaster for breakfast, run a 12v TV and 240V gaming console for hours a day, a 12v fridge, etc. but not enough to sustain if I use an induction cooker for dinner, in which case it is fine for a weekend, but not permanent living if using the induction cooker. Not really a big deal because gas stoves and gas is so cheap, it was more to be able to cook in the van without gassing myself with CO and benzene. I spent about AU$1800 (US$1200) for the battery, solar, dc-dc charger and 3k inverter. I think a bit more solar (like 400W instead of 320W) would be great, but there isn't really the space on the roof anyway.

[@sarasmile184]

I intend to camp not live in my minivan. Don't think I need solar. Do want a battery/power bank that can handle say... 3 days to a week of a 12v frig and my phone and maybe a USB fan and light. Guess I need to find the video about batteries not solar.

[@-WalkWithMe2025]

very good info presented in a simple way - thank you

[@bigjoe4020]

I have just come back from a 63 day trip doing the BIG LOOP (around the entire coast of Australia) and I had a 200W solar which I used twice, so utterly useless on this trip. The biggest issue was that I could not mount it on the roof of the vehicle so it could only be used when i stopped for the day. Since I was pretty much on the move all day, almost every day I was only able to use it after 4-5pm. The sun set around 6-7 so that gave me about 2 hours of the day when the sun is the weakest. The actual input I was able to achieve with that 200W panel was between 20-70W. The issue was that the sun is setting fast after 4pm and trees and other obstacles get in the way and reduce the input even more. So you almost have to sit there and watch the buggers for 2 hours, which I found super inconvenient. Turned out that the hassle of setting it up, coupled with the minimal input and the inconvenience of constantly having to shift the panels made me not use them at all towards the end. The lesson here is if you move a lot and can't mount it on the vehicle it might not be worth getting it at all and you're better off with a generator.

[@greeneyedggirl]

You could have just mounted the solar panels it would have worked all the time without issue.

[@rodneyreno5109]

Have you tried portable windmills.?

[@SuperBlobsterMan]

I have 600watts on the roof and I can put out 400watts folding panels on the ground, using 2 solar chargers. I can also charge from the alternator using 40A DC/DC but rarely need to. 400AH battery.

[@MamaBearTravel]

As always, Bob, thank you so much for all your information. It really helps!!!

[@cotter9751]

Really appreciated this! Yes, solar can be overwhelming. But you make it look like something manageable to learn, and figure out for my needs. Thanks!

[@TheMaximumMinimalist]

I've learned after 2 years on the road and constant upgrades, if you want to work out of your van full time laptop use with an additional monitor and a fridge...you'll need (1) 100 ah lithium, 30amp solar charger, 400 watts of rigid panels. Even with that, u may still need a generator for those cloudy weeks.

[@simonwinwood]

❤ love this channel

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Awesome as Always, Brother Bob!!!

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Bob I really enjoys your channel and I'm not even a nomad or own an RV but I learn so much here.

[@Vinni-STM]

Thank you Bob for always sharing useful information. 💫 It's a fact - The more you know - The more you function!💯

[@amiralions2681]

I was a little concerned when Cody disappeared behind a shrub around the 8 minute mark, then I remembered the video is edited so he's just fine🤗

[@OhHapppyDaay]

I have a 200-watt solar panel on the roof of my SUV, connected to my Jackery Explorer 1000 (constantly), and I have a Bluetti 180P that I take into coffee shops, church, or AA meetings when the battery gets low because it only takes one hour to fully charge. I got my 200-watt Renogy solar panel for $229.00, and the Bluetti was $599.00 during Amazon Prime days. I already had the Jackery. Previously, I had the Harbor Freight 100-watt solar panel connected to the Jackery, and as good as it actually was, it was not enough to keep the Jackery fully powered. I have a fridge and fan constantly going and I make at least 2 pots of coffee every day and I cook with a rice cooker. But not daily because I love peanut butter sandwiches 😋 Thanks Bob 🎉

[@poodledaddles1091]

Thanks for the specifics!

[@symcardnel1741]

Charging your stuff in a AA meeting. Two pots of coffee daily. Bill W is smiling in heaven.

[@michaelhorner6804]

🥪🏆🤣

[@winsome6705]

Me too I'll be showing up to na and aa w my bluetti! 😂❤

[@tardeliesmagic]

I'm form the UK & i would upgrade the solar panel on the roof to 300w 2x150w solar panel if i had an RV/campervan here, also i would like yourself have 2x Jackeries or Bluetti etc with one running lights maybe 2 light bulbs ie Standing camp lamps (Not from the RV itself as it saves the battery) and use the kettle & rice cooker/airfryer....other one to use for a small heater for a few hours (Not aircon), a 24"tv to watch for maybe 3hrs & to charge my phone/laptop just the once per day....those 2x portable power stations i would have a 150w solar panel in the window of my RV/campervan during the day,nite time i'd put them away. Does that make sense? I''ve been watching a lot ot videos & that would be me one day on a weekend trip or a 1 week trip.

[@followyourbliss101]

in the next 12-24 months you will have a much better option than solar and batteries. size it for the weather? you need as much as you can do if you are doing south / summer because AC needs a lot of juice

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Good info as always, thanks. I am building a system in my van with one of the 460 amp hour batteries and 585 in solar.

[@bparker8195]

Good solid information Bob. Thank you

[@tonyru303]

Amazon 100AH Lithium battery with a BMS for $129

[@tardeliesmagic]

I'm form the UK & i would upgrade my RV/camper van roof solar panel on the roof to 300w 2x150w, just for the fridge itself & heated shower x3 weekly. I'd def get 2x 100A batteries & those ECO-WORTHY cost £220 each (100A) Plus would have 2x Jackeries or Bluetti etc with one running lights maybe 2 light bulbs ie Standing camp lamps (Not from the RV itself as it saves the battery) and use the kettle 2x a day & rice cooker/airfryer 1x a day & a spare small heater for a good few hours. (Not aircon) Other powerstation be for a 24"tv to watch for maybe 4hrs & to charge my phone/laptop just the once per day....those 2x portable power stations i would have a 150w solar panel in the window of my RV/campervan during the day,nite time i'd put them away of course. Does that make sense? I''ve been watching a lot ot videos & that would be me one day if i wanted to but an RV.

[@AhJodie]

Perfect, thank you!

[@tinkering123]

Great info Bob. I keep tinkering with all the 12-volt accessories. And USB has many more. The more you know the further you'll go.

[@donwilliams6879]

What about charge controller size? I have 600 watts of folding solar panels and a 60 watt charge controller. I had a 30 watt controller with 300 watts of solar but when I added the second panel I saw a video saying that I should have a minimum of 60 watts in the controller. I hope that's correct because I hate to think that I spent money that I didn't have too. Great videos Bob. Hope to see you at the 2025 RTR. Safe travels to all!

[@JG-kv4oi]

600 watts ÷ 12volts = 50 amps. Go with at least a 60 amp charge controller or two 30 amp controllers. I have 800 watts ÷ 12volts = 66.67 amps running through four Renogy 30 amp charge controllers on my Promaster hightop.

[@donwilliams6879]

Thank you. I feel much better that I know that I'm covered.

[@JG-kv4oi]

@@donwilliams6879 Run each 300 watt panel thru a separate 30 watt charge controller and tie the output of the two charge controllers together in parallel connecting to your batteries. I'd have a master on/off switch between the input to each charge controller so you can shut the power from the panels off to the charge controller in case you need to disconnect the batteries for some reason. This will save you from blowing the charge controller

[@campfiresanddirtytires2307]

This is a very important video..ty for sharing this with all of us. This explains really good what people need to know before they spend their money on..ty very much..hello from Hillsdale Michigan

[@andrewr05]

I would argue the opposite of having too much battery. As Long as your solar charge controller can handle what you are putting into it, it's better to have too much solar. Because on inclement/overcast days your solar panels can only produce so much. The excess power will admittedly be wasted on a normal sunny day, BUT when you over panel your system you will get more power in on those days where you really need it. If your two 300 watt panels (that produce about 550W combined on a good sunny day) might barely eek out 200W total on a crappy day. But if you over panel and have three 300 panels then (due to your charge controllers amperage limit) on a "normal" sunny day you will likely still only get about 550-575W. BUT those three panels on an overcast day might make about 300W total. Those bad weather days really make the difference and getting as many watts in on those inclement days are always more important than the full sun days.

[@quantumquestions5849]

Always so informative thank you.

[@GodorWhatever]

I had 30-100 watts for years with a Walmart battery and inverter. For phones and even an efficient fridge, 100 watts and harbor freight will do you south of Canadia. Ideally I'd go with 200 watts and a Costco deep cycle unless you're cooking with electric. Something important mentioned here was charge your battery from the alternator. Once I did this the solar became much less important. Y'all's be FREE!

[@GodorWhatever]

PS. REGIGGERED NEW FAV WORD ITS ACTUALLY AN OFFICIAL WORD!

[@KatZiser-ze2dr]

New to the channel. Love it.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

1620W on top my standard length Chevy Express 2500, 400Ah 24V LFP. Powers my 9000 BTU 22 seer mini split heat pump and Iceco 24V 75Q refrigerator/freezer just fine.

[@olbluetundra881]

Everyone has a different situation. It's best to buy as much as you can afford and build your system over time. I always try to run higher voltage though with solar. My main setup is a 48v system. I do keep a 12v 2500 pswi in case of emergency. I can connect it to my car if nothing else. I installed a 350 alternator in my car that puts out 149 amps at idle. It's a small car. I've idled it for 2 days once during a really cold spell. No issues at all running a1k watt electric heater, a couple lights, and tv. Mind you I'm not in the car. The alt and inverter was cheaper than the generator I looked at. And the car was just sitting around not doing much of nothing.

[@ajf5823]

So many teardrop manufacturers offer a battery with a 100w panel and think that will power a fridge and other accessories. It’s why l chose to build my own system

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

Bob: I'm so greatful I was a solar hobbiest, before I had to live in a van. All ready had all I needed, to (DIY) built it out. That's good advice for new folks, Thanks, and... 👍 Rock on 🙂.

[@tonydavis3769]

Do you think an Anker SOLIX X1 could be a viable option if have the space in rig? Any input from anyone would be appreciated as I know this is for home application, but I just think that this option could be a game changer when it comes to having enough battery and capacity to pretty much run anything for days. Also, what would be needed outside of space as far as wiring and any other needs to make this efficient. Thanks in advance for any advice!

[@Slotzzzz]

Hi.. solar panels I can tilt on the roof of my van to face the Sun more adequately? Maybe a sun sensor that moves the panels for me? Maybe I should get a van first, dang🤔

[@dogmom6010]

On this theme solar or wind or generator it's all power. The battery is the most portable quiet energy. What is the rule of thumb for 100 watts means how big of a battery do I need or 250 watts or 400 watts equal what size of battery or batteries.

[@valeriefrench9405]

You also have to see how much your device Bluetti, jackery,if your useing that type is compatible with.

[@LeanneCraig-y2h]

bob good video and yes too many people underestimate the weather and i deformably agree with you about having more battery storage worst case you can always start your vehicle or go for a drive you deformably cant rely on the weather

[@lifeoflucretia]

I HAVE to remain near my docs in Eugene Or this winter. LOTS of rain/clouds. QUESTION: IYO...How well can solar possibly work in these conditions! LUCRETIA ❤

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

I have 500W mounted to my suburban and I have room for 2-3 hundred more plus I carry up to 1200W worth of folding panels under my mattress. I have a 400AH battery and up to 6192WH wortth of Ecoflow devices. I also have a 4000W generator. Dont let your vehicle be the excuse you go without power. You can fit much more than you might think

[@davidrhp847]

Solar is great, but if you move around every other day look into dc to dc charger + small solar system to give you back up.

[@larryhunter8245]

Would also add that backup charging methods are well worth it. A dc to dc charger is great investment that produces power when the vehicle is running. I also have a Smart battery charger. For longer trips especially in the winter I add my small inverter generator.

[@chatamartinez88]

Hi! Thank you for all the solar information! Has helped me immensely but i have a different question for you! After all this time do you still recommend joolca camping hot water heater? I'm one step into going off grid with my family of 5 but with 2 tenage girls a showr is a must for us! If not is there another hot water system you would recommend? Thanks!

[@donmontalvo1]

Glad I found this channel. I retired yesterday and bought a camping trailer today. My jeep has a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery and it charges while driving, and I have a folding 130w solar charger that i never had to use before. My new trailer has solar strips and battery though wont know until next week what the specs are.

[@realmicrobet]

Since you run out of space before you can deal with the very worst weather anyway, if you are full time, you need a backup - either a generator or charging while driving or plug in somewhere (if you can afford that). So the equation really becomes how often do you use back-up charging vs how much solar and batteries. My sorta just feeling is that sizing solar and batteries for average days or something like that in the winter is probably good. I'd still fill the roof up though if you aren't using the space. Solar panels have become so affordable.

[@Oraclestarsong]

Eco flow has a plug and play drive charge for its battery that can also reverse charge😊

[@andueskitzoidneversolo2823]

I think a big part of it is choosing your load to be as efficient as possible. usb C can deliever up to 200w of power DC power. thats amazing because it avoids the conversion losses having to convert to AC. 200w is so much power. my fridge only takes 40w. with the right negotiation of the protocol, i could run my fridge off of usb C. also keeping my fans and computer all powered by usb C is also very helpful.

[@MannyWC]

2:1 ratio - ex: 500AH of battery, 1000w of solar. Full time off grid and working full time. I am never stressed now for power.

[@ZiggZagg11]

I have 4 Battle Born 100ah batteries and I often charge them with my portable 200 solar panel... I only use it to power my 12volt refrigerator... How much you need is only dependent on how much you use...

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

400Ah and 1620W on my Chevy Express 2500.

[@garys6898]

Ugh 4k on 4 batteries...i 28kw for 4k​@ZiggZagg11

[@MannyWC]

@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity perfect!

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

Great advice Bob! BTW blue is your best color 🤗🩷🚐

[@poweroflove993]

I plan 600 watts solar. Two lithium 100 watts each. Mostly in a California.

[@Numberzerosix]

That's probably a bit too much solar. The general rule is twice the Watts of solar as the Amp Hours of the batteries. You could go a little higher, like 500W for 200Ah but 600W would probably be a waste. Either that or get 300Ah of batteries. You'd probably be fine with 200Ah and 400W if you aren't using air conditioning for cooling (use a 12V electric throw for heat) or an Induction stovetop. If using an Induction stovetop I'd go the 600W 300Ah option, and if using air conditioning you'd need like at least 1000W and 500Ah.

[@ramontoro]

Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends

[@KA9DSL]

$2 per watt is not a bargain. Some less than $1 a watt. 1/2 kilowatt is the minimum requirement for all applications, including at least 300@ hr batteries.

[@markeh1971]

Hi. looking into a van in the UK, 60A dc to Dc solar on roof and a 300ah 12v battery bank. That was until I found the 200ah b12V battery and fell in love. A little bigger but twice the capacity. Solar - Will be fitting as much as I can House panels sized to fit on the roof. When its flat or not sunny, I live in the UK! charge at an EV post or Engine by DC to DC or 240V Generator using the DC to DC and a server rack power supply and 30A Victron charger. Take care M..

[@jjjohny_a5965]

depends on your needs and the type of rv/van you have there no answer

[@dzeyo651]

well money can limit anything .. a single large panel, small inverter and deep cycle batt can keep your personal electronics going and can emergency jump your vehical, run low power led lighting etc ... if you want 'real' capacity though that can run fridges, tvs and pumps overnight, run a microwave heat water etc and basically be used in place of a generator or shore power, then the more the better - think ~10 large panels, a couple of 3000w+ pure sine inverters for redundancy if one goes out, and~8+ large hi-cap batts .. if you got money and space to set up a large system, its really cool, if not, put money towards a larger quiet generator, much more cost effective .. but again, a smaller solar system wont do much .. a panel or two, blah blah wont run much of anything that needs real power - led lighting, charge personal electronics, maybe run an rv pump sparingly

[@davestennes305]

Eco-worthy has a 150ah for $300.

[@ronpeted]

Good info.

[@Alaric-u9i]

Good video 👍

[@Teakela]

What would you need to run a small fridge and tent air conditioner. The smallest low watt fridge. Something like a personal air conditioner to cool down in Texas heat inside a Toyota Yaris.

[@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield]

I travel full-time on my motorcycle with a tent and keep my phone, Osmo Action 4, and Nitecore Tube (Clear) 45 Lumen USB Rechargeable LED Keychain Flashlight, charged off my motorcycle battery, mostly when I'm riding. Twice over the last three years, in a campground with no electricity, I drained my battery so much the bike wouldn't start. The second time was a week ago camping on the Natchez Trace. Normally I would say twice over 3 years isn't enough to buy a new device that takes up space, especially since all I had to do was be smart enough to start the bike to keep the battery up. But I'm a guy and like gadgets. Listening to your sizing factors, solar panel has to fit in my saddlebags, and can't be heavy. I just found and ordered, Battery Tender 5 Watt Solar Panel 12V Battery Charger with Charge Controller for $60 and it's 6.69"L x 6.18"W x 0.6"H. It's still en route so don't know how it works yet, but Battery Tender is a good brand name. Great video. Thank you!

[@AbnRgrDocDad]

Thank you!

[@JohnJones-fk6ti]

Always good solid advice,many thanks bob.

[@leonrawls892]

Harbor Freight 100 watt panels for around 115 bucks

[@ujlj9602]

In my dodge sprinter van I have 400 watts of solar on my roof and 300ah lithium powering my water pump, lights, fridge and 12v ac floor unit. I'm using ecoflow delta powering my coffee pot and air fyer with a ecoflow alternator charger keeping it charged.

[@rdpackett]

Small gas generator can charge everything up in a short time period during bad weather. Then you can also use this for AC.

[@patdavis8018]

Thank you

[@montanadan2524]

How much solar if any depends on how you live and your setup. In the summer we travel in a used camper van and have zero solar and a $120.00 100 amp hour lead acid Walmart battery as our house bank. We run our three way frig on alternator dc while the engine is running (traveling) and switch to propane while dry camping. That one battery takes care of ventelation, lighting, heating fan and all other eletronics for a couple days as we move frequently. Agreed it would be a different situation if we were stationary for more than a few days. During the winters, we live on a boat without shore power. We have a high output alternator but we rarely run the engine and mostly rely on 400 watts of ridged panels and 200 watts of mostly worthless flexible pannels (they seem to only last a few months). The boat has 400 amp hours of AGM batteries which powers a 12 vdc frig, a stand alone cooler sized freezer and all other eletrical loads on the boat. Im an eletrical engineer and believe in the KISS approach so no inverter or Lithium batteries. We do have a small westinghouse generator for topping off if we have several days of overcast. Every circumstance is different so there is no standa4d approach.

[@1kzrider]

The energy audit as you mentioned is great. But, there is so many factors when it comes to solar that come in play. Hardware does matter as well. I had cheap china MPPT controllers and heck even PWM when I got started. Using Lead acid gulf cart 6v batts and later AGM and well it all pretty much sucked. I never had the power and batts always going bad. I have since moved up to LifePo4 batts and Victron Charge controllers. Night and day. I have the same panels making much more power and batts off the victron controllers are topped faster and allow much deeper discharge. I have one setup 50watt panel 30amp EcoWorthy batt and victron MPPT controller on it. And that runs USB fan all 24hrs a day. USB lights and a 5 port usb fast charger off it. This one little setup ROCKS for what it is now. I have much bigger setups just wanted to say what right equipment really does as well.

[@hjackson7563]

Excellent information! Can you talk a bit more about matching panels to batteries? Wat sizes do panels come in? Is there a point where bigger isn't better?

[@krishay1]

Thank you. This was helpful. ❤

[@solarforfuture]

get a top off when the engine runs too.. great advice. thanks

[@rsereday]

Hi Bob, since your on the subject, I have 3 x 190 watts of solar or 570 watts total and I have 6 x 100 amp or 600 amps of liFePO4 batteries. This is in a class C. Main things I use is 12 volt LED lighting and off of my 2,000 watt inverter, I do a couple of TVs and a microwave and a portable AC and or fans at times. I don't really do much boondocking but would like to think I could run what I need for a few days if not indefinitely. I could and might some day add a fourth 190 solar panel or not. What do you think about my current setup. I normally do shore power at camp grounds.

[@maryvalent961]

Thanks!

[@8notoriusinquisitorius87]

Thank you Bob!!

[@SalmonKing52]

I’d love to do 1000watts on my roof. But unless I put them on some sort of truss system to lift them over the top of the vents and sunroof bubble. Wife says that’s not gonna happen so I think about 800 will be my absolute top. That should keep my 2 280ah LiPo4 batteries charged.

[@lizbnson]

Is it better to buy lithium batteries or a large delta eco flow portable battery bank

[@utsandstone]

Well, with 100 amp hour lithium battery you need to have also a 2000 watt generator and a 55 amp converter charger( charger draws about 11 amps) to charge it up in 1 hour after 50 amps is being used during that cloudy day. (example)

[@kuladeeluxe]

Seems to me a small Yamaha generator or similar can make your battery system able to deal with anything when the weather turns

[@tinkering123]

You're right..generators are a good solution. Just be aware of the downside.