SKOOLIE SOLAR: Is More Really Better?

[@Barnburner86]

Your common sense and logical, real life experience explanations are much needed in this world!

[@thetruthserum2816]

I'm going with 8 x 400 watt panels into a 48V system with the assumptions of less than optimal angles will be involved. Trying to make it boondock silent compatible. 800 Amp hours of LiFePO4 with balance disconnect float switches on each... but, I have a ton of work to do on the bus until that happens, so may just drop the panels on the house for now....

[@RadionA-d1j]

Chuck is the bob ross of bus builds

[@GeraldDunlap-k2s]

I have watched many of your videos.. and you are definitely one of the best.period.. just wanted to say thank you..

[@RollingLiving]

This is so true and it's great that you shared this. There's definitely a point of diminishing returns and systems should normally be designed to cover 90% of the planned usage. It's economically wise to have a back-up plan for those 10% instances. The applies whether it's a bus or a village or island. This sage (and practical) advice will help lots of folks, Chuck.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Well said!

[@Shawn-ul6vp]

I’ve replaced the pull chord assembly on that exact generator 4 times. Just saying and champion is/was moving so it’s been a real JOY!

[@osochistoso]

Mine too..

[@HowToSurviveLife.]

Everytime I am about to loose my mind on something (or on people). You manage to make a video on it! Saving lives over here!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahaha glad to help

[@1anita1m]

Awesome info. We have both and no regrets. Thank you! ❤ oh and Bless you! 😊

[@johnnylightning1491]

I've never been to a skoolie fair per se, but I did get to Vanfest in Melbourne FL this year. Met some Internet friends in real life for the first time and met some really cool folks I didn't know from the Internet. I must say that community was where it's at. If I had my druthers (what the heck are druthers anyway) I'd be going to skoolie and van fests a lot more. Unfortunately my wife doesn't really care for crowds. Keep the good stuff coming Chuck.

[@halleluYAH144]

Thanks for wording my thoughts well on this topic Chuck. I can see clearly now the rain is gone!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You are very welcome

[@LivingLegitness]

We bought a coach bus to convert. I figure the 6000w alternator built in should be good enough for emergency situations. Not as efficient, but if we happen to need it more often than I’m imagining, I can get a generator later. :)

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Many excellent counter arguments amigo. We may have to setup a spot for a small generator to take with us.

[@calebsonntag3272]

Hi Chuck, loving your videos! Thanks for the link to your favorite batteries! May I ask, when I follow that link, which specific ones do you recommend? Thanks

[@Southamericanparadise]

Srne hybrid inverters allow you to use both as well

[@andypieprzyk5752]

love hearing someone talk about server racks!! do a review bro!!!

[@arthurperrea3714]

Good information what generator do you recommend

[@Zoey_Willowisp]

We plan to keep a generator regardless of how much solar/battery capacity we wind up going with. It just really speaks to that part of me that hates being caught with her metaphorical pants down!

[@LarryWebb-gv8dz]

and the weather only gets super hot out ( needing air conditioning ) a few weeks out of the year at the most. So when you need Xtra power to run a air conditioner just fire up the generator.

[@timinsandiego6979]

Gotta say, I absolutely love your channel. I know that my daughter will buy and renovate a skoolie.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is awesome!

[@timklassen421]

Champion generator just wont go the distance Honda generator goes for years in my experience anyway I use a Honda generator 5 days a week and it has to be reliable thanks for the video Chuck .

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Love hondas, triple the cost and no propane option is a bummer

[@rodfreess6019]

champion $800, honda 2200i $1,200, it would take a lot more than $400 to keep me from getting the honda. Where are you going to get propane? every place I've seen is many times the cost of pump gas, unless you liquid fill from your own tank at home.

[@zachpangos7159]

Your videos are amazing and have really helped me out. I hope to some day soon swing my your shop and show you my odd build lol You forgot to mention the Dual Fuel importance. Not having to lug around gas cans and efficiency of using the propane side of the generator are also very helpful!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Any time!

[@kevintakalo427]

the gas only model is on sale for 500$ right now. thats actually a pretty good price. Im fine with gas only.

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video! What's the sneeze sound for?😂😂

[@ChadFos1]

I like it 😂 makes me laugh. I guess if he changed it to a fart that would be funny too.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

To get people to ask what it’s for lol

[@sportbikeguy9875]

I cant fit about 5kw of solar on a 37 foot bus... I live in canada, and the sun is never straight up... Will be adding some actuators and the whole solar setup will tilt to 30 degrees when im parked. Should tripple my winter time solar output. Going for an EG4 6000 watt inverter/charge controller and EG4 14.3kwh battery bank. Should be pretty set on power! I will be living in full time though and working on a computer, need starlink, etc...

[@kylethecreator]

Great work chuck! And great work from the new editor!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Much appreciated!

[@marlonoreilly]

Good advice. I have a couple of 455W panels, 2 - 200AH batteries and just bought a 4000W generator from costco. I will probably still add 2 more batteries but it was nice to see you saying this. I was going to take the generator back and grab a 12,000W generator but I probably won't need one.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Good stuff, smaller the better in genies

[@marlonoreilly]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Really? How so??

[@rodfreess6019]

@@marlonoreilly Unless you're running a lot of air conditioning, or electric hot water with a lot of use, a 4kw generator will usually be running under 2kw, which is fine for a small cheap gas generator. you don't want a 12KW running at 1,200w, terrible efficiency especially if not an inverter type, and it's not good for the generator either. If you get up into a heavier duty like an RV diesel, or a honda, then you probably want it to run more like 75% load a good part of the time, and that's a lot of power. That's the beauty of the small inverter generators, they slow down for low loads, but can ramp up to use the full rating. Now if they only made a water cooled diesel inverter generator that had solar DC input and battery connection, avoid a half dozen large boxes for a "simple" system.

[@bgtyhnmju7]

And you can rescue a buddy with a generator, or go do some work somewhere with no shore power, or all sorts of great stuff. Options are good.

[@NOLAHusker]

Thanks, Chuck! Is there a whisper-quiet 2500W diesel inverter generator you know of available in the US? I can only find them in AUS.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Not that I know of

[@BuckJones1909]

Very helpful and practical! Thank you!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@opossumgrylls3275]

Ecoflow offers multiple sources of power. It is pricey but is plug and play. It is where i am leaning because victron is overwhelming. Ecoflow will allow solar, alternator, generator and iirc shore too. Infact a major bonus is if you use their generator, it will kick on auromatically when the batteries get too low. All this convenience is VERY expensive. But for a newb the peace of mind that i wonr burn to death in my sleep is invaluable

[@quasignostic]

Hey, chuck! What do you think about modifying your air brakes to be able to attach pneumatic tools? Is that possible? Is that a good idea? How would you go about it?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You can and I’ve done it many times, it’s easy. Just replace the drain plug or valve with a tee and an air fitting!

[@mariemedina257]

Can you or should not buy a generator for inside your home..?

[@arsonsb]

I was wondering if you had a recommendation for a diesel generator that can just hook up to the existing tanks with and inverter as well.......... Thanks

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I dont! Most diesel generators are too big and expensive for what we need on thses systems

[@arsonsb]

thanks for responding @@ChuckCassadyYT

[@arsonsb]

Would you recommend this over the propane version of generator ?…. I’m trying not to have to carry gas. My bus is diesel and we have 40gallons of propane…. Any info would be helpful. Thankyou

[@SmartBusN]

Good video but if you haven't heard of eg4 yet they have pretty cool systems for beginners and two times cheaper then victron. Also the system is 48v meaning u can put less stress on your ac system if running 110v. You do have to buy a step down unit for 12v part of the bus but u save in the cost of the mppt charge controller built into the inverter also you can charge yoi 48v batteries at a higher amp rating faster. But thank you for you vids just watched u on gutted loved it. I learn alot from you always so take a look at eg4 3kw all in one save some monies this year!!!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for watching! I’m well aware of those systems, not the right fit for this install but definitely a way to do it

[@blackbirdskooliesandtinyho3744]

Nailed it!

[@UKCG_2]

Thanks Chuck. I’d also appreciate a discussion of how best to power certain loads and how much power they consume. For example, heat. You’ve covered diesel heaters, but I have no idea how much power they draw (I.e., for the pump & fan). Or is a mini split a better choice, since it can also cool? And if so, how much power does it draw. Next might be heating water (i.e., for showers & the sink). I’d guess that a propane powered instant hot water heater might be best, but I don’t know how much they draw. LED lights are all the rage, but is 12V always the best choice for power. You get it. Thanks again.

[@WTFwuzdat]

For reference, I have a Chinese diesel heater, 5kw model, and it only uses .33 amps per hour on max heat/level 6 (which would be insanely hot even for a full sized bus). You can find the specs for specific appliances online, usually fairly easy.

[@fedor7695]

​@@WTFwuzdatmax heat is very convenient when airstream is +- evenly distributed along the whole rig. Most diesel heaters are treated like a backup, having just one hole to blast a lot of heat which isn't really efficient and comfy

[@VintageVehicleAdventures]

You are also not taking into consideration of where people are spending their time parked ? 90% of the time I’m in a well treed forest for shade. I’m also in Canadian mountains so for 4 months out of the year we are also snow/cloud. You could also take that farther with people that are on the northwest coast that see lots of rain and cloud. I get solar is great if you are in the desert or southern usa where there is lots of sun and cactus for trees but where I live and go it’s only going to charge when I’m driving on the highway where there’s no trees and sun is out. Honda generator/alternator from engine running or plug in to charge is the way we go and it usually lasts us 4-5 days without any charging.

[@LarryWebb-gv8dz]

Plus the new lithium battery s charge fast and so you only have to run the generator about a hour a day

[@Swerly01]

I wish there was an inexpensive small diesel generator out there to use so we don't have to use alternative fuels.

[@kevinwittenauer6892]

Any way to go with an alternator for the battery recharge?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

absolutely

[@ChadFos1]

Great video bro.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

So do you think a more expensive solar generator could solely power my shuttle bus? EcoFlow DELTA Pro, Bluetti, Anker?

[@Mike.T402]

I feel comfortable with everything about my build besides for solar. Is there a way I can contact/pay you to give me a list of everything I’ll need based off what I’m going to have in my bus??

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

there are links in the video description to contact me

[@Mike.T402]

@@ChuckCassadyYT greatly appreciate your reply. I’ll get a list wrote down on my next day off and then contact you.

[@NeilSisson]

Chuck how doable is putting a gennie like that in a soundproofed box under the van and wiring it up so it can be switched on/off when needed from inside? Also with Victron is it possible to leave it tapped into the bus grid permanently?

[@foleyfunbus7221]

with many products you are able to set a threshold on your system that will remotely start and stop your generator without you doing anything. for example, if you set your equipment to use tell the generator to turn on at 20% of depletion of your battery and charges your system till the batteries reach 80% and then sends a signal to turn the generator off. this works with remote start generators or a 2 wire dry contact.

[@NeilSisson]

@@foleyfunbus7221 that sounds like an awesome solution.

[@cthncthn7405]

“…on your wedding day, it’s a free riiiii-iiide, when you’re already late”

[@magnoliathebus]

We're looking for a good, reliable small generator for just this purpose, but I have not heard good things about the Champion one you have here. How has it been so far, any changes you might make after 6 months?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

This one had outstanding reviews and has held up well. I’m not sure if the quality has changed or not, I do know it went up in price enough for me to consider a used Honda for myself

[@magnoliathebus]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Right on, thanks Chuck!

[@_WADE13x]

you should check out an all in one system like the MPP LV6548

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I don’t like those systems, their idle consumption is too high

[@Dr.PhDeez]

They are fine, but you need to oversize your system to offset the idle usage.

[@_WADE13x]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Victron is 9w for a 2000w inverter, my 6500w inverter is 70w but in relation not bad, especially with 2000w of solar and two 48v 100ah battery.

[@_WADE13x]

@@Dr.PhDeez my system is very small and doesn't take up much space. I'm also charging my tesla with it lol

[@Dr.PhDeez]

@@_WADE13x I have the 24v model in my first bus and it's been running for over 3 years. It does the job, but could be more efficient. My new bus is all 48vl victron and it's a noticeable difference in efficiency.

[@cthncthn7405]

Great food for thought! I want both! But you’re right, it’s expensive. Maxing out solar so that I can recharge in under 2 hours on a typical day in Cali…and within 6 hours on an ok day. Having said that, I didn’t have a plan b for very dark/cloudy days and solar eclipses. I was going to rely on maxing out the battery bank to get through those times…I live in California so most of the time this will work, but there are rare occasions where a storm will come in for a week or two. Especially more recently with climate cooling. Bottom line, $500 is well worth the peace of mind of having a back up, especially when I’m traveling to other states and have to count on off grid power/starlink to work. Knowing that bad boy is topped off and ready to rock is priceless!

[@tuckermiddlebrook4505]

"Less, sexy alternatives" 😂so accurate because solar is not always the best for the environment

[@andy11998811]

I know your an Anker guy, but how do you feel about the Eco Flow stuff?

[@milesbartlett]

Don't think he likes them considering in the video(6:10) he claims victron is the only company that offers equipment that can run your house from multiple sources when that is exactly what ecoflow offers. The Ecoflow systems are good and easy to use but very expensive, if you want to save just use victron, just more wiring involved.

[@marsrover001]

​@@milesbartlettbetter than ecoflow would be one of the all in one boxes like the growatt paired with server rack batteries. The one thing I don't like about ecoflow is if one of the boards breaks, the whole thing needs to be sent in. The growatt has spare boards for sale and your DC systems will keep working cause you don't need to unplug your battery.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Victron is the only system I know of that can blend dc power from the batteries with shore or inverter power simultaneously with preset user defined limits as to how much current you can draw from a shore power source for example or configure it for a ESS system. If ecoflo has that, it’s news to me

[@andy11998811]

I should state that am running a 15 passenger van. I was looking at the Eco Flow for the ac/ heater when and if needed. Along with that a solar generator. I have a small inventer generator that can makeup the shortfall if needed. The Eco is a lithium iron phosphate battery which is a plus . I don't have room for all the creature comforts that a larger bus would give me but I am okay with it. I was really looking to hear if yourself or anyone else has any good/ bad experience with the Eco Flow stuff. Thanks Chuck for all the great vids.

[@foleyfunbus7221]

@@ChuckCassadyYT I think pretty much any of the all in one inverters like Growatt, EG4 etc. can do the same thing.

[@bloodybonescomic]

Those cheap generators don't last long. The reason is that both the armature and the stator is wired with aluminum wire instead of copper. Aluminum oxidizes, the insulation fails and the electric fields fail. Still, they are OK for occasional use. Honda generators, while expensive, will last years. They are what you want if you will be using generators a lot.

[@theiceageiscoming.5516]

💪😎🇺🇲

[@calvin2681]

SMAAAARRRRRTTTTT!!!!

[@drgranger2]

Excellent topic, very timely. Thank you!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You're very welcome!

[@mmsmits2868]

Really torn. Personally, in my own opinion, you're not off-grid if you're using refined fossil fuels. Yes, you're off the electric grid, but not off THE grid. Additionally, these small engines have the worst CO2 output of any fossil fuel consuming machinery - much worse than a car and almost as toxic as a gas mower. The reason I'm torn is because...it's a diesel-powered bus. So off-grid doesn't apply anyway, unless you're converting to fry oil (even then it's still a grid). I see the point of the small generator, I just don't think it's off-grid. My personal opinion.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Fair point. The semantics are valid but a waste of energy to be hung up on, though I am curious what we should call someone who lives in a vehicle that is not connected to sewer, water, or power? If you have a cell phone, are we always connected? Interesting questions but off topic for todays video. Maybe in another one

[@mmsmits2868]

@@ChuckCassadyYT That's why I was torn. And I'm likely alone in saying that someone reliant on fossil fuels is not really off-grid, and you're right about phones and internet - those are grids too. I think that if it were me, with no medical issues, I'd build for 90% and deal with not having enough power in those isolated cases rather than using a generator, but I fully acknowledge that I'm not normal. Have a great week!

[@ronaldsnider8078]

I found it was very confusing and way to fast to understant what you were saying.

[@josheakins5137]

Wtf did you do to your face in the thumbnail bro? 😂 Love your content. Youve helped me so much

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

It’s to lure you in. Kinda like fly fishing