Completely Solar Powered Electric Van Conversion

Joel and Keegan have set up to drive a solar powered Electric van from Alaska to Argentina to promote renewable energy
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[@WillProwse]

This is so awesome!! You guys did a great job. And to everyone complaining in the comments, build your own. I can't believe how many people are trying to criticize this van. It's awesome! If you dislike it, build a better one and show the world how you did it.

[@MS-gn4gl]

So many experts who have never built a single thing themselves but apparently know all the rights and wrongs of a build like this, because you know... This has been done over and over again...

[@Rickardo22li]

Of course it is ridiculous for a vehicle with that size and weight, the PV panels should only be used to power auxiliary systems not to power traction. It's a waste of resources that doesn't make almost any difference for the purpose they were applied.

[@mountainconstructions]

Will Powers Pornsite

[@Mason-pq3kv]

I love this van build one of my favorites. If anything; I'm going to simulate a similar solar setup. But the top of the van is going to be like a pop up & that will be the main sleeping space for me & have some sort of tie downs for the solar, a gust of wind going 50-70 could tear that down in an instant.

[@reactdev101]

fully agree with you man. they did a great job. For me it is awesome when vehicle is powered fully by solar! that is insane. In future when wewill have a better solar panels we might see even small cars driving around by solar.

[@AEVANational]

Legendary effort guys! When you come back to Australia you should give a talk at one of the AEVA's events; we'd love to host you. Keep it up!

[@noahthenomad]

me: so how much solar power do you plan on adding? them: yes

[@holzinger2295]

you guys just build what i had in mind for the past couple of years, I didnt know its actually possible! good job!

[@dizzyflizzy7]

BRO SAME

[@alisamehmal7234]

I met these awesome explorers in November 2018. Been following their journey ever since. The☀️ Solar Roller☀️ is looking awesome. The interior has progressed. 👍 Very excited to see these guys featured on Florbs. Awesome video Dylan Magaster 👍

[@movax20h]

You need to simplify the unfolding and alignment process, maybe use some electric motors or hydraulics. Few linear actuators will do the trick i think.

[@FloatingOrbProductions]

Would you travel in a fully solar powered van?

[@foxtrail5043]

FLORB yeah all day with a surf board and a bike!!!

[@alexreith4877]

Absolutely. Seems like a great option.

[@shiningoutlight]

YEP!

[@DG-AI777]

Definitely. What a clever concept. You guys are living in the future! The inital setup could be big but it will pay for itself overtime. Well done and congrats on promoting a healthier lifestyle alternative.

[@oopsieee337]

Yes!!

[@lilymalacon944]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@Sailboatstory]

They see me Solarollin' They burnin' Petroleum and tryin' to catch my van goin' thirty.

[@tigersharkzh]

lmao, Ben at his best. Check out his KZbin channel.

[@dhupee]

this is good comment

[@coreylahey1711]

That's great haha

[@Adam-cn5ib]

Gotta get that milage thou gotta get that milage thoou

[@Dear_Mr._Isaiah_Deringer]

soooo good

[@Differentmedia]

Great work on the video! a good update on Joel and keegan.

[@tomgilfedder3515]

Great work fellas! Some one has to be the pioneers and spread the word. Best of luck I'll be watching.

[@cindyhatch5062]

This 63 yr old lady thinks this is very cool!!!! Electric vehicle👍 ability to bring along your info charging station👍👍 I'd do this in a heartbeat if I had the 💰.👍👍👍 Nice job. Thanks for taking "green" to whole new level

[@tylersalvin911]

Nobody cares that your old

[@BankruptMonkey]

This is so awesome! I'd have to figure out how to jury rig no-seeum netting to the solar panel "awnings" to comfortably use that space, But I love that this creates basically three rooms out of one van as well as being an actually sustainable way to do van life. Fits my functional needs and moral preferences!

[@cbrackin531]

The van is pretty cool. Keep it up!!!

[@vainglory991]

*6000 watt on the roof* *parks in shade*

[@WillProwse]

Hahah

[@yesbutwhy9501]

And that should mean 2k when driving so they are doing something wrong only getting 300 miles.

[@coreylahey1711]

@@yesbutwhy9501 I was thinking the same thing at least another 75 miles or so

[@Chrisisreal978]

@@yesbutwhy9501 quick calculation. They have 2kW in panels, flat when driving, in Oregon in July on average day, this will make about 10kWh/day. Their website says total battery capacity is 120kWh, so 10+120 kWh =130kWh. 300 miles from 130kWh gives 43.3kWh/100miles which is about 31% less efficient than a Tesla Model S but not terrible considering the weight and profile of the van. The 2kW solar panels would make enough electricity for an extra 23 miles each day. Unless they are grid charging they're probably driving at night and collecting while parked with all the panels tilted during the day.

[@benangel3268]

@@yesbutwhy9501 300 km 200 miles

[@benjaminnead8557]

Showing up here 2.5 years after this was posted. Just want to say that this is marvelous to see. Thanks, guys.

[@bensun432]

definitely inspired, this is an amazing beginning

[@dougsmith4754]

I saw your van at the fish ladder yesterday in Roseburg WOW how cool. Please keep posting on KZbin

[@fabienrousselot7460]

It's coming along nicely! And good work on the video.

[@jeannepalumbo6514]

This is an amazing creation !!!!!!

[@natxotxuri]

Que enrollados y que invento mas majo. Adelante con la enegía no contaminanteeeeeeee.

[@Agent420SOGEnlightened]

Awesome rig guys. I'm hoping I can do something like this one day

[@normandgallant8106]

Let the good times roll with photovoltaic ...both my tow vehicle ( delta trike three wheel drive) and trailer will have panels attached so as to keep the CG low . The electric trike is complete, now building the trailer....hope to meet you guys on the road ..thanks for the video , I'm hopping my wife will want one

[@cineprojectors]

love the front windscreen & solar panels 6000W on top + 1000W behind is the maximum amount of solar panels a caravan can probably accommodate. Interiors didnt look pleasant & no toilet.

[@garrygballard8914]

To sweet ! Really cool guys. 👍

[@ingridgarcia3543]

Good job guys, now you have to continue improving the van with the critics

[@04dram04]

This makes the most sense when camping in very remote areas with no gas stations or power outlets nearby

[@biskero]

super! keep the panel clean it helps!

[@DCJNewsMedia]

God bless you 😇 two men.

[@c.m.303]

Trying to understand and learn all the different solar components is, well, not where I would like to spend my energy and time, especially when I would rather go on a hike...I hope as they start to roll out more electric vans and trucks that they can somehow just double up on the battery system at the factory and then the house portion can work off of it. Love the rooftop solar array he has going on!

[@fuchusen666]

They should add some small wind generators that they can raise up on masts so they can generate more power more often. When I used to live in a off the grid yurt, having the wind turbine and the panels working together assured me of power at all times. I never ran my gas generator.

[@kekfreedomheritage5633]

Impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryanambler8580]

Love the mission, boys! Awesome!

[@karlbartelt3939]

These guys are awaesome, if you haven't checked out their channel you definatey should. I think their proof of concept is going to hit the RV industry in a big way in the future. Carbon neutral travel at it's best. Great work, power to you guys and Sollarolla for doing the building of the rig.

[@karlbartelt3939]

@@RouteDelSol No Wucken Forries! If I had a tonne of cash in my back pocket I would throw the full tonne at you. I've got to save my money to make my Kombi the same as Redfoo's :P

[@dodgeplow]

Retiring in about 14 years. I'm hoping there'll be enough advancement in the solar tech that it'll be much easier/convenient to do something like this. Otherwise it'll be hydrocarbon engine with the house running solar.

[@juanosorno8153]

Hey guys... great video! Great solar van!... when will you be in sunny Miami? Let me know. I would like to meet you for a beer or two and tell you about a project I have: buy a Tesla semi and convert it to a camper van with lots of solar and then go on a US tour and more!!!

[@ptubba]

such a cool idea and it looks like you guys are having fun

[@ingbtc]

nice effort congratulation for your success

[@moremartin320]

Great work you guys have done on the van! I'm so glad that you guys are doing this trip to prove the concept of solar driven van's. I got a California campervan, and I try to use it as much as possible. Love the travel and outdoor life. Some years ago I installed 200w of solar panels on the roof. That was a complete game changer. Recommended if you have a van. The refrigerator is no running 24/4, and there are plenty of power for light, Charing mobile phones, laptops and other electronics. Would love to have a solar electric van in the future! Keep up the good work guy's! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!!!

[@ewjorgy]

Hi guys, First, I think it is great that you are going out and actually doing this! Talk is cheap, doing it is hard and the amount of commitment and effort involved to be one of the first is impossible for most people to understand unless you have been there yourself. I have been there so I get it. Second, like all prototypes, you learn sooo much as you go along. Of course there is always a better way to do what you just finished doing and you figure that out right as you are finishing! :) It is just part of the process. Third, a few constructive thoughts and suggestions: is there any way to keep the weight down on the interior finish? Wood is pretty and easy to work with but it is heavy and weight is the enemy of EV's. As weight goes up range goes down. Next, I don't know what tires you have on there but low rolling resistance tires would help greatly in the US where roads are good but may be unusable as you go further south where slippery mud roads and steep grades are tough even with 4 wheel drive and all weather tires. And a question; do you have ebikes for exploring around base camp while the van is charging? Would be a good fit. Finally, major kudos and best of luck to you guys! If you are ever travelling through San Jose in the San Francisco Bay area you are always welcome to park in my driveway!

[@sungogoNET]

the most powerful car I have ever seen . so cool .so future.

[@OlivioSarikas]

Awesome project. Not sure it will be legal to unfold these in many countries. Even on that Parkingspace (where you take 3 spots on your own) the panels stick into the road. So, possibly quite dangerous for passing traffic.

[@ciakmovies1914]

Guys amazing job, my admiration. Quick question. How do you deal with all the connections and cables ? i mean, every time you move the panels out and in, i believe all the cables and connections attached they move with the panels as well right ? Is there no risk that with the time the cables inside break or disconnect ?

[@MarosVice908]

you use flexible cables, its used everywhere

[@dasnakemanconrod5776]

They need to clean those panels🤣😝

[@fernandosibecas3492]

Technology is advancing so fast and prices keep droping, maybe in the near future rolling awnings made of flexible solar panels can be installed instead of the rigid ones.

[@fenflyer]

Just found your channel... Do You need the Modec / Navistar original factory workshop repair manuals, including fault finding procedures in event of breakdowns , system operation and factory original wiring diagrams... It's all in a pdf. format Good luck 👍

[@adventuretimelouishorts]

I wanna do this now!!

[@warmcozy]

I’m in awe. I never thought a self-powered electric vehicle was possible. This is amazing. My favorite part - “We can actually charge other electric vehicles.”

[@chandraboxstart7375]

8 years ago i built an electric scooter with solar trailer =) it could run longer than i could drive it. Very cool concept. While you guys are at it, why not put a windturbine to ? Thx.. now i wanna built one to.

[@beinghappy1312]

I still think it makes more sense to put solar panels on the rooves of big buildings and just charge off the grid from those.

[@jonathantamm9202]

If the extra panels are folded down the sides during travel and hinged at the top, when parked they can pivot and track the sun during the day and get some sun exposure when traveling on one side and the top. If you park so 1 side faces the sun it will start charging early in the morning and the other side can be vertical

[@madgaming3172]

it would be awesome if the panels would expand with the press of a button using small motors. But super cool van with lots of solar

[@pareshpadhi2454]

That's the 1st thing that came to my mind, it would add some weight tho. Otherwise great

[@Adventure_Bum]

Awesome rig! Love it. Way of the future!

[@jlsoldwood]

An extra set of high power lithium vehicle batteries..- would do extra driving ..

[@movax20h]

Note that the solar panels that usually goes on roofs and other land installations are not optimised for weight at all. They are to be sturdy, long lasting, etc. You could reduce weight significantly by changing glass thickness, and using thinner aluminum profiles.

[@movax20h]

Damn. That is exactly What I am talking about. Trucks of the future should also use similar setup. All sides covered with panels, unfolded when parked. You can even tilt the side ones to be toward the sun, so it is more effective outside of summer. For a real world trucks, probably some area at the low portion of the side would be left without panels, because maybe of risk of damage by other vehicles or road conditions, gravel, small stones, etc. Otherwise, yes. The big truck could easily make 20kw of power this way, and if multi-junction solar cells become more affordable (they are only used for satellites right now, and few experimental aircraft), it could be over 30kW actually.

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

Wow, just came across your build and I'm astonished my solar design is so similar to yours! I have 14 panels with 2 Awnings for 7kWatt/hrs of solar! I thought I was unique with the awning design and here you are years ahead of me! Well done. Do you still have the lead acid batteries the van originally came with?

[@bigbear42088]

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! The part that touches my soul is when he's like yeah we could also charge another electric vehicle how amazing is that these corporate companies have Society with in the palm of their hands I feel like we're at a point in society where us as a people globally need to step aside from fossil fuels and start to plan and prepare for a green future putting Comfort aside for the environment but who's to say this isn't the most comfortable awesome way to live

[@ericmatthew360]

I want one of those so bad, but I have a family with three kids so we would need like a 35 ft long one.. All solar.. would that even be possible? We're already planning on going bus 🚍 life. The kids want to also.

[@littlemisssunshine2931]

Absolutely love what you have done. What a great rig. Where did you find the vehicle itself?

[@bentcn8511]

Might work for RVs and Food Trucks.

[@benediktschenke295]

amazing! can you tell me what the car is called? and the car brand?

[@AdrienneLawrence1]

Ridiculously amazing.

[@pussiboos21t]

Amazing, this kind of thing has to be the future. Technology will get better to harvest more energy and also use less energy. I'd be really happy to more round at a slower pace if I could do it on my own generated power !!!

[@MrGurujohnny]

Love it, great work 👏

[@KarolynHerreraBookEditor]

New solar panels that are flexible, can be attached with strong double-sided tape, and are not fragile like the glass kind have recently been invented and are available to the public. A couple that live in their van and travel around Europe - Wild We Roam - installed them on top of their van.

[@zheneggmobile]

news flash, flex panels have been around for many years. but they are far less durable/reliable and just dont last as long.

[@Rod-bp8ow]

There are no uncertainties to them that are certain from the beginning, inception and all throughout operation/expansion, it is vast, it is wide and it is also massive certainties that saves the environment. SMEs...... Ptd, Trademarks, Copyrights, LLCs, Registered amongst companies/corporations/G.M Industries.

[@BluemanBas]

Really nice journey!!! Call me when you are in Chile!!

[@CBDB-cu5rt]

Modec? These had molten-salt batteries? and 3 phase charger only, always wanted one to convert into a camper with lithium batteries.

[@Jimfoxyboy]

Nice big front window. Ya, I could see the great views you can get out of it. Only downside is having to clean it. Oh well, trade-offs... Wish you guys a safe trip out there, hope it goes off with few problems. :)

[@02051970sonny]

Impresive

[@martasiwy9659]

Power outage is coming so... This is the best idea :)

[@declouxa]

I've got a ford transit connec 2011 , I think it would be neat to try to do a conversion in a few years ...

[@michaelculhane3058]

Amazing build for 2 months.

[@mawavoy]

Great job, building this is helping make America sustainably great!

[@sirhcnobra]

The one thing I would be worried about....Some big vehicle coming too close to your outstretched panels. Furniture delivery truck, big RV could easily wipe out a third of your array. I'd put some cones down to keep vehicles away; maybe even a little fence. Nice job, I'd hate to see it ruined.

[@alexreith4877]

How much does something like this cost? I read on the site that these are built off of a discontinued vehicle, so I'm guessing resources are limited unless this sort of thing catches on.

[@alexreith4877]

Route Del Sol thanks!

[@emunahohr9734]

Amazing!

[@vuaeco]

How much does all these cost? I'd imagine not cheap. :D

[@fryderyktube3d]

vuaeco the company sponsored them

[@lass-inangeles7564]

So what I would like to know is ... are these glass solar panels or Flexible ones? If Flexible panels, are they PET or ETFE type? I'm assuming these must be flex panels as glass ones are 38 lbs each vs 1-2 lbs for Flex. It would be nice to see how you raised them? How you built that aluminum support grid to attach them to. Good van design, and excellent work on this huge solar grid to power your van. Impressive!

[@kschleic9053]

Check out sollarolla. They have an IG and FB page, as well as their own KZbin videos, some about this build.

[@darktechfst3424]

do anyone remember old bike mini generator on bicycle that spin using tire? solar panels great stuff guys but that huge size best work at off grid home roof top lol

[@theNZmatt]

fuckn ,love this! i want one!

[@antonionunez8708]

This is awesome folks trying to kickstart a project on my own. How did you manage to acquire the VAN was directly from manufacturer or dealership?

[@ruisvensson]

my project is a little more elaborate: to begin with, i don't intend to visit areas like alaska or tierra del fuego; and my idea is to travel every 15 or 20 days; and an air conditioner for the batteries; and a solar heater for bath water; divide the battery bank into 2, charging one side and spending the other

[@jimbrunett9224]

Hello I'm working on a solar generator for construction sites. Its in the form of a toyhauler. Trying to figure out the racking system at the moment. Can you give me some details on your racking system? Is it a C channel that the panels slide out of? Or is it a roller baring system?

[@kemalayhan2502]

hey. i have an idea. there are flexible sonal panels. cant they be used like tents on both sides?

[@VanVida]

This is seriously cool!

[@HobkinBoi]

Make the panels automatically track. Also maybe add a small turbine. Some places get lots of wind.

[@damienosborne3047]

What is the model of the van you guys bought for the EV conversion and roughly how much does it weigh now?

[@dodgeplow]

Navistar International eStar

[@yawningdoodle]

Who manufactured that van that you used to go solar. Where did you find it. I would love a van like that without the solar.

[@eyes7054]

If you really want to live off the grid, that will be the perfect van.

[@cristiankrach3394]

this cvan is so sexy. sion is canceld, so im locking for another way of solar powerd traveling. amazing!

[@ericjones3692]

I had thought about something like this, fully solar powered car. It is nice to see someone attempt it. I don't think it looks particularly practical right now. More of a gimmick. They say it themselves, you couldn't drive it to work every day. Probably the more realistic way to go is solar power your house, and charge electric car off of it.

[@vazasgouuproud1532]

Супер, все интересно и весело!

[@bowenhendy7602]

Hey guys, nice camper & great story. Renewables are the way & you guys are hacking with style. Have you passed through San Diego yet?

[@mountainconstructions]

How does the "Wind Loading" go on the mounting and radial arms your solar panels mount on?

[@Knutowskie]

i would add a automated mechanism for the panels and a wind meter.... just in case i am chilling at the beach and all of a sudden a storm approaches my soon flying van...

[@ericrimmer2073]

I will trade you all three of my vehicles for one electric van. I'd love to go solar

[@self5738]

what's the total cost I mean I cant wait till these new solar technologies get implemented and we have smaller ones that do way better and have all vehicles set up with solar power

[@blindjohn2969]

Awesome idea w the sliding panels. So you gotta go 200 ish miles then recharge for 2 ish days?