Solar Power Tiny Home on wheels & what it cost

In this video, I'll be explaining What you need to Setup your own affordable off grid solar system in a van and how much it costs. You will see which components I installed, what appliances I can run, as well as how much it cost.
*** How I bought my solar panels for $97 • Secret Solar Panel Dea...
Ill also be showing you how to size a system for your own vehicle & providing an in-depth look into how my system is connected.
0:00 - My Electrical appliances
0:39 - Solar Panels
01:35 - Hybrid inverter/charger
02:14 - Lithium Battery Bank
02:49 - Size your own system
05:51 - System Overview
*** Connect with me here: beacons.ai/nomadbrad
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Discount link: go.nomadinternet.com/nomad-brad
*** Amazon Links for the products in my van: www.amazon.com/shop/nomadbrad...
*** NIGHT SHIFT COFFEE: a.co/d/eHvl47m
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/ @nomadbrad503
Your support helps me to continue making videos.
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Subscribe below!
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*** My Solar Installation Company:
solairservice.com/

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi Brad! I am a retired Industrial Tech. Your work is amazing. So Impressive, clean, organized! Thanks very much for sharing this info with us. You are very much appreciated sir!! Cheers from Michigan.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks Robert! That means a lot

[@noah786]

I like those zip tie separators/organizers. Consider a short video on how those work and where to get them.

[@nomadbrad503]

I’ll do that!

[@rkbrillant5265]

Man, really appreciate how you put in the cost of each so hopefully some people can copy your setup. Im still working from my house and paying for renovating our other forever home but I would love to get into the nomad/fan life somepoint in my life. Really appreciate you sharing. :D

[@nomadbrad503]

You can do it!

[@jaystewart9947]

Thanks Brad for all the details. Your solar system is a great testament to your quality of work and attention to detail! Of course, the orange background doesn’t hurt 😊

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks jay! The orange is kinda my thing 😎

[@fredoman2683]

Thanks for showing us your craftsmanship 👍

[@Madeintheshade65]

I have always been of the mindset of I would rather have too much than not enough.

[@gsp49]

That goes for anything, food, money, gasoline ,sex, ammo.

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree with that

[@nomadbrad503]

Absolutely 😂

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Great attention to detail. The German in me is drooling over how organized the cables are. Here in the States hardly anyone organizes their cables and pipes. 😊👍💪

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks! Organized cables are not so common

[@KirraZirra]

Brad thanks for sharing! This video is gold man! I've been planning out my setup, seeing what you have going on in the van is really encouraging. I'm not as far off as I thought. Great work 👍🏾

[@nomadbrad503]

I’m happy to hear that! Keep bling brother 💪🏻

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Brad … excellent, excellent information. Thank you so much for sharing! Everything looks so neatly done and organized. I have a small off grid preliminary project currently. This gives me hope that everything will work out just fine. What a great help, thanks again! All the best to you!

[@nomadbrad503]

You can do it 💪🏻

[@antoinettejohnson6251]

Best explanation I’ve ever heard! I actually understood what you said. Thank you!

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reverendprophet]

Excellent! organized, clean and you explained everything. The only thing missing is a full spreadsheet breakdown listing all the costs in one place. So good! Subscribed!

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@hopehope938]

Brad, Hello your video did help me understand a lot about your electrical system works in your box truck and you did help me understand some misinformation I was told! I have always have been very impressed with your clean looking wire connections! I also want a 24 volt system. I am confused I did think in your system you had an out side place plug to plug in extra ground mounted solar panels? Before watching your video I did go to three solar equipment to see there new items and new products. A area that in the past I was told about and not many people are not talking about it the seasonal difference of solar hours between summer solar hours and winter solar hours. I live in the middle of California and it depends on where I go for information and data. My summer solar hours are in the five to six hour range my winter solar hour range is from two hours to three point five hours. I am very impressed with the cost that are in your current design. I do hope you put a link in for your 24 volt refrigerator. Regards

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks! I don’t have a plug for additional solar. Unfortunately this refrigerator is no longer being made but you can find similar versions

[@karenr67]

Very neat wiring. You explained it well.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shepatown]

Well done on this video Brad.

[@nomadbrad503]

I appreciate that 💪🏻

[@mrhypnomadic1104]

Excellent information and beautiful organization. Thank you!

[@nomadbrad503]

You are so welcome!

[@Living_Off_The_Road]

Love it man great resource for future references too - saved to favorites 👍👍👌👌awesome diy job! Respect! 👏👏👏

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1951Roy]

Great overview on your system, thanks or sharing.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for watching!

[@FreddKing-nd8fz]

Hi Brad. Very nice wiring. Even using ferrules on your smaller wires like grounds, impressive.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks! I’m glad you noticed that 😎

[@journeywithnichole986]

LOVE the spreadsheet!😍

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks Nichole!

[@goodcitizen4587]

Install a miniPC ($130 N100 PC) running HomeAssistant with some sensors. To monitor more stuff in your rig.

[@nomadbrad503]

Great idea

[@followyourbliss101]

thank you for this video - so helpful and makes me rethink the platform - van, minivan, box truck, retrofit rv, bus... for the build i want to do.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WisconsinWanderer]

I really like your rig it seems like your system is very efficient and I’m fascinated that we can by choice get free electricity from the sun like we were supposed to? But thank you for this video it will come into good use when I build out my van😊

[@nomadbrad503]

Thanks for watching!

[@joanneepps1750]

Can't wait to get mine done!

[@nomadbrad503]

🙏🏻

[@joanneepps1750]

We need to do an estimate. I'm praying for a good deal Lol!!!

[@nomadbrad503]

@@joanneepps1750 you’re in luck! Good deals are all I do!

[@azvwbaja]

Thank you for you informative video.

[@nomadbrad503]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tumbleweed1976]

DC-DC charging products have improved in addition to solar. Another excellent video of your journey. Thank you.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you!

[@StumpyVanLife]

Excellent video, thank you for taking the time to put this information out there. I am in the middle of designing my system. I have to have A/C in my Van , I live and work in Texas so it's non negotiable.

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree with you! This mini split did very well last summer in Austin. Insulation is also very important

[@StumpyVanLife]

@@nomadbrad503 Yep, I have 2 inches of foam board on the ceiling of my Chevy Express cargo , 1 inch on the walls , going to add more. Planning on building an insulated wall behind front seats since so much heat comes thru the glass in the front of van. I have no windows in the back. I just found your channel last week , hit the subscribe button on the first video. Keep up the good work.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@StumpyVanLife thanks for subscribing! It sounds like you are well insulated. Good luck to you sir 🫡

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@nomadbrad503]

You're welcome

[@StrangerOnTheWay]

That’s beautiful work, I don’t understand electrical at all.

[@nomadbrad503]

😂 thank you 🙏🏻

[@Pushyhog]

incredible.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

Well done.

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

@@nomadbrad503 YW.

[@gilbertarzner]

On your spreadsheet you have the induction cooktop at 500 watts/hour. I would have thought that it would have been more like 1500 to 2000 watts/hour. But you have really designed nice neat system. Love the wiring.

[@nomadbrad503]

The cooktop is rated up to 1800 watts with both burners on high. However I typically cook on level 5 which is 500 watts and rarely use both burners. This is why I you see 500 watts on the sheet

[@wilty5]

Excellent work, If I get a tiny house, or van etc., I’d like to hire you to either install or consult on the solar installation. Thanks for the thorough information on your solar setup.

[@nomadbrad503]

I would be happy to help 😎

[@donaldfrazier5244]

I’ve been waiting for this,I’m using a propane oven with 4 burners from a travel trailer so I’m not sure I’ll need 1200 watts but air fridge and lights with a 2000 watt pure sine wave is my guess,but I’ll definitely contact you for technical assistance when I’m ready! Also two 100 amp hr lithium ion batteries

[@nomadbrad503]

I’m happy to hear it. Let me know how I can help

[@suny1265]

Lithium can safely be discharged only until 60% Capacity if you don't want to damage them. Damage will reduce the Capacity, Charging cycle amount and increase the risc of a chemical fire. You can find this information at any power company that uses lithium battery technology for Grid stability.

[@nomadbrad503]

a deeper discharge can reduce the available cycle count. If that is a concern, sure dont discharge them deeply. I run mine down hard. Ill replace them when they fail. the tech will be much better in 3 years anyway.

[@suny1265]

@@nomadbrad503 That is a decision everyone has to make. Pay again every 2-3 year's for a new Battery Bank or once every 7-10 year's. My bank is 7 year's old and only lost 12% Capacity. Long way to go still until i hit the 70% Mark i have my system limitations designed for.

[@suny1265]

@@mikejones-vd3fg Read your own post and i hope you will understand it because i don't know what your talking about. This is not new information and is well known fact. Like any technology it has its own ideal working bracket and sure you can use it how ever you want . Its a chance everyone has to make... every 2-3 year's new battery just like on smartphone to throw away or properly Charge and Discharge Cycle and have it lose less then 20% Capacity over 10-15 Year's. My battery Bank is 7 year's old and only lost 12% capacity at about 2500 Charging cycles. Battery is rated for 5000 so theoretically it will reach the full Life Span.

[@colleenballardsilberman513]

very nice

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@johncee8084]

Great Video (No chorizo tonight 😂).

[@nomadbrad503]

Awww man, hopefully you’re cooking some up Wednesday night!

[@fiqriafauzan]

nice

[@nomadbrad503]

Thank you!

[@antigroundhogday]

In your AC video, I thought you mentioned part of the reason for going with a 24V system was easier/more options for charging over your alternator. Is part of your future installation plans? Thanks for the details and continued GL with the channel!

[@nomadbrad503]

You are correct. I was planning to install an alternator charger but after living in the van for 2 years, my solar is sufficient for all my electrical needs. I don’t have plans to install an alternator charger at this time

[@FreeMissions]

Great video! How loud is the fan on the sungold? Can you hear it with the cabinet closed? What about when it's open?

[@nomadbrad503]

The fan noise changes depending on usage. It is loudest when delivering a large load from the panels or when the inverter is being worked hard. When the fan is loudest, you can hear it with the cabinet open. Not loud with the cabinet closed.

[@FreeMissions]

​@@nomadbrad503thanks Brad! Your rig is so great!!!

[@user-sd5ul1jy6e]

For those that want an off the shelf system at around $500/kWh the EcoFlow Delta Pro products at Costco are great. 22kWh for $10k recharged by any combination of Solar, EV charging station, 12 V alternator, or wall outlet AC. (22kWh is around 18 or so 12V 100 Ah lifepo batteries). Paying an installer to plan out and install is worth the expense too vs trial and error for what is probably the largest single upfit expense (the electrical system). Edit: 30% Federal tax credit for qualifying systems.

[@nomadbrad503]

😎

[@Aleoop57]

How are you doing, Brad? I have just found your channel and my question is how long can you run your AC at night? Do you get a full eight hours or longer before the power goes out?

[@nomadbrad503]

I am able to run the ac through the night. This unit is very efficient it cycles on and off through the night. Once the sun goes down it doesn’t have to work as hard

[@weareallamericans7358]

@nomadbrad what is the benefit of wiring batteries as 24 Volt over 12 Volt ?

[@nomadbrad503]

24 volt means you can use smaller gauge wire and its more efficient when inverting to 120v for the air conditioner

[@weareallamericans7358]

@@nomadbrad503 thanks for reply! So a standard inverter converts 24V to 120V ?

[@Windjammernomad-gr9ex]

Hello Brad, I am SEEKING your opinion; I bought two (2) EG4 LL 48V Rack Batteries and an EG4 3000EHV48; now I am finding out the minimum operating voltage input (PV ARRAY) is 120VDC, so that means unless have minimum three (3) panels at 40+ VOC, and the sunlight creates enough voltage to reach the 120VDC, it will not charge. Are all 48V charge controllers rated like this? Is it an option to find a separate 48V charge controller that has a lower operating voltage and use it, plus keep the 3000EHV48 for the inverter? This is for a van or box van setup, two to four solar panels. I am searching and reading specs on controllers. Thank you

[@nomadbrad503]

120vdc is pretty much the limit for mppt to activate a 48v system. but youre going to need a lot of solar anyway to keep those batteries charged. If you want a smaller system I would recommend 24v setup. Mine runs at about 70 volts.

[@prepparig144]

Great setup. Getting ready to install 1760 watts on my shuttle bus. I bought Victron parts. I didn’t see a charge controller on your system, does Sungold inverter have a built in?

[@nomadbrad503]

Yes the sungold is inverter + shore power batt charger + mppt controller

[@prepparig144]

@@nomadbrad503 Wow! So compact and light weight!! I’ll keep that in mind for my next build.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@prepparig144 yes compact, light, and less than $600 for everything.

[@prepparig144]

@@nomadbrad503 Do you feel it performs at a high quality as a Victron 3000 Watt 24v system? I'm tempted to try and sell my Victron equipment. I could easily move my electric to a nice cozy spot that is now just gonna be dead space. Watching your videos it seems it has been running flawlessly. I will check and compare units on the technicals.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@prepparig144 it’s been running flawlessly for nearly 2 years and the system ran constantly last summer to keep the ac going 24/7

[@Spyrodious]

Hey Brad i want to ask can you charge your batteries just by driving on cloudy days lets say?!

[@nomadbrad503]

I did not install an alternator charger because I havent needed one, but it could be easily added

[@lorajohnson3898]

How do you incorporate DC to DC charging into this system?

[@nomadbrad503]

Simple. One end of the charger gets wired into your starting battery. The other end gets wired into your house batteries

[@WisconsinWanderer]

BTW you had your work cut for you with that skoolie😊

[@nomadbrad503]

You know it!

[@sabcoak846]

i was looking at the inverter solar charger and it says minimum voltage of 120 to work i don't know it i have enough voltage to use it i have 4 370W panel that are 34.2 mpv (41 voc) do you think this is enough

[@nomadbrad503]

good question. im powering it with 4 x 320 watt panels in series-parallel, so its only getting around 70 volts/ 18 amps max. But i do see that the amazon page says 120v for the MPPT. You should be fine with your 4 panels in a series string

[@ronaldduck7567]

I mention this in other videos but I will repeat it here. The roof space is too valuable to waste on those max fans or other roof top vents. Simply use in line blowers up high and vent out the sides,the rear or even the floor. That extra space on the roof could yield an additional 100-400w of solar.My 2 cents.

[@nomadbrad503]

I agree! Thats why I don’t have anything on the roof but solar panels. I ventilate with my kitchen exhaust hood and an open window.

[@gotreactions]

I was set on a 48V 5kW, but wondering if that would overkill and could better spend the money elsewhere. I think my usage would be very similar to yours.

[@nomadbrad503]

good question. im really happy with the 24v system. 48v is more efficient when inverting to 120v. so if your running large constant duty appliances like a traditional house does, 48v makes sense. but for most vehicles, 24v is a happy medium. also keep in mind a 48v battery will have a higher charging voltage so you will need to make sure you have enough panels to hit that number

[@gotreactions]

@@nomadbrad503 Something clicked in my head w/ your reply. I had thought to have a regular 120v mini fridge (magic chef), had seen others use it. But, now I'm understand that would mean the inverter needs to be on all the time, which is why a 12/24v fridge could be preferable. Thanks for turning on that lightbulb.

[@rnordquest]

What is the efficiency delta between your 120vac mini split and a 48vdc AC. Living in FL I’d use a lot of AC. I’m considering 48v system (AC and fridge charged by secondary 48v alternator), and a separate 12v house battery charged off the engine for those loads.

[@nomadbrad503]

@@gotreactions that’s correct! Another reason to use 24 volts. Both my fridge and led lights are 24 volts so they run directly off the battery

[@nomadbrad503]

@@rnordquest I’m not sure what the delta is. But it is more efficient to not invert up to 120. Haven’t seen much on 48v mini splits either

[@outoftime788]

9:56 can u get 220v out of the breaker box?

[@nomadbrad503]

This is a 120v system. We don’t use 220v much in the USA

[@outoftime788]

@@nomadbrad503 lol i no that. im jus askin in case i mite need a 220v stove top burner(wich is wat i really want) n may be a water heater?!? not sure yet........but thank u sir!

[@gsp49]

People here in Florida are getting ripped off bad by solar companies charging home owners as much as $50, to $60,000 for grid tie systems without any battery backup. I have less than $1000 in mine .

[@nomadbrad503]

i know! I hate to see how much they are charging home owners. They're making solar unaffordable and it doesnt have to be. The equipment in those $60,000 systems can be purchased for $10,000 or less

[@gsp49]

@@nomadbrad503 When they come to my door trying to sell, they can never give a final cost estimate, and talk about a reduced power bill. They should be talking about an eliminated power bill. Complete con artist at work. What they are doing should be illegal.

[@elelegidosf9707]

I would have thought that the DC fridge would use less than 1100Wh per day. Is this accurate?

[@nomadbrad503]

1,100 watts per day is my estimate based on the fridge running approximately 20 minutes per hour over a 24 hour day. This will vary depending on temperature in the van.

[@elelegidosf9707]

@@nomadbrad503 Cool, thanks

[@outoftime788]

1:39 can that produce 220v? is it noisy? my inverter is noisy

[@nomadbrad503]

This is a 120v unit for America. You can find versions that do 220

[@outoftime788]

@@nomadbrad503 noisy? are ther ones that use half of the batery life? mine uses until its aroun 21-22v then it shutsoff. thats nower even close to half. im using trojan lead acid bateries

[@aa999xyz]

48v system would be more efficient and smaller wire size smaller amperage required

[@nomadbrad503]

You’re correct

[@jeffwatts2727]

Your fridge isn’t going through the shunt?

[@nomadbrad503]

yes, its sharing the ground that is connected through the shunt. the shunt only monitors energy flow to and from the battery.

[@JordanB-lc4oi]

I need a system that would run a mini rice cooker 200W/110V no problem...and run a lapto..

[@nomadbrad503]

that is easily achievable !

[@JordanB-lc4oi]

@@nomadbrad503 Any system you recommend???

[@nomadbrad503]

@@JordanB-lc4oi you’re looking to install a custom system or just want a all in one power station?

[@JordanB-lc4oi]

@nomadbrad503 All in one...thank you..

[@nomadbrad503]

@@JordanB-lc4oi I just reviewed the new ALLPOWERS power station. It’s really good quality. They come in smaller sizes if you wish. You can see my video here: Do you really need a full electrical system in your van? Maybe an ALLPOWERS R2500 is enough! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpjafIaJnJ2BasU

[@RimdarRanch]

Test # 3 ... Can't get any messages to post here..

[@nomadbrad503]

I see you

[@RimdarRanch]

@@nomadbrad503 I posted 2 others and can't find them. They should be here on this posting.

[@RimdarRanch]

@@nomadbrad503 Can you send me your email address ? I'd enjoy comparing Our Rig's Solar Systems..

[@krystal85566]

Hey brad i watch your youtube channel your info grabs me i live in Sacramento CA can you come up and help me build my suv into a tiny home to its a toyota suv 2006 let me know.

[@nomadbrad503]

hey! ill let you know if i make it to sacramento !

[@krystal85566]

@@nomadbrad503 ok thanks love your youtube channel.