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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You can do it!
@jaystewart99474 ай бұрын
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 😊
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks jay! The orange is kinda my thing 😎
@livingworkingoutsidebox4 ай бұрын
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. 😊👍💪
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks! Organized cables are not so common
@robertclymer69484 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks Robert! That means a lot
@fredoman26833 ай бұрын
Thanks for showing us your craftsmanship 👍
@nomadbrad5033 ай бұрын
My pleasure!
@beechewawa99892 ай бұрын
Best energy system explanation 🙌🏽down. Thank you Brad.
@nomadbrad5032 ай бұрын
Glad you think so!
@WisconsinWanderer4 ай бұрын
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😊
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@karenr674 ай бұрын
Very neat wiring. You explained it well.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@KirraZirra4 ай бұрын
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 👍🏾
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I’m happy to hear that! Keep bling brother 💪🏻
@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc4 ай бұрын
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!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You can do it 💪🏻
@followyourbliss1014 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@FreddKing-nd8fz4 ай бұрын
Hi Brad. Very nice wiring. Even using ferrules on your smaller wires like grounds, impressive.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks! I’m glad you noticed that 😎
@gilbertarzner4 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@goodcitizen45874 ай бұрын
Install a miniPC ($130 N100 PC) running HomeAssistant with some sensors. To monitor more stuff in your rig.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Great idea
@joanneepps17504 ай бұрын
Can't wait to get mine done!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
🙏🏻
@joanneepps17504 ай бұрын
We need to do an estimate. I'm praying for a good deal Lol!!!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@joanneepps1750 you’re in luck! Good deals are all I do!
@tdlchef2011Ай бұрын
Brad you Rock man!
@nomadbrad503Ай бұрын
thank you!
@StrangerOnTheWay4 ай бұрын
That’s beautiful work, I don’t understand electrical at all.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
😂 thank you 🙏🏻
@mrhypnomadic11044 ай бұрын
Excellent information and beautiful organization. Thank you!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You are so welcome!
@albertlopez85Ай бұрын
Great video. Would you be willing to draw out a line drawing diagram. Im going to make a solar art up very similar to this set up.
@journeywithnichole4 ай бұрын
LOVE the spreadsheet!😍
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks Nichole!
@antigroundhogday4 ай бұрын
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!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@donaldfrazier52444 ай бұрын
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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I’m happy to hear it. Let me know how I can help
@weareallamericans73584 ай бұрын
@nomadbrad what is the benefit of wiring batteries as 24 Volt over 12 Volt ?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
24 volt means you can use smaller gauge wire and its more efficient when inverting to 120v for the air conditioner
@weareallamericans73584 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 thanks for reply! So a standard inverter converts 24V to 120V ?
@Pushyhog4 ай бұрын
incredible.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thank you
@eoinkeaneАй бұрын
Hey Brad, I've got the same all-in-one inverter, through your link. It specifies the minimum MPPT starting voltage as 120V so I am wondering if you have a different version. When I connected the panels the unit did not show PV connected at all until I exceeded the 120V by connecting them in series, and so I'll have to put my 4 panels in series, which is not ideal. Would be great to hear whether or how you're managing with a lower voltage for that inverter unit. Thanks for all the content, I've been inspired to build out my own box truck thanks to you!
@nomadbrad503Ай бұрын
Hello, I had a friend report the same issue. I contacted sungold and I found out that they updated their inverter firmware and now the minimum voltage is 120v to activate the mppt. The older version that I have only required around 60 volts. You can either run your panels in series to boost the voltage or get a different unit with lower voltage requirements. I think they made this move so that the inverter can handle larger a solar array for off grid homesteading
@eoinkeaneАй бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Thank you Brad! That kinda sucks they did that. Similar $$ units I've looked at seem to have the same or even higher voltage requirements. Maybe I'll look at separate MPPT controllers in the future if the series PV connection doesn't work well with shading or single point of failure of a panel. Thanks again.
@nomadbrad503Ай бұрын
@@eoinkeane ecoworthy makes a similar one that only requires 60 volts. I have my system wired in series parallel and shading hasn’t been much of an issue but if you plan to stay in heavily tree covered areas, I understand your concern
@eoinkeaneАй бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Ah, cool. I hadn't spotted that one from ecoworthy, looks like what I need. I think 2s2p will be better for the boonies. ;) Thanks Brad!
@eoinkeaneАй бұрын
Ordered via your affiliate link. 👍
@ronaldduck75674 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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.
@felmanmalveaux6202 ай бұрын
Hey Brad, do you do installs in Houston?
@nomadbrad5032 ай бұрын
I do not
@johncee80844 ай бұрын
Great Video (No chorizo tonight 😂).
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Awww man, hopefully you’re cooking some up Wednesday night!
@suny12654 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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.
@suny12654 ай бұрын
@@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.
@suny12654 ай бұрын
@@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.
@lorajohnson38984 ай бұрын
How do you incorporate DC to DC charging into this system?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Simple. One end of the charger gets wired into your starting battery. The other end gets wired into your house batteries
@Windjammernomad-gr9ex4 ай бұрын
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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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.
@Aleoop574 ай бұрын
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?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@elelegidosf97074 ай бұрын
I would have thought that the DC fridge would use less than 1100Wh per day. Is this accurate?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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.
@elelegidosf97074 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Cool, thanks
@gotreactions4 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@gotreactions4 ай бұрын
@@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.
@rnordquest4 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@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
@stacyhackney61004 ай бұрын
Thank you
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You're welcome
@WisconsinWanderer4 ай бұрын
BTW you had your work cut for you with that skoolie😊
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You know it!
@aa999xyz4 ай бұрын
48v system would be more efficient and smaller wire size smaller amperage required
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
You’re correct
@prepparig1444 ай бұрын
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?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Yes the sungold is inverter + shore power batt charger + mppt controller
@prepparig1444 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Wow! So compact and light weight!! I’ll keep that in mind for my next build.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@prepparig144 yes compact, light, and less than $600 for everything.
@prepparig1444 ай бұрын
@@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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@prepparig144 it’s been running flawlessly for nearly 2 years and the system ran constantly last summer to keep the ac going 24/7
@JordanB-lc4oi4 ай бұрын
I need a system that would run a mini rice cooker 200W/110V no problem...and run a lapto..
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
that is easily achievable !
@JordanB-lc4oi4 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Any system you recommend???
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@JordanB-lc4oi you’re looking to install a custom system or just want a all in one power station?
@JordanB-lc4oi4 ай бұрын
@nomadbrad503 All in one...thank you..
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@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
@noah7864 ай бұрын
I like those zip tie separators/organizers. Consider a short video on how those work and where to get them.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I’ll do that!
@Madeintheshade654 ай бұрын
I have always been of the mindset of I would rather have too much than not enough.
@gsp494 ай бұрын
That goes for anything, food, money, gasoline ,sex, ammo.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I agree with that
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Absolutely 😂
@hopehope9384 ай бұрын
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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks! I don’t have a plug for additional solar. Unfortunately this refrigerator is no longer being made but you can find similar versions
@Midnightchillplay4 ай бұрын
Hey Brad i want to ask can you charge your batteries just by driving on cloudy days lets say?!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I did not install an alternator charger because I havent needed one, but it could be easily added
@DarrenRivey4 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
😎
@shepatown4 ай бұрын
Well done on this video Brad.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I appreciate that 💪🏻
@jedics12 ай бұрын
All things considered buy as much solar as you can fit, its the limiting factor of everything else and even if you think its overkill your very likely to grow into it/find a use for the extra energy. Its the main reason a box truck is the way to go for full time living imo, that and the vastly better value equation of twice the space for half the money of a van.
@nomadbrad5032 ай бұрын
I agree with you!
@Living_Off_The_Road4 ай бұрын
Love it man great resource for future references too - saved to favorites 👍👍👌👌awesome diy job! Respect! 👏👏👏
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@wiln4respect3 ай бұрын
How do i get more information in starting the process
@nomadbrad5033 ай бұрын
youtube is where i began
@gsp494 ай бұрын
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 .
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@gsp494 ай бұрын
@@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.
@jeffwatts27274 ай бұрын
Your fridge isn’t going through the shunt?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
yes, its sharing the ground that is connected through the shunt. the shunt only monitors energy flow to and from the battery.
@krystal855664 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
hey! ill let you know if i make it to sacramento !
@krystal855664 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 ok thanks love your youtube channel.
@outoftime7884 ай бұрын
1:39 can that produce 220v? is it noisy? my inverter is noisy
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
This is a 120v unit for America. You can find versions that do 220
@outoftime7884 ай бұрын
@@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
@fiqriafauzan4 ай бұрын
nice
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@reverendprophet4 ай бұрын
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!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks for subscribing!
@outoftime7884 ай бұрын
9:56 can u get 220v out of the breaker box?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
This is a 120v system. We don’t use 220v much in the USA
@outoftime7884 ай бұрын
@@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!
@RimdarRanch4 ай бұрын
Test # 3 ... Can't get any messages to post here..
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I see you
@RimdarRanch4 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 I posted 2 others and can't find them. They should be here on this posting.
@RimdarRanch4 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503 Can you send me your email address ? I'd enjoy comparing Our Rig's Solar Systems..
@tumbleweed19764 ай бұрын
DC-DC charging products have improved in addition to solar. Another excellent video of your journey. Thank you.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@StumpyVanLife4 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I agree with you! This mini split did very well last summer in Austin. Insulation is also very important
@StumpyVanLife4 ай бұрын
@@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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
@@StumpyVanLife thanks for subscribing! It sounds like you are well insulated. Good luck to you sir 🫡
@sabcoak8464 ай бұрын
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
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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
@antoinettejohnson62514 ай бұрын
Best explanation I’ve ever heard! I actually understood what you said. Thank you!
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@wilty54 ай бұрын
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.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
I would be happy to help 😎
@1951Roy4 ай бұрын
Great overview on your system, thanks or sharing.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@azvwbaja4 ай бұрын
Thank you for you informative video.
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@FreeMissions4 ай бұрын
Great video! How loud is the fan on the sungold? Can you hear it with the cabinet closed? What about when it's open?
@nomadbrad5034 ай бұрын
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.
@FreeMissions4 ай бұрын
@@nomadbrad503thanks Brad! Your rig is so great!!!