Modular Solar Array for a Van Conversion | BougeRV Charge Controller and CIGS Solar Panel Review

Welcome Back to the channel ya kookz!
Today we are reviewing a few BougeRV products that we are adding to the van. Recently we upgraded to SOK lithium batteries (www.us.sokbatt...) and are loving them. However, we’ve realized that since we added 150 extra amp hours than we are used to we are going to have to also add more solar power to our array.
Since there's no more real estate on top of the van’s roof we are going to have to utilize modular solar panels and run them all through a new MPPT charge controller to maximize the efficiency of our array.
We went with the BougeRV 40 Amp MPPT and one of their 200W foldable CIGS panels. What we wanted to do with adding additional watts to our array was to also allow us to have a more modular solar setup so we can be parked in the shade all day during the hot summer months but also have a way to collect solar via an extension cord to another MPPT that can be out in the sun.
A large majority of my van life friends have their solar panels on the roofs of their rigs. This is obviously the best place for them. We have a panel on top of ours as well. It’s really the only place for it to go. However, during the hot summer months, most van lifers find refuge in the shade. This isn’t good for charging a 400ah battery bank. Also, I find that the summer months demand the most power on our batteries. The fridge has to work harder, the fan is always on full speed, and other accessories are being used more because the days are longer.
I saw this on Dave’s aka ‪@NoLimitVanLife‬ channel he had a video where he was adding multiple MPPTs to his power system to expand his array so he could use more power in his home on wheels. I saw this and thought it was a great way for us to get the solar we needed while hiding in the shade of tall pine trees all summer.
This is an experiment in van life that went great and I hope this helps you on your van life quest.
Van Life is Not a Crime Shirts - www.vanningain...
Below are some of the links used in the video
Bouge RV MPPT 40 Amp Charge Controller - shrsl.com/3rcyc
Bouge RV CIGS Solar Panel - shrsl.com/3rcyb
BougeRV Extension Cables -shrsl.com/3rcya
Y Branch Connectors - shrsl.com/3rcy9
SOK Lithium Batteries - www.us.sokbatt...
Thanks for watching ya kookz!
check out www.vankookz.com for more information.
Peace out!

[@NoLimitVanLife]

Thank you so much for the mention Kevin. Thanks Dani! I'm loving the CIGS panel! I'd be psyched to have more of those panels. Thanks for using some clips from the beach. I'd like to give you guys a couple of these clear plastic bags that I use to shower.

[@Vankookz]

Yeah dude happy to help. I want to share with the other Kook subscribers that there are other cool people out there making informational and fun videos that aren't influencers being real kookz. I'm always down to Plug the No LImit Van Life! The more people like us show people the real van life the less they will be wasting their lives watching nonsense.

[@NoLimitVanLife]

@@Vankookz favorite van lifers that genuinely care about their viewers

[@yoterryh_JTH]

Nice job showing the new solar equipment. When I added solar to my van I debated between rooftop and portable. I ultimately went with a zamp 120 w suitcase panel which comes with a 25-ft cord and to which I added another 50 ft. This means I can generally find the Sun while my van's not parked in the Sun. The downside is having to carry it somewhere inside the van. It's definitely big and heavy and one more thing to shuffle around when I'm setting up camp.

[@Vankookz]

I knew you would get it Terry. Last summer I thought of this while I was in Tahoe. I was like can't I just park in the shade and run a panel out to the sun and keep the van nice and cool. I love it. Too bad winter is here and it has gotten substantially colder at nights here in New Mexico in the last few weeks.

[@metaspencer]

Great to see ya moving forward with more techie videos ... you're awesome man!

[@Vankookz]

These videos are all over the place. We like to say Vanning Ain't No Joke. The more you live this lifestyle the more you realize what you need to learn to get by. DIY is never done as you would know. YOu are doing some really cool stuff on your channel. One day I will have a place to call home and will have to reference your channel on how to do cool shit.

[@boomer16323]

It’s available with grommets and no tape. You could hang it on the sunny side of the van off the rack with grommets.

[@Vankookz]

When first got this panel from BougeRV it only came with the tape. Now you have the option for the grommets which is nice. I would definitely get the grommets second time around.

[@largemarge1603]

I allow the commercials to run while I read the comments. I hope this helps!

[@Vankookz]

You're daa bessssst!

[@VanningAintNoJoke]

cool shirt and sweet solaranels and box!!!!

[@Vankookz]

You love that box

[@craigbrowning9448]

For that flexible panel maybe make a frame out of channel that is its area and clamp the flexible panel to the frame? Being made out of some form of channeling would make it less bulky than putting it against the sheet of play with or something like that. And maybe it could be disassembled and stored in a small space. Maybe legs, a gimbal or similar arrangement could be used for orientation.

[@Vankookz]

Yeah, it's so flimsy and light it needs some solid structure to it otherwise it just flops over. As far as a stand we are maxed out in the van right now. Just sent my Starlink back because it was taking up too much space. Thanks for watching and always contributing.

[@craigbrowning9448]

@@Vankookz Chrome (Vancity Vanlife) improved his Starlink (with assistance) by Roof Mounting It with a Plug-In Connector.

[@Scrambler85]

Looks like a nice system. Good job on the installation and explanation 👍

[@Vankookz]

Thanks, JG just trying to get my array to your status.