SOLAR POWER for VanLife - Complete Course

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Hey guys, just wanted to say yes I was going to buy these panels with my own money until they reached out to me on their own. So this is my very first sponsorship, just cause it made sense for me and you guys. From the research I did beforehand, on my own, I came to my own conclusion that these panels would be better for my van since they were smaller and produced 22.8% efficiency, highest for home solar. Claim Code(10%off all panels): OUTDOORS10 200W Solar Panel: amzn.to/3aQRp1e 180W Solar Panel: amzn.to/3IOfFxt ALL PARTS FROM VIDEO: amzn.to/3RK9w9u ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn how to install solar panels in van life, how many panels you need, how to wire your panels (parallel or series), and what makes a good panel in the first place. 0:00 Intro 0:17 Researching Panels 2:20 How to Wire Panels 4:56 What gauge PV Wire to use? 5:36 Panel Install 8:48 HowTo Make MC4 Wire 10:28 Wire HookUp / Routing 12:29 Testing Power 12:53 How Many Panels Do You Need? 13:58 Sizing Charge Controller ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Need extra help with Electronics? www.outdoorsembrace.com Amazon BUILD PARTS (All of them) amzn.to/2YtfWkd Drag and Drop 3D Van Builder outdoorsembrace--vanspace3d.t... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peer Review Link: www.researchgate.net/publicat... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Info: If you are a business or youtuber and wish to contact me, see my email in the ABOUT section of my channel. Join the Outdoors Embrace Discord Forum. discord.gg/XKgnra3v Discuss anything related to van life, builds, or any topic discussed on the channel. discord.gg/XKgnra3v

[@davidpayette2348]

Congrats on the sponsorship man! Well deserved. Get that bag. If I order I’ll make sure I use your code!

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

@@davidpayette2348 thanks man!

[@sunsetsleeper]

Are the panels multi celled or single celled.

[@barbarabilodeau1323]

Just what I needed at just the right time..Im nervous and will watch any videos you put up. Thank you... 62 yo single woman doing my van build all by myself 😉

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

nice! Love the feedback! Thank you!

[@lora97006]

@barbarabilodeau Thank you for posting your comment, I find it inspiring. I'm 47 & have been considering doing something like this as well (now to overcome the nerves & procrastination🙃) Are you finished with your build? On the road? Good luck and safe travels - maybe I'll see ya out there 😉

[@SkyWalker210]

@@lora97006 nerves and procrastination are huge to get over. What I found on my last build is that after you actually start, the parts you're nervous about aren't as hard as you think. When a problem arises, you're "hands on" and in the moment, you see the issue, and it's a lot easier to think of a solution. I'm in the nerves and procrastination step of my second build right now. Good luck on yours!

[@atoiler1389]

I did not want to drill any holes in my roof. I did adhere my 4 x 100 watt solar panels to my roof. However, I placed 3M 5952 Double Sided Mounting Tape VHB 1'' wide between the Z bracket and my roof. I then covered each Z bracket with a 3” length of white RV roof tape for physical protection and to prevent UV degradation. I have travelled thousands of miles without any issues. Just a tip for others….

[@tysondog843]

So glad this turned up in my feed. After a few years (decades😢) doing 9-5. I've started studying to change career. The goal is to move to different locations for work. Stay in hotels, short term rentals, or have a wheelie home... I've been watching other channels to get ideas. Dam, you do a Great job of explaining, showing and giving real resource materials. Plus, you're a funny bugger...Love it, a new subscriber.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thanks man!

[@barbarabilodeau1323]

Just what I needed at just the right time..Im nervous and wi watch any videos you put up. Thank you... 62 yo single woman doing my van build all by myself 😉

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

14:13 this video is the best DIY solar install video I’ve seen on KZbin (& I’ve seen a lot); thorough & simple (straight forward), well shot & easy to follow along (your graphs & charts were excellent)❗️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙌🏽 So geed I went ahead & allowed both ADS, both times, to play through to provide you with some ad sense revenue (I rarely do this during the video, just the 1st 1 out of 2 before the video IF I already know & like that channel)‼️🤑

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thank you for that! Next video I make on Electronics coming soon, hope to put the same amount of quality into that one too! Actually all build videos will hopefully be like this!

[@JayJay-sg7zl]

Really good description. You should do it for the rest of ur build.

[@charleshagen5122]

I'm medically retired from the military and my jobs take me all around the country I have been planning on trying to do a stealth van build for a while but I don't know how to get started These videos have helped out a lot and I appreciate it please keep up the good work

[@xozegraf7179]

I don't have a van or a solar panel but I enjoyed this video and I wish I had such a set-up! Nice!

[@chriswiggs1027]

Hay. I love this .. I am starting a camper van. And when I tore out all the panels wires are everywhere. It blew my mind.

[@MichiStacker]

This is the first video on solar installation I have watched that I actually understand and didn’t go cross eyed trying to watch.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Nice! Thanks! I'm going to try to make all my new build videos like this.

[@DCtaping]

Loooove you attention to detail in the editing videos so clear i can watch it over and over

[@garyadair7274]

Thank you. I need to go back and rewatch your videos again

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

I made it to the end. Here in Northern Ireland, we don't get a lot of sun, in winter using 660 Watts per day, we would probably need at least 1800 Watts of solar to get back the 54 amps used ( on a cloudy dark day ) but in the summer sun and much longer days then a 130-watt panel would most likely work, double that to be sure as the sun is not always out. In mid-Spring and Autumn then 250 - 300 Watts of solar would probably do but 400 Watts for those sketchy days and a safety margin. Winter is the problem here. The amount of solar panels needed to recharge 50% of a 110 Ah battery is ridiculous, too much weight is high up, and limited room on a van roof anyway. Driving to charge, and/or a generator would be necessary for a comfortable living environment. More power in winter is usually needed for lights, diesel heater, laptops, etc; as longer times are normally spent in a van compared to summer. Depression can set in in winter if you have it super easy in summer, it can seem like the winter will never end, especially if cold. A Truma gas heater can save a lot of amp usage as they run on gas whereas diesel blown air heaters use a glow plug and powerful fan plus pump and are hard enough on amps over extended time periods. I think you made a good video and I agree with what you said as long as you're in the right environment (geological location ) for it to work. In winter things change exponentially, well again, unless you're always getting good sun, long days, or have tilting panels; snow-birding is another option if you can do it.

[@KrazyKaiser]

I watched your tour of "Great White" and it was really cool! so I'm excited to follow along with you as you build Megalodon!

[@kourbinrogers8328]

National electric code has a section on photovoltaic. Basically any rated amperage is multiplied by 125% to size the wire. But also, the only drawback to oversizing wire is cost. the pros of bigger wire are higher efficiency, greater safety, and more structural resilience.

[@blessedveteran]

Well, I will say this was better than the "free candy" van video 🤣👍

[@kcg7861]

Made it really simple for the solar panels I'm trying to get a van started too

[@moeiniusa]

Buddy I found your video clips was the most educational, sophisticated , Grade graphic, simple English, tnku

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thank you!

[@OutdoorTony95]

Excellent video. Very informative. Keep up the good work.👍🙏

[@NYC_VanLife]

Good vid, made it to the end so the algorithm knows me better

[@jondaigle3821]

I made it to the end. Love the step by step. This will help me when I get to build my setup. Thanks mate.

[@jackkuehneman9300]

I wish I was the type of person that could live in a van. Seems like alot of fun being able to explore

[@michelemarcum1350]

Recently started watching your videos. Some made me laugh and some were very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@ericswild]

Started following you. Like the newer van. ENVY the life! Enjoy life! And YES I made it to the end.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Hell yeah! Welcome to the channel! Thank you!

[@r.s.lapoint1178]

Wow ! You are a great teacher ! Thanks for your help.

[@michelledespres350]

I watched the whole thing! Great instruction!

[@noduj]

Thank you for your videos, i'm gonna build my own van soon and travel for 1-2 years, this helps alot!

[@levelupyomind4756]

Hell ya! Was just debating going back to the Honda Pilot to avoid rent costs. I lived out of one before for 8 months but this build looks great and something I’m really considering doing due to cost of living. Thanks for sharing

[@NamNguyenSE]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I love your original van build. One day i hope to have something like it. Thank you for your in depth explanation of solar system. You got a 👍 and a new subscriber. I made to the end 😃

[@MrHeinz90]

Hell yeah I made it to the end! And wishing i could do something this awesome!

[@touringfreedom]

Thanks for the video. That installation looks great! Now off to create an Amazon shopping list...

[@dalemciver7118]

Great Lay Out It will Help With My Lay Out

[@yaileentorres8139]

Brooooo u are the best explanations ever…. Thanks for keep it real.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

I appreciate that!

[@grayandgrumpy]

Wow. Loved the video, no nonsense, straight forward description of what you were doing.

[@nitram1666]

This is looking to be quite a well thought out project.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thanks! It's been in planning for 2 years now! It's still going to look very much like described in this video. Plans are on track!

[@toddbartholomew7486]

Thank YOU!!!! again for YOUR super helpful, detailed steps how to videos on extremely important topics. -TrashyTodd

[@StephenCorey0608]

I made it to the end. I've been using your videos as guides for my own van since I began working on it. I would love to get a nice new one like what you got. Maybe one day.

[@californiadreamlocks7441]

Thank you for sharing 🙏 I wish you would have made further videos about the wire and charge controller sizing

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

I still plan on doing this! I did do one for my last van and all of that still stands today! Check out the first electronics video on my channel because I show how to size a lot of stuff

[@craigrennie5458]

Just discovered your channel really great work with first van now your second great stuff with the solar panels and install can't wait to see how build goes thumbs up from uk

[@czw8652]

happy to see u build ur 2nd van after so many yr watching ur vanlife video, hope i can build one in future oso hahah

[@metrok-9o.s.p]

👍👍👍👍👍👍 Excellent job. I always watch the entire video. 😊

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thank you for watching the entire video! It does help!

[@TheMetalhead1966]

Very informative and helpful video, looking forward to seeing your master peice!

[@chazmichael7967]

really good solar video thanks, looking forward to more how tos

[@ediot.1012]

The end was the best part.

[@scottamy6496]

This is looking to be a really great upgrade and a fantastic build!

[@addmebro155]

Wow i like this DIY vlog, so detailed

[@user-gk2qw8gq3c]

I love your videos! I'm just starting out in van life building it up just like yours. Love your layout. I don't know electricity so this really helped. Please do a video about calculating it out. All of what you got plus a small cooler fridge. Also how to connect alternator for another charge source. Thinking of traveling to Oregon so need multiple ways. Thanks I will be watching all your videos. I subscribed

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

I do plan on making a video for calculating everything out.

[@cole650]

Nice build well done

[@ryancadwallader88]

Watched till the end. Prepping for a van build. Very detailed. Love it.

[@tonverfall_studio]

Watched it through - nice work!

[@escapingreality3423]

Mannn!! You are just awesome. Best DIY video.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Glad you liked it!

[@marinagu5762]

Awesome conversion!!! Can’t wait to see the progress!!!

[@vjm3]

So I have a book that tries to explain how to set up solar panels, and this is probably the best starting video which explains how to physically set the whole thing up. I like how you also included math at the end to help people determine their own minimum panel usage. What I don't quite get is how you got the number of panel wattage you need at 13:28. If you use 660 watts a day, why get 130 watt panel? Wouldn't you need 660 watt panels? There's clearly something I'm missing here. Regardless, great video. Thank you!

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

If you use 660 watts a day and only got 1 good hour of sunlight, then you would need 660 watts of solar. But on average, we get 5 good hours of sunlight a day. So 660 / 5 = 130

[@vjm3]

@@OutdoorsEmbrace That makes total sense. I'll use the "5 good hours per day" rule as a standard. Thank you!

[@RVMD95]

I watched till the end! I love your videos you always do a great job. Maybe my wife and I will see you on the road someday? Keep up the great work as I have yet to start accumulating parts for my solar build and I love to hear as much as I can on the topic. Keep your wheels rollin and your watts flowin. Stay safe.

[@danielknight1162]

I made it to the end, thanks

[@jeremybenoit759]

I have 1 panel like this and a little solar generator/power bank thing, got them both on Amazon for $200 or so, handy things to have, especially of you live in a van I'd imagine.

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

good stuff...i actually subscribed...keep up the good work

[@americanpatriot7248]

Made it to the end!!! I have a van that needs solar and heat before winter.....this is the way to go,,it just comes down to money...as soon as i get some extra ,i'll spend it on these. Great video!!!!!

[@stevenannett1739]

Ok i finally get the solar panels , for the first time ,, but I'm still trying to figure out how to add the solar power to my campers electric ,,,sheesh ! Great video and thanks ! One problem solved

[@OceanAngel13]

Thanks this video is super helpful. I'm working to get a van to start van life and this is very informative

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

You're welcome! Honestly feel free to ask me any questions, I read all of them often and can always help out!

[@Magiiicko]

The problem with Solar Panels connected in parallel is when some of the panels get more sunshine the the others. f.e. when you park in the shade of a tree. What might happened is one panel will produce 10A as it's supposed to be and the other will give 6A. Because of parallel connection the four additional amps from the first panels will be lost and you will get 12A in total.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Yes! If you can do it, wire in series!

[@nolan430]

Very interesting and informative

[@JoeCouto]

Great video and advise!

[@skinhoe]

made it to the end!

[@PrayTellGaming]

I bought the Renogy Z brackets but ended up letting my paranoia get the best of me. Drilled slightly wider pilot holes and put some thicker bolts secured by washers and nuts. Your method of securing the screws with wood might work but my paranoia starts to imagine humidity getting to the wood and making it weak over time.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Probably a good idea. Safety is always best.

[@Jokertk0]

I just got my inverter set us last week with batteries and charge controller, gotta work on the 12v side now. Can be confusing stuff lol.

[@zo1dberg]

Nice work!

[@bidbuytomasito]

Outstanding video. Thank you brother

[@DirtyGarageTx]

Super dope ur page just popped up an I’m loving it always loved the mini life

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Sweet! Thanks for watching some of my stuff!

[@funfrankie8990]

Nice video, very well explained!

[@Bamaphotographer1]

Made it to the end!

[@gabe2045]

Awesome job on the video!

[@greyycrews7398]

Hey! I am about to buy my first van Friday and I'm going to model it roughly like yours!! I'm an inventor so my electrical load seems it will be similar to your luxury entertainment level. Right now I'm just pumped to be on the road!!! I forsee first steps to be ac and insulation. That's my focus so I don't overwhelm myself, but this is a journey I've been dreaming to be on for a looong time and it's finally coming together!!! Thanks for the inspiration and guidance, I am a lot more confident in my decision now!!! Much love 💜

[@petergray6867]

Thanks mate I stumbled across your channel tonight for the first time so far your a inspiration and great help with planning of turning my inheritance into a off-grid van

[@Phoenix_Adventures]

Sounds really good ....great detailed video

[@PEPPEREDxMINT]

Thank you I just found your channel and this was very informative!! I subbed and will be a future watcher from here on.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Welcome aboard!

[@cobaltt88]

Very helpful. Thank You!

[@berniegoodman2823]

Very Good.

[@reztxsoldier5841]

Love the series, i wish that i could do the same

[@bearhugman]

Wow....just come across your channel. You do an amazing job of explaining and showing the detail. Great vid, I'll be subscribing definately. Plus that is an awesome beard, you really suit it.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

I cut the beard now, but I will grow it back in the future at some point

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thank you btw!

[@schutteb]

I’ve been wanting to get into step van and out of a mortgage payment in the form of rent at a posh 900 square foot apartment for $1,5xx a month. I’ve been a commercial carpenter for 15+ years and the electrical is the thing I don’t know and a mistake with electrical nobody wants to make.

[@jackiem1093]

So amazing!!! I'm still fearful but I feel a wee bit more confident 😁

[@buckcalkins2047]

I made it to the end and commented like u said

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Thank you!

[@skylarsmol]

suuuuper duper helpful, thank you for all of this breakdown, I'm planning to build a mockup system for my car with it's moonroof currently to see test my own skills and see how I can DIY make it work. Hoping to have my first van Next year though, starting with an Astro!! :3 I've been researching off an on for the past year now and this is probably my favorite breakdown of an electrical system so far.

[@JBSCHAFFNER]

I got the bougerv 200 watt CIGS panel for my international prostar. If you want stealth and ease of installation these would of been the better choice

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

I totally get it! The flexible panels are great for stealth. I'm just wanting longevity too, and sometimes these flexible panels don't last as long or have issues as far as I see online. But the BougeRV Cigs panels did look to be of great quality from what I saw. I was going to have a fan up top anyway so I'd still need to skirt around the roof with a rack to hid it

[@eric81872]

Thank you for the video! ☺♥☼

[@vernonhowell4485]

Awesome vid! I have solar on my van but definitely need to add more panels. I will definitely use this video to add more panels and batteries! Thanks again!!!

[@ravenboyce953]

Awesome video, very informative. Can't wait to see the entire project come together!

[@geryindraindra5433]

thank's man,it's so help me

[@W4ABN]

Very similar to how I installed solar on my sailboat. Really not that hard to put together. Just have to plan out your needs.

[@daviscrt]

Great information video. Looking forward to seeing the next episode. Your new van is going to be awesome. Thanks Don

[@keithnell7134]

Well done. Easily explained and I learned something!

[@AskIveSolar]

Sup boss! While I have no plans to do anything like this, I still watched and made it to the end. I'm kinda getting into batteries and a simple charge controller whereas I'm use to power stations. I hate fuses and stuff but I'm learning.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Yes! I kinda make my videos apply to all of us at some level. I hope the 800 watt system doesn't throw people off from that. haha. This video should also help people with tiny cheap systems too!

[@riverthedog4112]

Back to see a new video

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

welcome back!!!

[@nelvangonzalez]

Nice video

[@jesusperea6257]

Such a presidential beard. He must always be right. ✨✨✨

[@Jerryshipping12]

Make a fake ladder rack with parts of ladders showing so no one can see your solar panels, air vent or wood chimney.

[@Bobbakerfield]

Awesome

[@jonasbutler7572]

Finished