SOLAR Air Conditioning on a TINY budget | Van Life

It’s by no means perfect.. but it’s a reasonable fix on a low budget. I absolutely recommend MORE battery power than what I have to increase usage.
**This is (practical) for 4 reasons..
1) Low energy A/C unit with ECO-Start.
2) Only at peak direct sunlight hours.
3) Reflect outside heat as much as possible.
4) Cooling an area as (SMALL) as possible!
-See (Part 2) for improvements--
#vanlife#solarairconditioner#offgrid

[@carolinmcnary1754]

*Seems like a good solar **Generater.Systems** . I have not had to put it to the test yet in a situation without power but it has seemed to operate fine so far.*

[@n8nomad419]

My solar panels fully charge my 400a batteries (from mostly drained) in about an hour of direct sun. So they stay topped off until the sun goes down. Then I watch movies until late but my batteries never go below 70%.

[@n8nomad419]

Also.. that’s because I don’t use A/C anymore. I live and work in the city during the winter and then stay up in the mountains during the 4 hot months. Like a 4 month vaca each year. I can only do that now because my van is paid off (no payments). When I had van payments I had to work all year long (hence the A/C. When the solar a/c was running it ONLY worked during direct sunlight and I could not run anything else. At all.

[@amalgamating]

​@@n8nomad419 so doing this really isnt worth it lol

[@n8nomad419]

Correct. It was worth it when I had NO choice but to deal with the heat and only just enough to cool down the bedding (not the whole van). Living in a van is just glorified “camping” in reality. If you’re able to move and live where the temperatures are good (that’s the only real good option) for Van Life.

[@amalgamating]

@@n8nomad419 yeah the heat part is unappealing tbh, but where do you go in the usa in summer ?

[@n8nomad419]

In case anyone noticed, I have 300w in solar but the A/C unit draws about 650w at first then about 500w then after. Keep in mind the A/C unit has a compressor that automatically turns on and off so the house batteries recover completely between compressor times. This is why it works on solar.

[@mikesmultimedia]

I'm working on a mini split ac install solution. While being very energy efficient, and quiet , and having separate compressor and air distribution units, another great feature of the mini split is its ability to extract moisture from the air. The mini split will also have heating capability. Unfortunately I'll be mounting the outside compressor unit to the rear of the van, so stealth prioritization is slowly dwindling. With a standard wheelbase it's just too difficult to try and maintain such stealthiness, but also have effective, securely mounted systems in place. There is also a gas powered heater that is planned on being introduced into the system as well the list goes on and on. I also plan on introducing a generator as well, which will two be mounted externally to the rear of the vehicle. When working with a standard wheelbase van there just isn't enough room to tuck everything inside. At some point stealth will give way to convenience and comfort.

[@n8nomad419]

It’s true. Stealth is difficult to maintain with so many changes. I’m fortunate that I now just live in temperate locations. I live wherever I find perfect weather. So much easier than trying to AC or Heat the van. But my travel job allows that and not everyone has that opportunity

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

Stealth camping sounds so intriguing. Maybe one day. Nice to meet you and get to know you. Blessings Sherry

[@marykirby7406]

That was very MacGyver. Thank-you!

[@n8nomad419]

You’re welcome. And let me know if any suggestions for future videos or any questions. 😊

[@guymaninu]

Nice job man! Im currently doing research to create a similar system of cooling in my Chevy Suburban. I need to have a solar powered AC system so I don’t have to have my vehicle running to stay cool while living in the High Deserts of Southern California near Los Angeles. On a 90 degree F day my vehicle interior reached 151 degrees! Thats a little bit warmer than what i believe is comfortable 😅

[@Debmun]

Great video. I live in Texas and looking to do fulltime vanlife and thats one of my concerns is keeping the van cool on hot summer days and I have a small chimix.

[@n8nomad419]

Also.. always park facing North as much as possible if in the sun (so your windshield is away from the son). Sunshade or not, the sun beating down on your windshield super-heats the van. I park South all winter so the sun heating my dashboard helps keep me warm.

[@russlejones5337]

Awesome!!!!great idea

[@littlemusevanlife7989]

This is fantastic info! Thanks, N8!

[@n8nomad419]

Took me sooo long to finally make this happen.

[@yet2bbroken432]

N8 I just found your channel and u just made my day!! I've been struggling with how I was gonna do a minisplit on my van and omg this is SO much simpler and affordable. Just watched your "don't let this be you" parking lot guy video. LOLOL. Thanks so much for your vids!

[@lukemckee9772]

I just bought a van with my partner, my top condition is stealth above all else, nice channel man, subbed

[@n8nomad419]

Thank you. I appreciate the complement. Many happy adventures to you. I also have a video on advanced Stealth Parking. I don’t make money from these videos and don’t plan to either but I hope they help others in our community.

[@bogtrotter5110]

The only reason I thought such a setup would not work is I thought that at least half of the air conditioner would need to be exposed to outside air, but it looks like only the very back needs to be.

[@syzygaRA]

wow, thumbs up for creativity!

[@n8nomad419]

Pavlo_V Thanks 😊 I was working on a small budget, so I guess I had to LOL

[@rocketman702]

Your airconditioner set up will be pumping all that cold air you want inside your van outside! Unless you isolate the front evaporator section of the unit from the condenser or rear section the rear vents on the side of the unit will grab all that cold air and toss it outside. If you look at a typical house install you'll see that the rear half vents of the unit are outside the building!!

[@n8nomad419]

Not all. But you have a point. I would just use it to take a nap in the direct flow of air.

[@marcusm663]

600W / 12 = 50Amps draw per hour. What you got 300Amps Batteries? Why not use peltier plate technology (the same as they use in thermoelectric fridges. Just get an esky, put some plates inside and an inlet and exhaust fan. Less than half the power draw. AS soon as it has a compressor, you will spend more on batteries in the long run

[@n8nomad419]

I have 400A. But Wow! Mind Blown! I’ll have to look that all up and do some research for sure. You have me very intrigued. Thank you so much for this Knowledge and something to obsess over. 😁

[@joshuamadread3678]

Very good info very good build, ill have to get that timer you bought for the ac.

[@n8nomad419]

I highly recommend having a better battery system and better inverter too. If you can.

[@joshuamadread3678]

@@n8nomad419 I already bought the ac200 bluetti from indigogo its suppose to be pretty good. Have enough solar 700w to pretty much run an ac constantly through the day but its at night I'm gonna have trouble, so an on off timer every 30mins would at least give me 6-7 hours of cool air at night if I can figure out how to program it

[@jamesrogers4674]

You need ducted intake vents equal to the exhaust vent going to the side vents on the ac case. You won't have to crack the windows and it'll be more efficient.

[@n8nomad419]

You’re right. I do have a vent inlet but it was an afterthought to the video. But you’re absolutely right.

[@Bellasafari]

Zero Breeze AC might fit your needs if you get tired of this rig. Not as powerful 250BTU- but would cool your bed area. I use one in my van, and it seems to knock off a few degrees in the whole van.

[@n8nomad419]

I’ve wondered how helpful they really were. That’s a fantastic idea.

[@Bellasafari]

@@n8nomad419 you can run ac or dc with their converter 12/24v. Just don’t plug into a cigarette port. Hard wire to dc.

[@ktk2094]

Genius!

[@hooperv]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. I have a 5000-BTU window AC in my van. It is fully stealth. In fact, no vents are going through the wall anywhere. I have been using it that way since late 2015. It works great. It took me some time to figure out how to put a window AC in a van without any vents in the wall. LOL I have always plugged in at night But this week I'll see if it can run day and night just on solar and my batteries There are 1600 -watts of solar. and 920Ah of batteries. It runs all day without using the batteries. It will run all night on batteries and run all the next day. But I didn't have a battery monitor, just a volt meter. So I'm not sure how close to charged they were the next night. I just installed a battery monitor. I will try running it all night on the batteries this week and see if it can run the next day and fully recharge the batteries at the same time. There's a lot of other stuff running too. So we'll see. Wish me luck.

[@12345blondie]

Hi thank you so much for this video! out of all the ac van solutions i've seen on youtube this one seems the most realistically secure and doable. I have a question, for the adaptor to fit the vent you said you got at home depot, what exactly is it? what should I search for to find that same thing? Thank you!

[@n8nomad419]

I’ll be honest I don’t know the name of it but if you screenshot the view of the back in the video hopefully they can locate it for you. I actually was half way through building an ugly complex adapter but then saw it on a shelf when looking for something else. (Also..I made some big changes and made my A/C unit more practical) and will put out that short video hopefully in a day or 2. Thank you for the complement. 😊

[@normanschlongdongovic4124]

Do more stealth and forest van camping..And don’t forget cooking videos

[@PyroEvil]

I'm not sure if I see correctly but your rear adapter take the air you try to cool down in the van and trow it hot outside. I think to have second adapter for the air intake will be more efficient ( to having a closed loop with the outside like when you put this unit in a house windows ) and avoid you to open the window too.

[@n8nomad419]

PyroEvil I always hope others will use these ideas and improve other even more. I love the ideas. Just like my “Stealth Parking” video.. if there are new or improved ideas, that’s awesome. And thank you for your input.

[@PyroEvil]

@@n8nomad419 oh , I forgot to said important things: You van and video is awesome !!!! Thanks for sharing this ! I buying a promaster van and currently waiting. Until I get it to start in few months and start the conversion , I'm looking great inspiring videos like yours ! thank again !

[@marcusm663]

Yes, the most efficient setup will be a 12V only. Any stepup or stepdown voltage will lose about 15% orso. I also like anything that has no moving parts. All my laptops are solid state drive and i removed all DVD/CD players. Spinning things uses juice. Hence why peltier better than compressor.

[@adlucem9845]

Never ever ever buy 12v appliances. They're 5x more expensive and mail order items. Buy 120v that you pop into a Walmart to replace. They use maybe 5ah more a day. Which costs about 1/100th of a penny to make. You're repeating "wisdom" from 20 years ago when lead acid batteries were the only option and a 100w solar panel was $500.

[@n8nomad419]

In most cases you’re absolutely right. But I do have a 12v food warmer the size of a large lunchbox that makes leftovers hot in 10 min with almost no drain on my batteries and the alternative (microwave) was horrific. But again.. for 90% of things, you’re very correct.

[@marcusm663]

You're welcome. Peltier plate is a plate, that when electric current is passed through, makes one side hot and the other side cold. Add an exhaust/Heat sink to the hot side, and insulate the cold side and you have a fridge/Aircon. Because no moving parts, low power draw. On previous message, I also forgot to include the 15% draw you currently are losing from the inverter stepping up the current from 12V to 120V.

[@n8nomad419]

And the heavy draw from when the fridge compressor kicks on and off during the day, even if I don’t run anything else. I really appreciate the knowledge and (I love how to projects and challenges) so this gives me a fun starting point. Like the saying goes: The more you learn, the more you realize just how little you know! Haha

[@n8nomad419]

I’m already watching videos and looking up DIY. You see, I never monetized my channel and never planned on it (Hoping it was a medium to connect and share ideas with each other) but.. they put commercials on my channel anyway and this is maybe the 3rd time I got helpful feedback in 2 yrs) haha. But again.. thank you.

[@omerjamalelden2012]

You could have done another duct around the intake for more efficiency... So you aren't drawing hot air inside you van.

[@n8nomad419]

Great minds think alike. At the end of the video is a link to my (upgraded) version. I did just that. 😁

[@crazy_spirit_of_a_life529]

Génial

[@kevinjudy2210]

Great job..new subscriber. Saving for van life in florida..

[@n8nomad419]

I love hearing that. It may or may not be a difficult transition for you (it was a lot of hardship and scary leaps of faith for me) but in the end SOOO worth it. I love this life. So if you’re ever in a tough spot, worried, frustrated or just want encouragement.. don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m excited for your journey.

[@kevinjudy2210]

@@n8nomad419 thanks..I'm 63 with $1000 a month social security and $800 a month income.. I own nothing, so I'm saving now (I just started getting SS last month )to get started. Wish you safety and all good!

[@n8nomad419]

Still young and a set income. Things are looking up (sorry.. I’m an “annoying optimist” LOL) and I personally live SUPER comfortable on a budget of 1,500 a month now that I recently have no Van payments or debt. And that includes plenty of travel/gas money. Keep up the excitement. It will all be worth it!!

[@n8nomad419]

What kind of Van Life are you looking for? I’ve know people to simply grab a small van and throw just the minimum inside and then upgrade over time..

[@kevinjudy2210]

@@n8nomad419 That's me! No pets, 1 person..as soon as I can get a 2 to 3 thousand $ van, piecing together cheapest and best ideas from utube, get in right away..I figure lower (but not lowest) level will allow me to replace the entire van for less than a$5000 transmission or accident or hurricane, etc..keep $5000 emergency funds. small repairs and upkeep o.k.

[@KevinObinnaAnthony]

What is the name of the AC Pls?

[@robertrhu1392]

What is the exact AC unit you ended up using? Did you find it used or buy new?

[@n8nomad419]

TCL 5,000 BTU White Mechanical Window Air Conditioner.

[@fibonaccifool]

What is the name of the metal part you have taped to the back of the air conditioner?

[@n8nomad419]

I just bent and cut some sheet metal. A piece that already vaguely fit, from Lowes.

[@thenobody9553]

If I were to fully insulate the rear of a step van with styrofoam and have a ventilation panel under the solar panels (for stealth) would that be easier on the power consumption? Assuming I have a wall and a door going to the drive cabin and a wall in the rear?

[@n8nomad419]

I would think so. Since heat rises and with better insulation. I also recommend more solar than I was using in the video. Sounds great! 👍

[@n8nomad419]

Just remember you’re at the mercy of the sun. (clouds, seasons, etc) And to focus on cooling the “smallest area possible.”

[@n8nomad419]

Did you see my (upgraded video)? Part 2

[@ducksinarowpatience3670]

Like subbed.

[@n8nomad419]

😁

[@mimit5669]

I find myself in hot Az for the summer and I like this set up. Is it still working for you have you done any upgrades or modifications I need to know about bf I get ready to install. Thank you!

[@n8nomad419]

It is still working just fine. Only petty minor cosmetic changes.. nothing real different. Just enjoying working only part time during the year with the best temperatures. I’m glad you like the setup 😊

[@HighwayNegative]

Thanks so much for this! In one of your replies to another comment, you mentioned having two small swamp coolers. Would you be willing to explain a little more about those?

[@n8nomad419]

threnodies I’ll be honest. I have so many different ways to keep warm and cool in the seasons. Depending on if it’s a dry climate or humid climate, mild heat versus extreme heat. (Vents, fans, mini-swamp coolers, box a/c and more.. I wish it was a simple process but it’s difficult sometimes to be prepared for all situations. My swamp coolers are just the tiny ones found at “as seen on TV” stores. They only work in dry climate and if it’s only around 90°.. and if within 3 ft of you. I’ve accepted that there are just hundreds of procedures, but since I have so much free time, I actually enjoy all of the processes 😊. A lot of those processes are found in my video (The REAL & hidden side of Van Life) and other videos.

[@n8nomad419]

threnodies Do you have a van or something you’re hoping to do someday?

[@HighwayNegative]

​@@n8nomad419 I really appreciate the response, thanks! And, yes, actually - I have a 2002 Ford E150 that I purchased a month or two ago. It already had conversion done on it, which is exciting, but I'm not able to actually start traveling until November. So, for now, I'm stuck in my current area and altitude. If I were really traveling, I would just go somewhere high for the summer. But I slept in my van for the first time last night in the middle of some intense heat (I'm in RI), and it was pretty unbearable. I ended up waking up after a few hours and driving to my job to sleep in the air conditioned area (luckily I have that option sometimes). So I'm just looking at options. I'm not 100% sure if I can fit an AC in my vehicle, so the swamp cooler idea is intriguing. If I want to make it through this summer I'm feeling like I will need to do something, because last night was rough!

[@n8nomad419]

threnodies I’ve been there myself. Even though it was a tough first night.. it’s almost like a right of passage. It’ll get easier. Also remember, as long as you have enough air blowing across you with enough skin exposed, our bodies do a pretty good job of self cooling. If it’s 95* and I have all 3 fans blowing on me, I can actually feel a bit chilly LOL. Good luck to you. Keep in touch and ask any questions you can think of at all. My videos are usually pretty short and to the point.. but I have LOTS of free time LOL so ask questions any time. 😊 I’m excited for your journey!!

[@ejthebus1355]

My skoolie is definitely not stealth. I had tried the internal portable AC but too bulky for inside. I have considered changing my Window AC setup, currently I sort of hide it from sticking out only because I was able to place it inside the bus mounted in an internal box venting setup. And yes, when I tried it sticking out the window it was horrid to look at!

[@n8nomad419]

In all honestly.. the ONLY good A/C setup is (None!). The ability to stay and move to cooler climates is the only good temp control. It’s just not possible for everyone. But using A/C is always going to be unsightly or difficult or expensive. Every version I used was because I had no option to live and chase the cooler places to stay in each season.

[@ejthebus1355]

@@n8nomad419 I totally agree. I have an AC in the bus but can only use it if I have shore power or get a generator.

[@n8nomad419]

Do you have any YT videos or pictures of your bus setup?

[@Oddadventureswithalex]

Just watched this I love it. I have some questions though. Are you able to run the AC unit all night? and what kind of batteries are you running?

[@n8nomad419]

Honest moment.. I’m not the wealthy guy with an engineering degree hehe, I’m just a guy who dreamed about this lifestyle and took the big leap. No.. I can not run the solar AC accept during only peak sunlight hours. I have 400 amps AGM which means I have 200 usable and it would drain my batteries in 10 min flat if not in direct sunlight. Even MORE honesty.. I don’t use the Solar AC setup anymore. I use my new Portable AC unit (see my “Cab Portable Air Conditioner” video).The Solar setup worked great but only cooled my bed sheets while taking a 5 hr nap during the day after working all night. It works.. but to be (truly efficient) I’d need More batteries & solar. Check out my new A/C solution. Way better 😊

[@n8nomad419]

Also... if you have ANY questions on building out a van, upgrading, literally anything.. don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll either be honest if I don’t know or have tons of suggestions. I absolutely LOVE this life and always want to help people interested.

[@kihntagious]

@@n8nomad419 where do you plug in your portable ac stealth?

[@n8nomad419]

The portable upright at the passenger seat? I usually plug in at different family and friends places or RV parks. When I am boondocking and off-grid I don’t use A/C, I drive up to higher elevations (mountain tops) and enjoy the 73* temp weather and nature. Or I’m parked nearby water (lakes and oceans) where it’s also cooler.

[@MadMaxSHTF]

Thank you for a great video. I am working on building a 24v power system:. 200ah 24v, solar panels are 400w, pure sine inverter 2000w, solar control charger 40amp. I have a Chevrolet Express cargo van with insulation, will a 5000 btu window air conditioning cool my van in Las Vegas 110 degree heat? I figured 200ah 24v = 4800w of juice to handle 400w-500w per hour 5000 btu AC

[@n8nomad419]

The (honest truth) is I don’t know. Because if it cooled it to 88* inside with a steady Flow of air on skin it would be cool enough for me, but someone else would think that’s crazy hot. It will absolutely HELP though. And if the vehicle has the Sun beating down on the dashboard there’s no chance it can compensate for that kind of heat. So make sure your covering the (outside) of any windows to prevent heat as much as possible (and face away from the sun obviously). But I never get my whole van cool, I only care if my “body” is cool. So that’s my focus. Stay in the path of the cold air 😎

[@bacura01]

It suck the cold air inside ?

[@alligatorrickw9160]

Do u have videos showing how to do it

[@thejspotvlog]

great video would love to know how long you can run it for and how does it do in humid weather

[@n8nomad419]

Realistically… about 4 to 5 hrs with peak sunshine. But I’m running AGM 400 amps (only 200 accessible). I’d suggest a better battery setup & better solar than what I have if you want a good improvement. 👍 I just can’t afford it LOL

[@thejspotvlog]

@@n8nomad419 im on the same level bro need a cheap option for ac as its hot here in cyprus

[@n8nomad419]

If you want to cool down the whole van it’s a real challenge. A/C will need to be up high and double the solar and batteries that I have. I’d recommend a Cab sport able A/C like my other video if you can (plug in) somewhere or a large Swamp Cooler if you’re in a non-humid environment. But the best option by far is to just drive to a higher altitude (but not sure if that’s an option).

[@thejspotvlog]

@@n8nomad419 thanks for the info bro keep up the good videos your ac videos seem to do really well on youtube

[@n8nomad419]

You’re welcome. And Im glad I can help people a little. I LOVE this lifestyle and excited when others start the journey. There’s the occasional struggles to conquer, but soooooo worth it!!

[@harleyhall8808]

Your pulling inside air from the van and blowing it out the heat vent that’s why you have to crack the window you need to make a vent for the aircon to intake cool air from outside...

[@n8nomad419]

Exactly.

[@n8nomad419]

I thought of doing that too. But the truth is that I am very Rarely in my van when it’s hot. Very rare. So I made mine to only keep my bed area cool in case I work a NOC shift and need to sleep during the day. That’s it’s only real purpose. Otherwise I’m at higher altitudes or simply outdoors. It’s very custom to my specific need. That’s my favorite thing about Self-Built Van Life.

[@melindamarie6139]

Hey there!! I do NOT handle heat well...i am seriously afraid i could pass away in my van from this heat!! I live in PA n it gets very hot n humid!! Im wondering if u know of an air conditioner i could run off of my 500w Jackery??? Really need help!!! Please n thanx!! I have tried the "swamp" cooler n fans not enough. I also have a Maxxair fan still not enough!!

[@n8nomad419]

I have another video “Portable Cab A/C” that should work really well. Check it out if you get the chance.

[@melindamarie6139]

@@n8nomad419 I did already lol thanx!! So u think that set up would work best for me?? Can i power that w my 500w Jackery?? How long would i get off of that approx?? I reallyyyy appreciate ur time n advice i am so stuck as 2 what 2 do!!!

[@n8nomad419]

Sorry lol. I thought you’d only seen the solar a/c haha. I honestly think you’ll be much safer with a 1,500w just because it’s so much better to have a cushion of Watts above what you need and 500w is pretty small. A large swamp cooler with a strong fan would be amazing as long as you’re in somewhat dry climate (humid climates they don’t help much). A swamp cooler (if strong enough and not a desk-size) uses sooo little energy too. Way better. But in humid climates a regular a/c is necessary but uses so much energy but does help. Ideally though… you’re also maximizing PREVENTION (Reflectix on the outside of windows, parking in the shade, etc). In summers I try to always park facing North or West to avoid the sun on the windshield if there’s no shade. But the very best option (that’s not available for everyone) is drive up to a higher elevation and commute to the hotter areas as needed. I live on the mountain too in summer where it’s 72* and commute to the city to work where it’s 100*. Yes it’s gas money in summer but sooo much more comfortable to sleep and days off. I also put aluminum on the top of my van in some places to also reflect heat.

[@n8nomad419]

I think what I’m saying is I WISH it was a simple solution. But this lifestyle forces us to be creative with many multiple ways to work on a single problem.

[@n8nomad419]

One day I plan on removing my passenger seat altogether and putting a LARGE swamp cooler there instead. That way I can run that ALL night on just my battery. But that’s in the future.

[@davidg.johnson7208]

On a timer means you have to be connected to shore power all the time?!

[@n8nomad419]

Outlet timers can plug into one of my off-grid outlets that draw from my battery. The timers alone barely draw any energy at all. When the timer hits a designated time the a/c automatically turns on in eco-mode and then shuts off when the timer reaches another set time like it’s being switched on and off. Like when people go on vacation and it appears the lights are going on and off anyway as if someone is home (same thing). Hopefully that helps. I know my setup is amateur but my goals aren’t wealth or fame Lol. My channel isn’t even monetized. 👍

[@terifrances]

Thanks for video nice setup. Where can I find this Ac unit and what solar panels do you recommend for top of van.

[@n8nomad419]

Teri Frances I just got the smallest wattage and BTU window unit at Walmart. I had to make sure it was manual and not a digital. I have three 100w monocrystalline solar panels from Amazon (the ultra-thin, flexible type) so they can’t be seen.

[@terifrances]

Thanks for the info! your pup is so cute! Just randomly met a great handy guy to help me install this in my Sienna. I plan on upgrading to a new van soon so I'm like to take this setup and move it into my new van. I have a few more questions. 1. Can I still plug the ac into an electric power source? Is there like a splitter so it can run on solar or electric? 2. Are the solar panels waterproof? I travel with my pups and think I will always have a 2nd back up unit in case the first ac conks out on the road

[@n8nomad419]

The a/c unit plugs into the inverter which draws power from the batteries, which are charged by the solar via the charge controller (the more literal version) but Yes.. I have unplugged my a/c from the inverter and just plugged it straight into an extension cord coming from a standard house before. I don’t know of any way to plug both in at the same time though.. sounds a little dangerous. And yes, the solar panels are water proof and will last many years in all types of weather. There is actually SO much detail I haven’t talked about in the videos, like all of the electrical systems and which ones are in series vs parallel and so forth. I’ll need to make all of that into a video someday.

[@terifrances]

@@n8nomad419 Thanks this is very helpful! I have been looking for a solar ac diy video like yours. Are your panels the renegy solar panels? I am purchasing my panels soon.

[@n8nomad419]

Thank you. And Everything I have (electrically) is Renogy except the Pure sine wave inverter. I have informational and just goofy videos but all are short and to the point. Many more to come.

[@davidg.johnson7208]

Should have installed it in an upper cabinet. Cold air drops.

[@Crogon]

I would suggest installing one or two old school floor vents the let air in from the front fender wells. If you leave your window cracked, sooner or later some addict is going to try to break in to the van there. Not totally thrilled about your lack of insulation on the vent, or the drainage tray, but it's all very innovative, anyway,

[@n8nomad419]

James Long I did those things in the video labeled (Part 2). For the exact reasons you mentioned. *great minds think alike- 😉 Well, my mind is fairly simple though LOL. Which is why half of my videos are VanLife Humor

[@Crogon]

@@n8nomad419 HAH! KZbin didn't show me part 2, but I see it now! I'll go check it out. :)

[@timm1000y]

Rad!

[@dougbell512]

I have the same van as you. Can I bring my van to you and I pay you to put in this same system? I'll stay with you and work with you.

[@elflaco4550]

Would of looked cleaner if you pointed in towards the van floor instead of back door

[@n8nomad419]

Agreed 👍

[@sergioknuf]

What solar panels do you have

[@n8nomad419]

Currently 420watts. I always suggest more if possible because so many locations don’t have as much direct continuous sunlight.

[@sergioknuf]

@@n8nomad419 i ment brand

[@n8nomad419]

I’ll have to check when my shoulder is feeling better but I honestly have mismatched brands but all are monocrystaline flexible. 140w x 3. I ordered them because they fit well horizontally to my van (side to side).

[@sergioknuf]

@@n8nomad419 how long can it run for

[@sidon1979]

that AC looks far from efficient, glad it is worked for you. How is it holding up now in 2022

[@n8nomad419]

It’s incredibly (inefficient). It’s not strong enough to cool the van for sure. That’s why I only cool the bed under the covers 😉. For that, it works well.

[@n8nomad419]

I was working at night and sleeping during the day. That (unique) situation I failed to realize that most people can’t relate to LOL 🥴

[@dirgesinthedark5637]

They have a 5000 BTU that vents like a dryer...LOL just sayin

[@NonPremiumID]

Well done. Did you install your solar, yourself? Wouod you help me, if I met up and paid you?

[@n8nomad419]

Home Theaterguy I would absolutely like to help. But no need to pay. It may be cheaper to save the gas and travel (depending on where we are) and find a local solar place and pick their brains. That’s what I did with all wiring, upholstery, carpentry, etc. But if we ever bumped into each other I’d be excited to help out as much as possible (just for the sense of community and friendship).

[@n8nomad419]

Also.. I would suggest any and all upgrades from what I’m running. I have 300w but if you can fit 400w+ and Lithium Ion batteries, 2000w+ inverter and 40a (Maximum) MPPT Charge controller. All of my systems are low grade (minimums).

[@NonPremiumID]

@@n8nomad419 I'm in Utah, would love to meet. I will follow you.

[@n8nomad419]

Home Theaterguy Someday a Caravan might be fun. But I’m staying local for an extended time. Now that the summer is basically over.

[@NonPremiumID]

@@n8nomad419 sounds good. We will stay in touch.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

That sounds like way too much power consumption for only 300 watts of solar.

[@n8nomad419]

It actually works really well. Understand that the compressor for the air conditioner is not on constantly. When the compressor is on it takes the battery level slowly down to about 75 or 80% (while the sun is out) and then when the compressor shuts off it’s basically just a simple Fan running so the batteries charge back up to around 95 or 98% before the compressor kicks in again. But... I also have a timer. So the compressor is only running half that time as well. And the fan still blows chilly air in between. Sorry for short novel LOL but it does work pretty well.

[@n8nomad419]

The over simplified example is... picture a glass under the sink and the water is steadily trickling into the glass (the solar charge). If I stick a long straw into the glass and take a gulp (the a/c compressor) but then I only take a gulp once ever few minutes, letting the slow trickle of water fill the glass each time before taking another gulp. 😁

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

N8 Nomad So how long will the AC last at night?

[@n8nomad419]

I have a week battery system currently. (Upgrading it around Sept hopefully). If I had 400 usable amps with Lithium batteries ((and had the mechanical timer cycling off every 1/2 hour)) it may last the night. But I don’t honestly know. I only use mine during the day to sleep if I have to work during the night. I never need A/C during the night so far anyway. I use 2 small swamp coolers and the roof vents and I’m perfect. But I am usually in dry climates though.

[@jrmartinez7505]

I'm not a pro at this, but I believe he's running the a/c off of a BATTERY BANK, not directly from the solar panels. He runs power directly from the solar BATTERIES, that then get recharged from the panels. That's why he uses the timer, so the batteries can recharge, so he can run the a/c again.

[@ask157]

Super inefficient for a Van with limited power to spare... You have already split units 12V or 24V a) dedicated for van confersions - super expensive b) for trucks for parking - more okay price

[@n8nomad419]

I absolutely recommend more solar and battery amperage to be more efficient. It does work for my Van though. Used it many times. But I agree at the time of this video (any upgrades in solar would be better).

[@n8nomad419]

I don’t have anything that’s 24v btw. I use an Inverter to run the A/C.

[@bryaniskoo]

It looks so terrible lol

[@n8nomad419]

That’s because it is. I’ve seen other videos where people have made it “awesome” but the $7K and countless hours compared to my 5 hr $200 setup-after LOL. It’s at least “functional” but definitely not special or amazing haha

[@bryaniskoo]

@@n8nomad419 yeah you're doing it one way or another! Nice and cool regardless! 😅🤣

[@adlucem9845]

Solar is hands down the dumbest thing you can do. You have to drive 10x more to park at high elevation and be in the sun. Ditch solar, drive less, and charge with an hour of generator. That is the "green" (cringe) way. You burn about 1-2 gallons a week charging batteries vs driving 2,000 miles a year + 75 miles a week at 8-12 mpg resupplying because you're in the middle of nowhere (usually without a signal) to make it work. Literally moronic to have solar.