Solar Breakdown for Van Life or Tiny Living

[@lightharvestsolar]

Thanks so much Jarrod, it was super fun having you! I know folks in the community appreciate what you do, us included. I hope everybody enjoyed the video. Feel free to get in touch for any off grid solar projects. We try hard to stay on the forefront of a technology that improves daily and make it as easy as possible to get the you best setup. If you're doing the Vanlife, solar and Lithium are key, we can help you through the whole process. One more note, upon closer examination we do not recommend walking on these panels without highly engineered, serious reinforcement from the back. Have fun out there.

[@that1guycliff]

LightHarvest Solar awesome and educational. Very helpful. Thanks to both of you.

[@grandsea2]

I had a neighbor who ran a shop with 2 extension cords...from his garage to a tree wrapped around the branch a few times to keep it high enough to drive under which was ok until he got a 220v metal lathe...those extention cords got so hot the insulation feel off and started the tree branch on fire! Can't fix stupid...glad to hear you both talk about wires and amperage capacity!!

[@marthaboal5818]

I really appreciate that you did this for us Jarrod. I am in the beginning phase of planning and your in-depth videos are GOLD. THANK YOU

[@ala.c0ste]

I’ve learned more in this video than I have from the countless solar videos on KZbin I’ve watched in the last four years combined. Thank you so much for this, as I’m finally in the actual building stage of my build, and this has been bugging the hell outta me

[@skruface]

You should also check out Will Prowse's channel on YT: kzbin.info/door/oj6RxIAQq8kmJme-5dnN0Q

[@craigmacdonald4987]

What a great guy that John seemed to be! Excellent video, thanks 👍

[@whowhatwhenwherewhynow]

Loved this episode... I was overwhelmed before as to what I needed and why.... And what the differences are.

[@brianmichelewallin]

This and the heating video are two of the best videos you have ever done. Love the deep dive into these topics. Even with the little mixup between Tesla and Edison. Thats why you got the peanut gallery here. We keep you honest. Keep up the great content, and we will keep correcting all your mistakes :).

[@vita-girl4345]

Thanks for the video. I have just contacted Light Havest Solar based on this content. You continue to inform and I like it!

[@Backyardplay]

Many thanks Jarrod! I'm soon getting into the Skoolie life and this was a perfect introduction to solar, wiped the initial fear of the unknown right off the plate. Now I'm comfortable looking further into options, knowing there's a great set up waiting for me and the experience and technology to seal the deal. Kinda excited about it now. Power on. E. Savage from the Northeast

[@tariqbacchus]

This video was really helpful for me in planning my power delivery system. But I would say this is a good introduction and recommend you look into each component separately. Also, hope this helps others: 00:00 - Intro 02:58 - Solar panels 06:30 - Batteries 11:17 - Charge controller 13:41 - Inverter 15:03 - Inverter basics 17:26 - Inverter charger (shore power charging) 18:40 - DC/DC converter (alternator charging) 22:35 - Wires/breakers/fuses 25:47 - Series vs Parallel 27:32 - Productssss 30:35 - Build in progress 34:27 - Completed build

[@JarrodTocci]

Thank you. And HUGE thanks for breaking down the time stamps

[@mrs.shumiahjenkins2323]

This definitely made me even more secured about living this new life! I can’t wait!

[@HuangXingQing]

Miles helped me with my first PV setup and is a really great business person.

[@minustaco42zero24]

This is the type of video I have been looking for so LONG. I have a '67 VW bus so I'm looking to get a good set up for it and needed to be educated on the power system so my bus doesn't burn down or something terrible. THANK YOU FOR THIS I will be contacting you guys in the future.

[@missvickienow]

Wrong. Tesla invented AC and that is what we are using now. Edison did npt "win" but he got all the credit.

[@andrewbobo1109]

YEAH!!!

[@GodlessDad]

You guys reversed Edison and Tesla. Tesla and Westinghouse were pushing AC power for its efficiency and Edison was heavily invested in DC power stations. Edison even invented the electric chair and traveled the country with it demonstrating the dangers of AC. He even shocked an elephant to death in his desperation to kill AC and beat Westinghouse and Tesla.

[@DavidStemper]

Yeah I was gonna comment on the same thing. Tesla was a proponent of AC, which we have today.

[@brianmichelewallin]

Yes! I noticed that right away too. Tesla is AC, and Edison is DC.

[@en2847]

He wasn't directly involved in killing Topsy the elephant, but he definitely fried plenty of animals (cats, dogs, horses and cattle) to prove his point.

[@JarrodTocci]

If we all wanted to get technical then you can say Tesla invented both and Edison stole them. But really does it matter, even if I did mix them up

[@SantaSirGlennDrHeald]

@@JarrodTocci yeah it kinda does

[@bearborg9986]

That was an amazing video. It answered a lot of questions and cleared up somethings.

[@pamelahulbirt2427]

John at Solar Place!

[@Mel-qr5ob]

I just found your channel and I love how informative it is! Other channels go in depth on individual van builds' details, rather than on specific topics so we(viewers) can make decisions about how we should do our builds.

[@N3pea]

You can tell that they really enjoy what they do. Love it!

[@nealwatson9382]

Jarrod, your videos are always top notch. You are the go to guy for different ideas on builds and your information is always reliable. Keep up the great work.

[@nealwatson9382]

On another note. When are you selling your van ?

[@JarrodTocci]

Thank you. In regards to selling I explained most of that in my daily vlog. But I'm not leaving vanlife. I've wanted to settle down somewhere for about a year now and I had intention to sell my van, just not this soon. I want to build a container home and another van back to back. Could I just keep my existing van? Yes but honestly I don't have the funds to do what I want hence the sell

[@nealwatson9382]

@@JarrodTocci wishing you all the best with the new chapter. We will all be watching whatever you show us. Stay healthy. Cheers.

[@daledeimel1833]

This is amazing. Great stuff. I case someone didn't point it out Edison was DC and Tesla was AC. I know now where to get wired up when the time comes. Thank all of you.

[@russsherwood5978]

yup your right and it is something i already do,, i hire a pro to do things i dont know and this would be one of them,,, if i did this i would end up starting a huge fire somewheres,,, thank you for the video, i,m going to have to watch this muliti times to under stand this,, be strong, be safe, and be blessed

[@Knowfere]

I build power and power break-out boxes for NASA so I'm pretty sure I can put a system together, however, I follow engineer's schematics and don't myself understand electricity and how it flows, so I will be consulting someone with what to buy and with getting a schematic when I finally get a van and start my build. The actual labor I am certain I can do.

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

This was an amazing video!!! So informative and so precise. Absolutely loved it and learned a lot! Thank you thank you thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_No matter what if you put the panels in series then run them into a combiner box they whine up being parallel. Then if you go over in Volts/ Amps you'll need another charge controller and you can run those into series too. Another thing that most people don't understand, which he covered quickly, was fusing the right size. The math isn't hard, I can't stress enough, DON'T oversize the fusing from the battery and other components. Can't tell you how many times I've seen 300 amp fuses coming off/ too the battery when their system doesn't require 300, they may need only 80 amp fuse. That 300 doesn't protect anything! For an instant my big ass system, I'm only using 175 amp fusing off the batteries, When people tell me all the time that not big enough, once I explain and show them the math, and you want to protect your system, with safety in mind. Then, they always want me to check their system._

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

100% Excellent Jarrod, I Have Been Waiting For This Video & All It Has Provided In The Understanding & Then Some! Thank-You So Much Jarrod! Peace Of Mind Is A Priceless Gift In Life 24/7! It Would Be A 3,000 Mile Trip & Well Worth To Have Them Do My System When I Am At The Point Of Need. Always, Tommy :-)

[@yokikokudou]

Love the breakdown of the solar power system & importantly, the electric forklift. Can't wait to see an electric van that charge itself w/ its own solar power sys like his forklift.

[@rowbygoren1830]

This is a great video especially for DYI. And should be “required” viewing for all involved with DYI. I was watching a very popular van builder who said for certain parts of your electrical system you could use regular extension cords, taking advantage of the built in plugs to plug into her surge protector. No mention was made of the gauge of the wire - and nothing was mentioned about the level of protection of the surge protectors she was plugging the wires into. One of the things we learned from this essential excellent video is the surge protector (etc.) needs to match the wiring capabilities being plugged in - otherwise you are inviting a meltdown or worse: a fire. DYIers need to leave the electrical to the pros.

[@dogcatparty7371]

Everyone should watch and listen to this video to make sure they get the correct wire size!!!

[@g2gc]

This is incredibly informative. Thank you so much!

[@jayjayhooksch1]

Between labor costs, complexity and space constraints, solar generators are looking like better and better options as the tech continues to evolve. Obviously, SGs have their own hosts of cons; inability to replace specific components being the big one, imo, and the lack of ability to expand battery capacity. There are pros as well of course, in addition to what I mentioned in the first paragraph you also get portability; you can't just pack up one of these systems and go tent camping for a few days or use it at a friend's backyard party for the weekend to power your cooler and stereo.

[@awake2truth511]

Excellent Video giving me a good overview of the components I'll need. Thank you Jarrod.

[@Vivithevan]

Just bought a full system for our van from this place, great business to work with highly recommend.

[@excavatorfun6265]

the most efficient way to transmit power is high voltage dc . The reason ac is more common is because it can be produced easier and works well with transformers!!!!

[@stevecunningham936]

Great Job Jarrod we need more videos like this !

[@Tony-oi3mw]

Thank you so much for all your videos & this one in particular.

[@Gamekid169]

I would just like to point out that Nikola was the one who took ac power and made it what it is today. Edison tried to block its expansion as he had heavily invested into DC. If it weren't for Nikola we wouldn't have the ac system we do... or at least not as early on. The only reason Edison is remembered and not Nikola is he had more money backing him... Nikola is the real engineer behind AC power.

[@rusty8719]

Excellent information, and I even understood what was being said.

[@sharimctiver8952]

Awesome video. Thanks for doing this - for sure it will help a lot of van & tiny house people.

[@ffcolon2738]

Thank you Jarrod, very help to understand what is it involved solar. 😎

[@chucktownvanlife4267]

I talked to John at tinyfest Northwest, nice guy 👍👍

[@trinaminihan3170]

Thanks so much for doing this video!! This is the main information I needed for my future van build!

[@stoneman9460]

Awesome video GHOST, took lots of notes for my upcoming build

[@TheWarrrenator]

I thought you interviewed another company that installs solar, but I think I am confused; this guy is way friendlier than the other guy I saw from that video. Thanks!

[@hungrydan]

Loved this info and look forward to more. THANK YOU Jarrod.

[@Buzzybee73]

This guy knows his stuff. He's talking about HVDC.

[@sabilismail1707]

Amazing, amazing Ur one-off kind I really give you support for that video I love it

[@LivingProcess]

Love this we have nothing like this in Toronto

[@Takpay]

That was cool. Great information. Thank you and everyone

[@MySonsMother]

Thanks, this is an area my mind just didn't want to learn about, though I need the knowledge pretty soon.

[@Kralphrn]

What a great office, WOW

[@iresolvers]

I think I will just use an Echo Flow 2 power station...great video guys

[@kellylyden4543]

So informative! Thank you so much for doing this video

[@lorinatzen]

Extremely useful video thanks!

[@patricechilds]

Thanks so much for this video! Very very educational!!

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Good, informative, and useful video.

[@mostlypeacefulslav1663]

35:22 As an electrician, that pleases me greatly.....

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DETAIL AS GREAT WATCHING AS GIVE UNDER STAND WHAT TALKING ABOUT POWER SUPPLY SERVICE IN TOUR FROM AUSTRALIA

[@tao4409]

Battleborn. In a LiFePo4, they are the best batteries made (in a drop-in). :) Always oversize and fuse everything. :)

[@DudeMannn]

I gotta tell the truth watching this video. NO BULL SHIT when I say that I rather have these guys putting my equipment together because I went through HELL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! putting my shit together as a novice and I actually blew some expensive stuff a few years ago. You are all welcomed to go through the same shit I went through. But, watching this video and seeing and hearing the stuff on this video that exactly matches what I've learn since the disaster in my rig, I recommend this type of service. Thanks Jarrod for the video.

[@JarrodTocci]

Thanks!! We can only lead a horse to water though (hoping people know that phase)

[@TheMarine1967]

Great video and very helpful!

[@mrsimo7144]

Brilliant. Thanks for the upload and information.

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

That is a solid blue collar 101- complete explainer.

[@bobd3330]

Tampa Florida check in love this

[@geekchaser]

Ima future customer... Just bought a brand new Ford Transit van 148" wheel base.. I see myself talking to this guy

[@JavierDiaz-yb8sr]

Oh wow thank you great video

[@thetux0815]

Great video, thanks Jarrod. Just one thing: can you please disclose on videos like this whether it was sponsored or not? Just for transparency.

[@dogcatparty7371]

Everyone should watch this video!!! April 19, 2020

[@ThumperX9]

Very informative video, Thank you!. BTW...Tesla was AC proponent.

[@agentdoubleo7636]

bout to build mine, this might come in handy

[@FahimibnDawud]

I think they confused Telsa.. he innovated the alternating current model and created the first AC motor, as well as several means of transmission (including wireless). Good video though. Edit: guess I should have read the comments first.

[@DanielTheRalston]

Dude, this video just caused me to hit the bell.

[@jackofblades6736]

Great info. Thank you.

[@geruner]

Entertaining and educational piece.

[@brownbunny2513]

Jarrod, as usual great video with plenty of valuable information. Do you know of a company equal to Light Harvest Solar, in the New York, area, I am from there? Thank you again 👍

[@stephaniemelstein9533]

I’m looking here too. Did you find anyone to do solar in ny

[@frankbrown9618]

Very usefull video. Light Harvest Solar and Off grid Solutions PDX provided good solid information. I am writing from Italy, E.U., so far away. But I think I'll contact them to design my system selecting hardware available in Europe...

[@angelakaiser3110]

Really great video!

[@sweetheart6722]

You did a video showcasing a guy named Brandon and his van build and he was talking about “needing” a second alternator for lithium batteries as though charging from your car battery alternator wasn’t an option or that it was a hazard. Does the dc to dc charger mentioned in this video safely cover that issue?, as his commentary raised some concern. Thanks

[@datghettoazn127]

Thank you for this video! Can look into a company called cutting edge power and do a review? I want to know if it's something to look into without getting each individual component

[@beckyelliott2871]

With the expenses you mentioned, which I definitely needed, would you advise a newby to van construction and living on a retirement budget, would it be better for them to buy a slightly older trade-in, than to go “all-out” new-build, as their first van purchase? Why or Why not?

[@jess4mathews]

I have this thing to where I really don't want to buy someone's discards..coupled with the more important aspects of nearly spectacular system improvements and the required occasional assistance...no - get new...if budget doesn't work you can plan ahead to add extra power/batteries/options as they fit into your wheelhouse...thats just my thoughts though and I won't be a full timer for the next couple years

[@tfiksdale]

Very helpful!

[@aaronrogers1971]

Needed this episode. I really need to have the difference between Volts, Watts and Amps, with the differences of 12V and 120w (and so forth) slapped into me. #ElectricalForDummies

[@dmdm8018]

Very educational. Thank you.

[@milcotto4153]

You just press the button and out comes all these facts.....:-)

[@JohnSmith-xk8rr]

Every inverter I bought from Canadain Tire has been trash. The efficiency is pointless, if I need to charge my phone while in its holder and have a laptop hooked to to a stand and inverter in my truck, the alternator cannot keep up and the battery gets fried. We found it took 3 extra truck batteries to get a reliable situation. When your on utility service roads, you really dont want your battery to die when doing inspections. By adding extra batteries, the longer drives can store a larger balanced load. I never cared about it though as my company would of never of spent the money to do it probably even though I could of done it in a evening and they could of paid me hourly. I just kept buying new batteries until the company got someone to install something better.

[@rowbygoren1830]

Actually Edison promoted the DC method. Westinghouse/Tesla promoted AC. And the Westinghouse/Tesla method won because Alternating Current proved superior for general use. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_the_currents Edison was certainly a genius. But he could also be a scoundrel :).

[@aicram62]

Why doesn't the battery management system do what the dc-to-dc converter does? why doesn't the inverter do with the dc-to-dc does? I mean it just seems like one is starting to buy so many different pieces can any of these be integrated and is there a quality integration? Also can the charge controller do anything else?

[@stephaniemelstein9533]

What are the new solar panels you are recommending since this video aired in April 2021

[@johnplyler7054]

I am surprised I don't see aux. alternators instead of DC to DC for charging your batteries. Is it just the cost or something else?

[@Sylvan_dB]

Nice info, thanks! (Would like similar depth on heat exchanger van heaters.)

[@mtbgo7860]

Great video. Nice edit!

[@aicram62]

Can you find out what the idle consumption of a RYOBI inverter is?

[@TrackLives_Matter]

Great info

[@aicram62]

SERIES has an R adds ampeRes. And PAvolts has an L adds voLts. That's how I finally remembered

[@Dave_Simmons]

Re-read the history of Edison vs Tesla vs Westinghouse. Edison was the DC guy. There were some shady dealings going on there.

[@ketsiabella4657]

Hello My question is how much battery & solar panels and inverter do I need for 83” long trailer pleaseeee I’m stupid to this type of things, I will be running Apple home computer & full size fridge & stove & 2 bug screen tv & hair blow dry and lights, Apple TV & Mac Pro laptop & cell phones & 2 fireplace & ps5 and washer and dryer in the DIY tiny house that is made out of shipping container, I want the feeling of a house powering please help I’m so clueless, I don’t want to over buy nor under buy

[@popette13]

This guy is awesome!!!

[@aicram62]

What is the best portable solar panel? With sun screen.

[@RVingwithG]

SWEET! I will be rocking 1,005 Watts of Solar, 400+ Amp-hours. I believe in the 3:1+ , Solar : Batteries. so 300 watts : 100 Amp-hours of batteries. so mine is @@ 900 : 300+ (1,000 : 400 )

[@roypase8488]

Awesome vid; now how do I get Light Harvest Solar to build my system for a towable in Florida? LoL

[@FloridaLightSport]

Did you ever figure out how to work with these folks. I am building out an 18' cargo trailer and I want AC and refrigeration

[@adriandeb2710]

Great video