Solar Panels Inside Windshields

[@crashn]

If you place them on the outside of the windshield, it could serve two functions at once. Direct sunlight for production, but also an excellent shield for the interior. Perhaps even put a cloth backer that is tailored to your windshield with some attachment mechanism. Jeez, might try that myself.

[@greggtilghman6349]

Agreed but if you're going to leave it for a few days, may get stolen or drenched by rain, they are mostly water resistant but folding panels are rarely water proof. If you're leaving the van, you don't need 100% output, 40% is good enough to keep the battery topped off and keeps them from discharging.

[@vorbis869]

0 yapping, straight to the point, all useful and interesting information. Fantastic video

[@GeorgeOu]

Modern windows and windshields are designed to block thermal radiation to keep the inside cooler. That's where the 60% went.

[@KyleRuggles]

True true! Also many of them are polarized, like our sun glasses or CPL filters for camera's, cuts the light quite a bit.

[@ccibinel]

I'm really curious how this will work for Aptera which has the panels on the dash. I wonder if they use a different type of windshield that doesnt have the same film to block specififc wavelengths.

[@LawPope]

Incorrect: The inside solar panel only got around 40% because the windshield magnifies heat which is why in the video he measured temperature to around 175 degrees inside. As we know; the higher the temperature the less efficient solar panels become. Wrong again about the windshield designed to repel the "solar radiation", unless your vehicle is equipped with the tint; most vehicle don't because it cost more. You can check your vehicle windshield or tint with a UVA/UVB/UVC tester card. Even If you have the tiny, vehicles are ovens and will heat up in the sun to maze temperatures without shade.

[@hmtechsvc]

@@LawPope not only that, but i thought immediately all of those data points should have been thrown out and the whole thing started over - putting insulating, heat reflecting sleeping bags amplified and trapped all that thermal air around the interior ones - so which days were with the sleeping bags and which days were with the plastic bar thing - because it didn't make a difference in the graphs - which doesn't make sense...

[@leeinwis]

@@LawPope Or... it's both...wow stuff can be more than one thing !

[@michaelstephenson4277]

I just happened to run across your video today.(I think you did a good job) i’ve been in the Glass business for a little over 50 years. This is just my humble opinion, but I believe the reduction and output of those panels is due to the polyvinyl butyral interlayer (PVB) Which is actually capable of filtering about 99% of the ultraviolet that passes through it. I believe that is the primary cause in the output, reduction. Keep up the good work.

[@Littrell1966]

It does have to do with the PBV, most windshields and front door glasses are tinted from the factory with a green tint and transfer about 70 to 75% light so would cut down the output. Back in the 70's and older some vehicles had clear glass with no green tint.

[@justthisguyyouknow666]

I don't think it's the ultraviolet so much as the fact automobile glass is multilayered and often tinted. A front windshield might do better because it shouldn't be tinted.

[@justthisguyyouknow666]

I've had panels in my west-facing dual-paned apartment windows for while. In my humble experience, they get roughly 1/2 the rated wattage. Surprisingly, a 50W flexible panel from BougeRV I bought for a steal (CA$40), gets up to 29W, and it's at least a decade old.

[@danthesquirrel]

Thank you Professor Proton for running this experiment. When I retire to a truck camper I had planned on using a solar panel inside the windshield to trickle charge a backup power supply but if it only generates 40% the output as when it is deployed outside I might pass on this idea.

[@ronfry5851]

Thank you that's always been a question I had in the back of my mind and you just answered it, awesome job

[@michaellee6868]

Thanks for doing this, and thanks for putting the main answer early in the video. Follow-up question: what if you face the van east on a cool morning? As panels get cheaper, "questionable" stuff like this begins to make sense, especially if you use some power to ventilate the vehicle. (I have had various plastic things fail in the interior heat, over the years, here in Alabama.) Finally, some have suggested UV or IR-blocking windshield layers are the problem, but most panels are tuned for visible light, because the most energy is there.

[@surfingcuriositywaves4046]

If it's a cool day and you want the extra heat, the inside option makes the panels 'dual output' devices for the good. However, if you expect a hot day and want cool comfort, the heat needs to be kept OUT to reduce the load on cooling appliances. So, seasonal considerations indicate some days where the outside panel is best.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

Even though the output is substantially less it would still make good sense if you're leaving camp on a hike, etc. and want to at least keep a little charge going to your power station. I have a little 110 Dokia panel that I am using this weekend for the first time on a camping trip so may try it out myself.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Same results I noticed using a smaller panel to maintain a 12v battery...putting inside the windshield made it more or less useless. It had to be mounted outside of the glass to get enough irradiation to actually work.

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

Like# 198 - I actually do this as a sun shade here in AZ as well as to keep my 12volt battery topped off

[@leeinwis]

Ha, I thought of that but haven't done it yet, just got a Bluetti but not a solar panel yet.

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

My 12v battery is substantial, guessing it could start the Space Shuttle… So having it topped off is beneficial. Its a 95ah 12v that’s roughly 7” x 8” x 14” I once left my lights on all day (10 hours), and it still barely started. That’s when I bought the panel and affixed it to a sun shield…

[@alexspiridon1017]

I absolutely love your videos. Found your channel from the lightweight cabinets, and i'd love to see more of that as well.

[@Liqudus]

Just casually snacking on some desiccant! LOL

[@yieldforpeace]

This is a nice experiment, thank you for the information 👌🏼

[@sgw3612]

Very helpful vid. I'm following your link to the panels... Appreciate your comments on the build quality & ease-of-use benefits.

[@gwb8445]

This video just appeared on my feed. I liked your no nonsense approach to presenting info. I subscribed.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

I think car windshields are doing some spectrum filtering to attempt to limit at least UV to keep interior cooler, but I don't know anything specific. Also aren't windshields two layers with plastic/glue to make them safety rated? again, no clue how this affects things. That said, I like this test. I've thought about using a flexible(not foldable panel) as part of a window sun block, but never worked out any details. So again, very interesting test and my blind guess at the start with 50% at best for the reasons you mentioned, dirty window, non-optimal angle/car position. That said, flat mounted roof panels are facing these same issues. If someone had a jackery like device up front while on a day hike(or day job), this would be helpful way get some power while unattended charging. I've been thinking of an ways I could trickle charge my starter battery while boondocking for days in same spot. Modern vehicles have parasitic power draw that's really annoying. You see notes in owners manual about starting car every 2-4weeks to top off battery.

[@atomicsmith]

I bought a small battery tender panel on Amazon (probably 20-30w). I just leave it on the dash in my truck and it works great. The truck is under a carport so it only gets direct sun to about 11:30 and it still works great.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

@@atomicsmith Thanks for the tip. Was looking at the little 50w panel but did not work out which controller I'd use to regulate the voltage for starter battery charging, but not over charging. Once those are figured out, wiring for ease of use. What do you use control the panel voltage?

[@motorcyclemadness9742]

@@Chris-ut6eq been using a 60w folding panel in my windscreen for a few years now to help combat parasitic draw from car alarms. PWM solar voltage regulators are very cheap (£10 to £30 for the cheap Chinese ones readily available) but approximately 30% less efficient than MPPT type regulators. I use Victron mppt more expensive but well worth it for adjustable within there app. Just remember to buy the right type Victron do make Bluetooth and non Bluetooth versions

[@atomicsmith]

@@Chris-ut6eq The panel I bought has a battery tender circuit built in. I just plug it in to the cigarette plug and it does its thing. Very convenient.

[@IowaKim]

Even with the filtering that a windshield gives, having a window sunshade that produces some charging capacity is better that than nothing. So inventers step up and come up with a combo product!

[@justgivemethetruth]

Interesting idea. Whoa .... that is a lot of van you got there.

[@simonbroddle754]

I got a Renogy panel to charge a Jackery. My idea was to install it so it took sunlight through the sunroof so the panel was in the car and could be used all the time. Worked brilliantly during tests until I put it under the glass and then it failed abysmally. I got around 4w of power regardless of how the sun shone when under the glass. Resting it on the outside of the roof it increased 10x nearly. The glass certainly has an ability to block sunshine for my panel.

[@litnoregrets7551]

Thank you for your data. I have done similar tests myself with several different panels. For me, the issue as you mentioned is that the car needs to be facing south for best results. When I go hiking or ca,ping, on most cases, I do not have a choice on the direction I park. I am lucky to even find a parking spot. Lol. Of course there is also the angle as you mentioned. Your video has made me rethink my testing. I think I might try using a cigs panel, which reacts differently than mono crystalline. Thanks again.

[@chrisplatten2293]

Based on experience, it's better than not having panels at all. I am in a 'use it while you build it' situation with a van being built as a base camp for mountaineering. Mostly used for 4-10 day trips, not full time living. Also in the UK where we are not known for great sunshine. I two sets of 100W panels. They are a 2 panel bi-fold design. The panels are wired in parallel. I can get one open for the full 100W and the other set folded to give just 50W in the front of a Citroen Relay (equivalent to Promaster). About the best I have got is a 300Wh 'harvest' with them inside. If there is still sunlight when I get back from a hike, I can use the outside as ground deploy and get a bit more. They are not waterproof, just water resistant, so if I am not there to monitor them, they have to be inside. For two summers, I have got by with this. The van has lights, some USB charged devices and a fridge. If I am careful it works out ok. It also helps that I normally shift location every couple of days and get an hour at 30A from an Orion DC/DC charger when I do that. For comparison, that one hour is 360Wh, so more than a day of solar. Two weeks ago, I finally put panels on the roof. It's now a cloudy September and I am getting an easy 300Wh from 2 x 100W roof mounted panels without all the faff of setting up. when I actually get a sunny day, I can see what a good yield will look like! I can also park for the view out the side door, rather than for optimum solar orientation. The bottom line is, if you don't have roof mounted solar, putting panels in the windshield will get you something, but not much. I also used cushions for support, but being the UK, things didn't get very hot. I guess US desert states would be very different!

[@steve37341]

Friend is in the auto tinting business. He has talked about the tint to block heat. You could probably buy some window tint designed to block heat to place temporarily on the exterior of your windshield. Still some sunlight reaches your panels but does not overheat them.

[@HelamanGile]

They worked great for my old lighting system when I was in Mexico has plenty of power

[@EZPromoVideos]

I did a similar experiment… hanging the solar panel inside the house. Tinted windows are a real issue! The other option was for me to put on patio doors that were untinted! Made a big difference…

[@marusholilac]

I have 1800W of panels inside my porch windows, which face south and east. The glass is Low-E, though I have no idea whether this affects the output. The most I can achieve is 400W. I chose to place them inside because there is no maintenance, no snow and leaf removal, no permanent attachment to the house (I hold them in place with spring curtain rods), and I don't have to die falling off the roof. My battery system is for backup primarily, and the panels are just for the worst case, as I recharge the batteries with (1) the grid and (2) in an emergency, from a generator or an inverter attached to my car battery. I have the folding panels too and in Virginia have never achieved 50% of the rated capacity in full sun at high noon in mid-summer. I'm impressed with your performance inside a tinted windshield.

[@boblatkey7160]

Dang, I have never heard of anybody doing this before with that much solar. That's a lot of windows for 1800 W.

[@marusholilac]

I'll explain my setup. I have a sun porch above my 1-car garage. It has 13 identical windows with glass of 28x66. 4 are on the east, 8 on the south and 3 on the west sides. There is also a glass single door and a norrow window on the west side. The panels in each window are a 100W HQST, topped by a 50W Renogy (same company). I cannot use the west windows due to shade. The panels are all 12V, combined into 6 48V striings. Actual voltage is 75-80 open circuit. I have another 4 HQST 100W panels to mount outside under these. They will be hung on a french cleat-type system, flush with the wall. Thus, all 28 panels, inside and out, can be removed with no tools.

[@jaymercha3859]

Thanks for the 40 percent reveal at 4 mins. into the video. I watched all though. I gave thumbs up.

[@wam7484]

I only browsed the video to get your results but had a thought. Not only does putting the panels behind the windshield drop the power to 40%, but also you lose the ability to aim the panel directly at the sun. For example sun is east and truck is pointed north. On a free stand in a campground you would benefit from sun aiming too. If you addressed this and I missed it, apologies.

[@Travisj535]

Can you do a quick review on the free snacks they packed in there? 😃

[@chalkyc]

the do not eat snacks! 😁

[@Wanderingwalter]

I have one for my old Motorhome, great substitute during winter to top up my power station , serves me well !!!

[@ilmudunia3142]

Thanks for the experiment. I think this may be good for certain situation such as parking under roof, act as a sunshade, extra solar input to keep the battery charging. You may want to open the side windows a bit for ventilation, that may help to cool the temperature down. I personally think it's a good backup to have.

[@streakychambers658]

Very interesting… great video.

[@crackerjack6075]

I already had this perspective because I used an old flex panel to block Sun from my bedroom window. But yeah if you have an extra panel, put it to use blocking Sun that would otherwise add to green-housing.

[@sdnlawrence5640]

Windshields come in 3 types, Clear (which is rare in USA; tinted which is really mainly found in northern US and shaded, tinted with the dark band across the top.

[@welshnutterz]

I too have always wondered whats shown here in the video. Thanks

[@stanleybest8833]

Glass catches a lot of ultraviolet. If the panel doesn't get too hot, it will also last longer inside. My favorite less power trick is turning a pair of panels largely south and north so you get morning sun and evening sun. Less to struggle with a battery.

[@OWK000]

I used to keep a trickle panel (14 VOC and 1.5 watts) on my dashboard all the time just for my starter battery. If I accidentally left my lights on, on the way to work. I would take it out and stick it in full sun and it would get my battery charged up enough between say lunchtime and 5pm to start my car and go home at 5pm no problem. It made that battery last 10 years and then my wires that had been fried in the sun (UV light) for 10 years got wet in a drizzle and ended my battery and the panel. Glass 50 watt panels will fit on most dashboards. Even 100 watt panels with the more long retangular shape would probably fit on a lot of dashboards. I don't do plastic flex panels.

[@daveduncan2748]

I've got a couple of those panels. Like with all panels, heat makes them less efficient. On cold/cool winter spring days, I've actually gotten more that 140W from them.

[@fraliexb]

8:20 funny you said, be nice if they made a sun shade with some solar panels on them, and you could have just put a sun shade with the solar panels between.

[@CameronOwen101]

I wonder if you could retest with just a sheet of automotive glass over the outside panel just to see how much the UV and glare shielding in the glass actually effects the output. With a proper size shades on all windows you would also keep a lot of the heat out - you're literally drawing some of that energy away with the solar panels.

[@joshuabriggs7114]

Very useful video. Thanks!

[@dannydivine7699]

So the coating and tinting on the windshield are doing exactly what they were designed to do. Have you thought about some large suction cups mounted in the eyelets on the panels, and then mount the panel on the outside of the windshield??

[@midnite22767]

Great video, guess we know why window shade manufactures didn't already do this. I wonder if securely mounted solar panels on to the side of camper van bodies will help increase the amount of solar power generated. I see some solar panels can be mounted on the front hoods of Sprinters but I wonder if the heat from the engines reduce their efficiency?

[@karinhart489]

Thx for the test, as I have been wondering. I have a 120w with an auxiliary AGM battery to run a 25qt fridge & other small 12v needs on the roof of my Ram ProMaster City cargo minivan (the baby of the ProMaster family), and that is similar to what you said about your old van. Before my simple camper conversion that added this solar I used to park facing south to put a 60w folding panel on the outside of my windshield & run the cable in driver’s side to power/recharge a Jackery 240 on the floor in shad to keep power station cool. Like mentioned, I often wondered if it would work on the inside while I’m away from the minivan because one can easily recharge a Luci Light on the dash while driving. Now I’m wanting to add a bigger 1000-1500 power station for flexibility of not having it tied to camper van. Assuming I can find one that fits inside my windshield, I was wondering if a 200w fold panel would work to make up for lost efficiency??? Unlike your setup of needing to suspend the panel, I would put my custom fit Heat Shield window cover behind panel to keep heat out of cab/ van interior. Should work in theory. Thanks again for the review so I can share it with my helper-bees on this project.

[@philc.9280]

Ha Ha I've done this for years especially placing them on the inside when I'm gone to prevent theft. If the panel doesn't cover the whole window, I'll put the shade behind it to keep the vehicle cooler in the summer. They are on the outside when I'm present.

[@bertkelly7650]

I tried maintaining my car battery with a 65w panel and a 240wh Jackery battery pack. Had the panel inside. Don't have your numbers, but it kept both batteries maintained. Not sure if windshields have a UV blocker if that has anything to do with a lower output since my photochromatic glasses won't change very much through the windshield even w/ direct light or that solar panels need ultraviolet light to work properly. Apparently, they do for the reason why they don't work as good through the windshield.

[@stco2426]

Excellent!

[@Kurganic99]

If you have a super hot windshield and a little sprinkle comes from the sky it will likely destroy it. I know from experience on one of the side windows of my Blazer.

[@tombair1]

Did you eat the do not eat packets @2:45?

[@stan.rarick8556]

I would try to make a frame/structure to securely hold the panels on the outside of the windshield. Also a way to vertically hang panels on the sides or back.

[@harryhoesch3793]

Assuming you can park facing the sun. Seems better when the sun gets lower for windshield angle as well as cooler temperatures.

[@user-sv9je7bz4j]

Modern auto glass blocks UV, so it is blocking light that you can't see from hitting the photo cells on the panel.

[@carlbeaver7112]

Not to mention the thermal transfer into the cab of the vehicle...

[@YouLookinAtMe-Bro]

Of you eat too many of those moisture packets, they will dehydrate you! Lol Thanks for the panel experiment... I've always wondered, and now I know.

[@andrievbastichy8551]

why did u eat the silica gel packets?! 2:38

[@mattmccallum2879]

Did you look into the effects of coatings on windshields? I’m guessing you just assumed most windshields will act similarly enough? Wasn’t sure if different manufacturers might use different coatings, or even none at all in some cases, which could potentially affect results. Might have to try this on my own van and see how it compares. Thanks for the interesting content!

[@MakeYourOwnMattress]

I think if I was to build out a van I would add a huge marine hatch that's also a skylight and then I could use solar panels as a"shade" that sides open and closed on rails along the ceiling. That way the glass could just be thin plexiglass which may transfer more energy than the wind shield. Has anyone experimented with mirrors + solar panels?

[@richj120952]

You in theory should get a 3dB loss due to a window, as it tends to polarize the light. Then if there is tinting, as in most vehicles, the loss will increase. (3dB loss equals a half of the power.) Your test pretty much showed that.

[@roy2177]

This what I needed. Thank you 😊

[@mallermedia]

thank you!

[@mihaicristian2885]

Thank you very much for your video and very usefull informations!

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo........i use mine as dehydrator to.......cheers.........

[@kennethwilson8633]

I wonder if you used a solid panel if it would do the same.

[@Ulbre]

Yet another you tuber who makes really great content but hardly ever replies to comments. On this there is 42 comments, as I write this comment, over the last day since posting and not one reply. Yep, great video, and you have answered a question I had thought about...so I thank you. Just saying though....reply to comments and maybe you'd have 100K or more subs and 10X views. just my opinion folks....once again, great video :)

[@PazLeBon]

do plants grow in greenhouses?

[@prizm63]

I use solar in my van YES. then when parked I attached 3 stringing together from dashboard to hood to roof . This works

[@Kingtrollface259]

Ive often thought you may be able to increase the power out put by using a magnifying glass🤔

[@kylejames7056]

I can't believe I just watched you eat one of those 🤣

[@boomer16323]

Should have angled the ground panels at the same angle for a better comparison. What level of tinting is your windshield? Not the instant clear defrost type, I hope, with a very thin layer of metal in it.

[@cobbles62]

This seems such an "worst of both worlds" scenario that I had to click the thumbnail 🙂 Maximum thermal abuse of the panels *and* of the inhabitants 🙂 Anyway, 3 minutes in I had seen/realized enough. Interesting idea for a youtube channel though! "How to make boondocking into the most miserable experience" 🙂 Keep up the good work!

[@david78212]

I'm not surprised by the reduction in output considering that windshields are meant to block UV. If you are just using it to keep/top up batteries while you are gone, it's an interesting option. If you consider that you don't really lose much from a lithium battery just being stored, you won't gain much from a solar panel inside the windshield. Unless you have a small drain running something all the time, it's a wasted effort. Save your pennies and buy a couple flexible panels, can't be stolen without lots of effort and the gains will be worth the effort. A solar panel inside a window designed to block UV rays is going to do nothing good and if somebody really wants your solar panel, a locked door is not going to stop them from stealing it.

[@paolopetrozzi2213]

Hi, very interesting, thanks.

[@davidgeorge7443]

Hwy, at 2:43 did you eat a desiccant silica gel packet? Maybe next video you can do an experiment about that!

[@michaelharmon833]

I have solar panels that stay outside. During hot weather the voltage drops because of the heat, buit in winter the voltage goes up

[@lua-nya]

This highlights a question to me, how about the outside of the windshield?

[@christopherhorton821]

It's simple to understand. Solar Panels Produce Less Power When They Get Hot. That's why they produce more power outside. The heat can disperse easier when not in a hot van. The cooler the panels are the better they work.

[@jeremywhitesell2688]

I have some crazy windows cause my panel almost melted inside and no it wasnt a cheap panel. Lesson learned.

[@nancyseiler2844]

Seems still, if you’re hiking or away for any reason, and don’t want your equipment stolen, you’re still adding SOME charge. Also, couldn’t you use a higher watt panel to compensate for the loss? Couldn’t you even go over the max for your storage battery - cuz you ain’t gettin it all anyway.

[@jakubruzicka1686]

VRM online let you export data in csv.. And 40% is not so bad I thought worse. It could differ with type of glass used for wind shield but 0,4 is better than i thought. Thanks!

[@G_de_Coligny]

Been there done that with s battery tender… NO BUENO AT ALL Glass have UV cut, IR cut… bad for solar panel…

[@MichaelN1988]

Intresting thanks

[@daveduncan2748]

Another reason "why" is that a lot of heat comes in through the windshield. Why not convert some of it to useful electricity?

[@dleon0902]

The heat generated when using the panel inside may have contributed to the efficiency.

[@amochswohntet99]

It just goes to show how much heat windows create. There should be a mandate for 50% exterior coverage of windows of houses in the summertime to reduce energy consumption from Air Conditioning.

[@__WJK__]

Nah, window shades and/or anti-solar window film would be a much better option vs eliminating views of the outside world, or eliminating potential/secondary emergency exits. Plus, reducing the number of windows, reduces access to fresh air from all the nice days that occur throughtout the year.

[@amochswohntet99]

@@__WJK__ I’ve ruled out shades and film for a reason, I’m glad you asked. The reason is because they’re a gimmick. As long the sun’s rays are able to make it through the glass there will always be a tremendous amount of heat generated on the interior side of it. A substantial exterior mounted coverage is necessary to reduce any worthwhile amount of heat.

[@alancruse1384]

Dude. A comb, a brush, something!

[@Texasprepper]

The heat is also an issue with solar panels.

[@tomrut3653]

Probably the same reason my eye glasses don’t get dark while inside the van

[@mistermusic140]

UV rays cause the eyeglass lenses to darken not the sun. If you crack your side window open an inch or so this allows the UV rays inside your vehicle. This will make your lenses darken.

[@Hansen710]

it works great, i only had a few accidents.. i do have to put my head outside the car´s window when i drive and then my eyes becomes dry. but i have ordered some motorcycle goggles, to prevent more accidents in the future 😎

[@Capohanf1]

Of course they would work BUT I winder about the long term "COOKING" of the cells from the heat coming I with the light.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

So the 40% result is mainly due to temperature of the panels inside the van. Dramatically illustrated the impact of temperature on panel efficiency doesn't it!

[@ensom]

vehicle glass especially windshield is a layered composite which is laminated with a plastic layer. this means it reflects more than even regular window glass, and is also likely to block close to 100% of UV, possibly other wavelengths as well. im sure the temperatures reduced the efficiency, but i would expect the largest reduction to come from the glass itself reflecting and filtering various wavelengths.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@ensom Very good. Thanks for the info.

[@dantheman5589]

I don't want anything near my car that is 180° full stop

[@jimjr9143]

Don’t have to watch this to know that the greenhouse effect of sun rays going through glass will cook that panel . Way too hot inside a vehicle .

[@nunovalecardoso]

And you need to take into account that the windshield is tinted.

[@sellC1964]

I'm concerned about a cracked windshield!

[@CHICOandtheVAN]

Doesn't work for me. My windshield has a UV clear tint that blocks 100%. Has to go outside and hope people are honest. Good luck.

[@montanadan2524]

No way a frige can be ran on one 100w panel and 100Ah battery, i must have misunderstood.

[@cafe88racer53]

prob a dc fridge, not a home appliance ac one

[@Mevi]

"in the summer" says the video. Taken literally, that's just 3 months of the year. From experience (with 2 different DC fridge models) I think that's doable with peak solar.

[@montanadan2524]

@@Mevi possibly get by if only three months of summer but he clearly said that he ran that configuration all year in his old van. From my experience with a camper and a similar frig ( 3 Amps / 50% duty cycle) it just not feasible unless there is lot of reliance on some other charging mechinism. Even on my sail boat with a efficient freezer (3 Amps @ 12vdc) and a older refrigerator (6 Amps @ 12vdc) both at 50% duty cycle my 600W of panels and 400Ahrs of AGM battery are only good for a 24 hour period if I have a good daylight sky for charging.

[@Mevi]

@@montanadan2524 I suspect a climate difference skews our numbers. My fridges were both about the same energy consumption when running, but I suspect not running for as long each cycle. The van gets HOT, but perhaps not USA summer hot. I'm fulltime Vanlife. I've had 2 different electric systems - previously 200Ah lead acid and currently just a 700Wh battery bank. A couple of used solar panels that only bring in 160W on a good day. The fridge is good for maybe the best 4 or 5 months of the year. I can even use low wattage versions of an air fryer and electric kettle for a short while - I'm not a cook, it's just convenient. I'm upgrading everything ahead of the winter.

[@cafe88racer53]

the wndow itself is prob taking away half the power lol

[@brianbourke8859]

Suboptimal

[@RVingwithG]

So why do you cover up your license plates or put one in backwards?😮 If I’m driving down the road and I look up and I see a license plate on a vehicle how is that different from you parking and making a video with your license license plate showing😅😅😅