Van Life Essentials: I Bought Super Cheap and Easy Solar on Amazon

Today we start a short series on how to get super cheap and easy solar for people with low power needs and on a very tight budget. In today’s video we look at an inexpensive, folding 15-watt solar panel that charges USB devices, but uniquely also has a 12 volt outlet that will let you charge a 12 volt battery with alligator clips-a very handy and versatile panel! We also look at assorted USB battery packs, lights, fans, battery chargers and other devices that can meet many peoples simple needs for very little money.
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Thanks for watching!

[@stevenrobertson7069]

I have seen a few of this guys videos. I do big jobs solar Installations like whole house installs . This guy is good at breaking things down and explaining it very well.... most people on KZbin dont know what they are talking about . This guy has done his homework. I am fan of his videos and I am a classified solar installer .......

[@karenw8929]

I highly recommend solar Luci lights ... they runs for hours on a single charge. Just place it in the sun. I've used mine for years and they do the job without having to utilize another charging source.

[@my2cents2u]

I have three of the Luci floating lanterns. I love them. I actually use them in my home to save electricity. Especially helpful for the short days in the winter months. I just hang them outside my kitchen window each morning. There is also a model just like mine but _with a usb port._ Will probably get one of those next for my phones and tablet.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

I have one but will be adding another one and checking on the solar luck string lights. They work well!!!

[@klutzycutie]

I just bought a luci lantern and also have a luci string lights which I love. Does yours still work? I’m using them to save on electricity and love them.

[@williamley7380]

Great video Bob. So many people get discouraged with power and solar. I'm not full time, more of a weekend warrior but for working out of town a few days a week. I use a similar 50w foldable solar panel when needed. I have a 200w power bank I use to run/charge usb fans, cell phone, headlamp and laptop. When the power bank gets around 35%-40% I use my 50w foldable solar panel to charge it or i can plug my devices into the panel directly. I just set it on the van's dashboard and I'm in business. It's my mobile home and office.

[@lancerevell5979]

I have three charger bricks. One is 22,000mah, two are 33,000mah. They kept my smartphone online during a four day power outtage after a hurricane. The small one stays on my bedside table. One of the larger bricks kept my phone charged during a 5 month hospital stay last year. Of course the brick had to be charged a few times. I am a believer in them. I just got the folding solar panel for them. We old dogs can learn new tricks!

[@sarabegay6339]

Harbour Freight now has a solar light they call a shed light. Has a 16 foot cord so it reach anywhere in your vehicle and a solar panel that sits in your window or on your dashboard lights up really well.

[@KarmaDogmasEvilTwin]

I found a 48 inch daylight spectrum 2500 lumen LED shop light fixture that is corded (and has a motion sensor) for around $30. I bought one for my stationary RV campsite and went back for a second the next day cuz I thought it might be handy for a van.... lol, but I really like the sound of that Harbor Freight set up.... 🙂👍

[@markshoenus2591]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@johnshannon]

The reviews for that Luminar Outdoor Solar Shed Light are not good at less than 3 stars.

[@taradead]

Bright is good, but a warmer spectrum in a van is much better. I would never use "daylight" spectrum in a van...too cold looking for me.

[@anzbatman2297]

Keep up the good work Bob...you sir make the world a better place

[@briancollins3177]

Bob, On your recommendation a few years ago, I bought the Opolar fan, and a few of the 20,000 mah battery bricks. I have been amazed that the Opolar fan will run for 4 entire nights on one of the battery bricks

[@ronayling1979]

Ok if you live in a desert area, it gets a bit more tricky if you live were you can have grey skies for days in the winter, You can buy "Biolights" now small wood burning stoves that supply a few watts, thought I'd mention it.

[@lisabailon1010]

Thank you I am solar panel and technology challenged. Didn't have a clue. Keep informing us on what's new and what works best. 👍

[@johnkarlson8692]

Thanks, good info - like how u make things simple for novices like me.

[@veraarena1583]

Learning a lot... to become a nomad in 6 months....

[@charlottepatterson21]

me too!

[@rebeccadees2300]

Congratulations! Happy travels!

[@patriciaharris2844]

💗🚐💗

[@IraQNid]

This is also handy for people who live in buildings as an introductory to cheaply produced electricity, reducing their reliance on city or county power services, and having an emergency power delivery/battery bank. After I got into watching your videos I got my power usage down to $15 monthly (with a windows A/C it is doubled for economy mode).

[@valerieanderson3833]

I have had soooooo many questions lately, and you answered a bunch of them with this video!! Thanks so much 🤗

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

I can vouch for the Opolar fan! I have two in my van and they keep me cool on 85° days. Two speeds and super quiet. Very efficient power usage. Can run two fans on a 20k power bank all day! Just ordered the TP 30 watt kit ... primarily to use as a car battery trickle charger and to charge battery banks. What I really like is it comes with a 6.5 foot DC extension cord, so often missing from these kits. Keep fingers 🤞 this works!

[@lisapittman4788]

Awesome. Thanks again Bob 😅

[@SoulfulVeg]

I'm just dipping my toe into van life, so this was extremely helpful. I thank you!

[@OkieBobby]

Bob, I've been watching your videos for a while now, and wanted to say 'Thank you!" All your videos are great quality, helpful, and very positive. Oh and the background scenery in this one was so amazing!!! I couldn't help but mention it.

[@AA14CBF]

There are so many USB gadgets out there, lights, fan, heat pad, mini cooler, coaster....... 12V is even more amazing.

[@romanroseborough1111]

He mentioned the 12v option but maybe I'm not seeing it on the 30watt solar panel kit. Is 12v the cigarette lighter/car charger plug?

[@fenraven]

@@romanroseborough1111 Yes.

[@anitabedella9708]

Like so many others I'm slowly getting educated on RV living ( but in a van). This is all very very new to me. You and everyone else has helped me so much through you videos. This is a biggie for me so thank you and hope to meet you and others some day. Anita.

[@shamsshams20261]

I agree with you about the light 7:13. A year ago I bought 3 differents models and that's the only one It still works with very good light (and cheaper than the others). Thank you very much for sharing.

[@johnshannon]

I wonder what the watt equivalent is...prob less than 60 watt equivalent?

[@taradead]

That cold spectrum light would be very depressing for me. Having a warmer spectrum light in a van makes a huge difference in ambiance.

[@robertrozzell6770]

One way light is rated is in Kelvin units. 3500 Kelvin will produce light in a yellowish color or more red spectrum light, where 6500 Kelvin will be a will be brighter whiter looking color but with more blue spectrum.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@johnshannon I think is less but really I don't know.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@robertrozzell6770 hmmm... interesting.

[@MsBsPlace]

Thank you Bob you are so helpful to so many people. May all your good deeds come back on you 100 fold.

[@marizee5615]

Very helpful, thanks Bob! I just ordered the 30w solar on Amazon for an upcoming road trip. You made the decision easy for me as I trust your judgement and opinions. :-)

[@yaivajoni]

Thanks for sharing, I live the boonies with no electricity and I'm always on the lookout for ways to power my devices.

[@derykmacleod4979]

Thanks Bob! Can't wait till friday, I have been watching Will Prowse Video's and am building a 200 amp hour lithium battery with a BMS! Overkill for my needs but that means it should last and under $750!

[@cynthiacrawford1573]

You going to share how it goes?

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thank you Bob! Everyone please buy on Bobs Amazon store. Help support the nomads that may need help someday.

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

Ok. I like the simple, small and easy idea. Couple lucy lights and a fan. Now I just need a van. Gonna retire soon and want to travel out west to visit relatives. But want to "nomad" too. Looks like a good way to get started. Thanks Bob.

[@EM-kl9bq]

I have that same exact fan and I can vouch for sure. I love it! 😎

[@a.l.alexander3668]

My reason for wanting to do this to my 2007 Honda EX van is to get out for photography purposes. So this info is great! Need to get to sleep now but will be looking forward to viewing another video tomorrow. Peace Al

[@Persephone0110]

Thank you, this was super helpful! I'm just thinking about getting started with nomad life and I have a little car. I didn't know this was an option for solar, and this really makes sense for a beginner!

[@darlinshel1]

Having even a small solar option is a game-changer for power

[@tomhumphries6606]

Don't forget, you can always have multiple collectors and batteries, if one seems a little too small for your needs.

[@kele1264]

Great video - looking forward to the rest of the series. Love the fan!

[@Out_GalliVANtin]

Luci lanterns are my favorite!

[@johnbarclay88]

How about Luci Lastic?

[@africanyak41]

Love my Luci's with USB ports.

[@johnpavon799]

thanks for the video on solar!

[@Primalxbeast]

I like the Big Blue 28 watt solar panels that come with a gauge so I can see how much power is getting to my devices. I made the mistake of buying a really long cord so I could sit in the shade with my panel in the sun and found out quickly that long cords can't carry much power. It takes 5 hours a day of charging power banks with two 28 watt panels to get enough power to run my 5 inch fan 24 hours a day and keep my phone charged, so I don't think a 30 watt panel will run that large fan all day. One of my 20,000 mah power banks is a jump starter for cars which is nice to have.

[@darrell-jeanglover6807]

Anyone using the old electric skillet to cook with???

[@marlo376]

Thank you Bob. This information has saved me a lot of money. I didn’t realize how easy my charging solution could be! 😎

[@amyschaefer1140]

Great information! Thanks you, Bob.

[@kristiporreco7476]

Thank you Bob for this information, helping me get closer to the nomad life❤️😊 and that view behind you amazing!

[@vaquero3578]

"it's just a Fantastic Fan"...I see what you did there :)

[@helenbritcher9353]

This was VERY helpful. Thank you

[@CJGfarm]

Thank you for posting. Very interesting. I'm hoping to build a van, but want my first build to be simple. I'm not an electrical and can't fathom building panels on a roof just to sleep over a bank of batteries, wires, inverters, etc. Minimalism is definitely more up my alley!

[@micheleharris2730]

Wow, great information Bob. I liked seeing everything side-by-side and all at once. It made it much easier to understand. Thank you.! 😊

[@miamisammy4020]

You’re always so thorough, Bob! Love your videos!

[@gramma_gglynis8615]

Thank you so much for all you do for us. Safe travels.

[@TheFeelButton]

Thanks for shining some light on mobile solar Bob! Cheers!!

[@robertwagoner9078]

Thank you. Great job explaining it all. Can't wait for your next video in this series. You have answered a lot of questions pertaining to my future plans.

[@arroyobaby38]

I love you Bob!! Another GREAT Video!!!

[@brownbunny2513]

Thank you so much , Bob, always good to see you, and get great information.

[@maehay4065]

I am going to check out these different products for my personal needs. Great video for portable solar salutions! Thank you for sharing this important information ℹ️

[@purpletam5900]

Thanks, Bob! This is what I needed!

[@stevetrojak5372]

LOOK at that view behind you!!! OMG! Beautiful. GReat information. Thanks!

[@debbieweckler5239]

Thank you, Bob. This is exactly what I needed to know.

[@spaceanon5930]

I really appreciate you sharing all you know. Your videos are the most helpful of all. Im considering your classes cause i could use all the help i can get. Take care

[@SatchelCornstalk]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@hg2.]

Another classic, most helpful Bob Wells video - thank you!

[@tinyelephant77]

Awesome, this is what I need help on!

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thanks, Bob ... as is true for so many things, less is better in most cases! Trim my need and so be freed :) Enjoy! God Bless

[@bluelady7]

Hi Bob. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Great video Bob and 11 months later, Im sure there are even more improvements that have been made for nomads. I’m looking forward to getting on the road in the near future. Hope to meet you there!

[@shaunhall1838]

Tablets make a lot of sense over laptops. So much lighter and they sip electricity.

[@julianatrejos9913]

Bob you video is so educational. I feel intimidated just thinking about the solution for solar you make it look so easy

[@emanuelgamboa7536]

Thank you Bob great information

[@gailresources8120]

Thank you ! I needed just this video!

[@lenurban]

This is excellent. Plenty of people need these demos.

[@myrootsgraspNewsoil]

Great help! Thank you Bob!

[@beverly9885]

Perfect timing Bob! I just need the minimum for power, and this is perfect. It’s fire season, and if I have to evacuate (we have 4 times in 15 years, and it’s already bad out there) Due to health, have been isolated since January, have ‘TIL Jan to go, and if I had to leave, I’ve got the van ready...just no power. ow the van is ready to roll; and when I can finally travel, I’ll put in more solar. So thank you so very much for this awesome video and the links to purchase items! Love your channel as always, and can’t wait to be able to really hit the road. 😁

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Beverly Swingle. Best of luck!!

[@weenthebean7879]

This is exactly what I was waiting for. This video. Thanks Bob!

[@a.l.alexander3668]

Thank you! I look forward to seeing you down the road sometime.

[@kellyboult8796]

Excellent! This gave me many, many ideas.

[@nmr6988]

The opening shot is so beautiful 💞

[@rutyael18]

Thank you Bob.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thank you! Once again you have helped me figure out how to get started and save $ for the future.

[@DS40764]

Thanks, I'm taking notes. This is a starting point and so I found it helpful(also that only that will get ypu that far.

[@123tommyp]

Very helpful - thank you! Just getting started and your videos are helping me flatten the learning curve. Much appreciated.

[@ChiefinGuam]

Great video, Bob! I need to get one of those fans! Looking forward Part 2! Safe travels and be safe!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you for sharing Bob! 👍😍

[@gypsydavy708]

I'll be watching all of these.

[@pisces76]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@morrisshepherd1637]

You have given some great information on the solar video it has helped us get started with the minimal and work toward more as we grow. Thank you!!!

[@stunnagoldknakis5918]

Did he jus say it's a "fantastic" fan? Haha very useful review ty

[@hg2.]

Thank you for getting me updated on USB C. "Gotta keep up with these things."

[@kd4pon]

Love that light!

[@sueellenmcgoey8708]

Thank you for teaching this!❤

[@marccross55]

Excellent video, as usual ! We're looking to get started in solar, hoping you do video soon for the next step up from 35W system. Love the idea of folding panels and power bricks !

[@kimberleegullbailey2547]

Again Bob, SO helpful!!! 💛

[@ronpeted]

Thanks Bob .

[@coreyhattenstein]

I have a small opolar fan that I use next to the recliner. Love it. 3 speeds but rarely get out of 1st gear. I too would replace if broken.

[@Ladysuesue]

i would recomend the off brand "go-pro"(SPORTcAM) I USE vEMONT SPORT CAMS OR YUNTAB Sport Action Camera Vlog DV, HD 1080P 2.0 inch, 5MP, 120 Degree Wide-Angle, 30m Underwater Waterproof Camcorder(Blue) FOR 19 BUCKS, you may sacrafice some features but they work great

[@richardroyles1423]

Thank you. Kansas

[@paulmortimer8500]

Thankyou. Looking forward to the next video on solar

[@planecrazyish]

Great video. I believe the info you provided, is spot on in every respect.

[@kenatkins3781]

Wow this is amazing all the items and info. Thank YOU I really appreciate you and your show.

[@nanciehuaracha6079]

Love it!! Thank you Bob 😊

[@robertbringberger785]

Thanks Bob. Really good.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Good stuff, thanks Bob.

[@shwartz166]

Great info, thank you very much!

[@Pondsofpurple]

Such great information..thanks so much for sharing. Stay safe friend.

[@robertthomas4907]

you're awesome sir! I hope I run into somewhere someday. God Bless you and keep being you!

[@12hunter100]

Loved this thank you!!!

[@StuartGrantChannel]

The mountains and desert and clouds in the background are amazing. They look like a painting. Great job framing the camera!

[@edweed6039]

Very informative

[@ManyFunAdventures]

Great video! Solar is a must for all us Full Timers. 😎👍