How I Installed SOLAR POWER in my VAN (The Easy Way) | Off Grid VAN
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▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
0:11 - How off grid systems work
3:08 - Why Power Stations make it easier
5:05 - How to set up DC power on a power station
5:40 - Installing Solar Panels
7:51 - Running wires for DC appliances
8:20 - Connecting Wires to Fuse panel
9:27 - Cutting Ceiling panels
9:48 - Installing 12V Lighting
10:07 - Connecting Fuse panel to the power station
11:31 - Ending
How I Installed SOLAR POWER in my VAN (The Easy Way) | Off Grid VAN
When I say my van is run on solar power, that’s technically not true. Its battery powered, but that battery is charged by solar panels. Like I said, everything is actually run off of a battery. Most people use 12v or 24v battery systems. This is usually referred to as Direct Current (DC). Not everything can run on DC but some examples are 12v lighting, 12v roof vents, 12v fridges, etc. 12v appliances usually have a 12v “car” outlet or simply a positive and negative wire to be attached to a power source. 12v batteries can also provide power to 110v (AC) appliances, but not directly.
If you use a battery, eventually it's going to run out of energy. So the same way you need to charge your phone when it dies, you’ll also need to charge your battery. There are 3 common ways to charge a battery. Shore Power, Solar panels, and vehicle battery/alternator. These methods can be used individually, you can use 2 of them, or all 3 at the same time. In this example let’s say you have all of these methods set up. Your energy sources are pulling energy into your battery bank, where it's being stored for usage with your appliances. This is a full system because you have power coming in to replace the power that’s being used.
Now unfortunately, you can't just plug a solar panel directly into a battery and get power. Actually, you can’t do that with any of these methods. You’ll need some extra devices to regulate and convert the energy going in and out of your battery.
Portable power stations have all of the small components combined in one device with a lithium battery and a screen to monitor your system.
Tags:
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▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:00 - Intro 0:11 - How off grid systems work 3:08 - Why Power Stations make it easier 5:05 - How to set up DC power on a power station 5:40 - Installing Solar Panels 7:51 - Running wires for DC appliances 8:20 - Connecting Wires to Fuse panel 9:27 - Cutting Ceiling panels 9:48 - Installing 12V Lighting 10:07 - Connecting Fuse panel to the power station 11:31 - Ending
all you do is advertisements now man
OMG YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS ARE MY SAVIOR! Seriously. My 16 yrs old and myself, single mom, no electrical experience, are remodeling a small canned ham. I've figured why not attach all electrical to our solar gen which I bought also for emergencies in the home. They like to turn our power off often here for days and have learned to at least keep a small fridge for short term and not open our fridge or deep freeze in the house. Anyways, I need electric for the brakes, the maxx fan and lights, perhaps to plug in appliances every now and then. My lights I can do all on usb and figured I could even put small power banks in since this trailer is small and you'd only be in a few days maybe. Can always charge the banks. So I can do lights that way. Really I needed to see how to do my fan and a fridge. The way you show things up close and even how to work with the wires is so perfect. Thank you for not assuming people know how to do anything! Seeing how to crimp wires and such almost puts you here with me. Thank you so much. Q--what kind of wire should I buy? Not sure the diff btwn 12v and 14. Do I need marine grade? Someone recommended that in a diff. video. Made sense. Where are you putting your gen and the fuse box?
@@xslowday6850 advertisements of cool stuff we need for these projects! Where's the problem? Oh, yeah AND THE COOL AND INFORMATIVE CONTENT!!!
Awesome
Did you send that reply to me or was that an attempted dupe?
I'm 62, recently homeless. I used to watch these channels for fun, but now by necessity. You check all the boxes; you have mad skills and creativity, but not the ego to go with...you explain and show. Thank you
Hope you are okay.
Me too, hope you find happiness.
Find God and that will change period
@@antonemorris9644 So, God can loan me $1,000 for a solar setup?
@@antonemorris9644 why do you bring God to the matter. If you believe in a God, please ask the man for his bank account number and give him money
I’d recommend avoiding the flexible panels put directly in contact with the roof. My build had 3 but they only lasted about a year and a half before breaking and needing to be replaced. There wasn’t enough heat dissipation underneath, so they ended up overheating and breaking by the second summer. Also they ended up turning my roof into an oven when I was in the van since it was direct heat contact from the black panels to the metal roof. In a low top build like this, and my 2016 ram promaster city, it literally feels like an oven broiler unless you’re in shade… and the panels are useless then since they aren’t producing energy. You’ll want more rigid solar panels with a couple inches of space between the solar panels and the roof of your van to let air flow underneath and not directly transfer the heat.
This makes complete sense.Good comment for your exeperience.
He prolly used Dat because of weight reduction
Thank you. I was looking at van builds and wondering why everybody uses rigid solar panels. Flexible solar panels look so much more convenient but your explanation answers everything thank you
Which ones are the rigid ones?
I don't think these power packs are compatible with the rigid solar panels (I may be wrong) and I'm pretty sure each company that makes these power packs makes proprietary solar panels meaning you couldn't use an off the shelf rigid solar panel anyway (again, I may be wrong) so you could always put roof racks on and then attach the flexible solar panels to the roof racks to create an air gap. For someone who doesn't know anything about electrical engineering and will likely start a fire or end up in hospital due to electrocuting myself, these systems are far easier and far more DIY.
As always clear and understandable , you should be a teacher because you see the grand design in things you gave those of us a quicker and easier way to connect. Now I won't set any van on fire! lol thank you
He is a teacher and this was today's lesson. :)
He’s my Teacher, not just that he IS a Teacher. He’s teaching those who will watch and listen to his videos!!!!
I reply to action, he gives directions that causes actions. For me being a senior I need the humility to be patience with people and I’m aware that paying attention to details can mean safety. I’m not sure why people are commenting to me.? Dualex is speaking,!
@@carolwilkeshoward5629 You good man? Anyways, he is a teacher as he’s teaching how to do the solar panels with battery in this video. Mug off
NOT when he is quoting prices of $1750 for a 200AH LiFePO4 Lithium Battery, they are going for around 600 bucks LESS THAN HALF of his quoted price, those power blocks he talks about are NOT a good deal, how could someone possibly buy all the components, have them put into a box also engineered, and then STILL make a profit while you lose money doing all the WORK yourself, that would be like those DIY battery kits you can buy being MORE expensive than the batteries already built that had WORK done on them to be fully assembled. Also while the power boxes are EASY and Convenient they are NOT a good option, adding more batteries to your set up is VERY EASY if you purchased a MTTP controller than can handle the extra amps (30-60amp controllers good enough for most people) and had more room for solar panels on your vehicle.
just lost my job unexpectedly, might have to spend what little I have left on converting my car to live in, something like this might be just the ticket. thank you for the video
one mistake I saw was that one should always face the grommets away from the direction of most heavy wind and water to lessen the possibility of forcing water in with the wires coming from your roof whole for them. also adding a rubber grommet to feed through the hole in the roof to keep wires entering the van so they don't chafe on the metal
x2 I've heard a van build described as "a hurricane during an earthquake" Build accordingly. Those cables *will* flex and rub
Thank you for finally explaining the way these work in a simple way I can understand. You can tell me all day how to plug all the parts in but knowing the mechanics of it all helps a lot.
I enjoy watching all of your teaching videos. I’m learning a lot. A good teacher can teach those who know nothing and give them something more. That my motto. You’re a good teacher.
I finally have a better understanding of all of the electrical terminology I keep hearing when I watch these videos. Thanks!
Crushed it again with this video. This is some complicated stuff - and you explained it so it made sense. Thank you for sharing your build!
Thank you for making this so simple. I've been struggling to find a way to do this myself. Your content rocks!
Hands down best tutorial!! From the animated graphics to the focusing in on little things like wire stripping, terminal head attaching or cutting holes for lights. The slowed or paused video at those times of focus are so useful. Thank you!!!
This is by far the clearest explanation of solar power systems I’ve ever seen. Excellent!
You always explain what I’m trying to accomplish!!!! Ohhh thank you sweet brother 🙌💜👣
Really like your videos. Have watched most of them and I'm subscribed. This is probably the best in terms of explaining what is going on. Thanks
Your channel is so informative and I appreciate you!
The quality of your videos really do keeps getting better everytime, thank you for the dedication bro 👏
All the things u did was an inspiration to me, i'm still learning, hopefully i will build my own camper before my retirement, and use it to explore my own country 1st. Thx a lot brother'
All that you say is true, but the big weakness that I see with units such as you describe, is that if one section breaksdown then the whole unit fails. With the "old" method, one just replaces the faulty piece and moves on. I do agree with the simplicity of the unit installation though.
That’s a good point which is why I have two Ecoflow Delta 1300’s in my van. Two years later and both still work perfectly.
@@joeblow1942 smart to have one in case one fails. so u can connect them together to double the WH?
Thank you for going over how to set up using a power station! I have already determined that I need the plug and play ease of a power station rather than a piecemeal set up, but I never thought about setting up the fuse panel. This explanation was clear and simple enough for me to follow! Now I just need to figure out how to install switches for the different devices plugged in!
Very well done all around! I'm redoing my shuttle bus and van for the summer and this was a great video to reference. Subbed.
I can do this! Thank you for the great breakdown - as usual, and the parts recommendation. I'm in a 1984 Chevy Minnie Winnie and the in-house electrical is nothing short of a nightmare. Now I can get the bypass assembly and rewire it myself. Keep up the good work, we appreciate you! 🤗
I’ve watched this video once before and it was super easy to follow, but now that I’m actually going through the electrical portion of my build and now rewatching this, it’s making waaaaay more sense. Thanks for the clear and well explained video.
OMG... THANK YOU for taking time out to explain this.. VERY HELPFUL for BEGINNERS.!!!!
I 2nd that III As a beginner (and a man) I respect anything the can kill us, so I was putting of electrical till now. Thanks for the info😁😁❗❗
Thank you for not filling your content with ads and giving us some really good straightforward information 👍👍👍
Yes a very good video without ads
Clearest explanation I’ve seen yet. Excellent!!!
I have two 100 watt Sunpower flexible solar panels on the cap of my pickup truck for 15 months. I used heavy duty outdoor velcro and the panels have not moved with over 15,000 miles since installation.
You would make a great teacher. Thanks for making this understandable.
It certainly was a great video. I liked you clear explanation. I am putting a solar panel on my camper flexible it similar to what you had and you’ve answered so many questions. Thank you
I’m building a similar system and this video was super informative, coherent and well put together. You earned my sub sir 🙌🏻
This was extremely helpful and simple. Thank you.
Thanks for explaining so clear and simply. That was the best instructional video for electric wiring I've seen for van conversions.....thankyou!! 🙏
This is a top-shelf quality video, you explain everything in great detail and show the different processes from break-down, to installation, to activation in easy to digest bites. Excellent work!
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One of the BEST videos explaining solar! Thank you.
Finally someone shows you how to connect your energy.. Thanks Duel Ex👍☺️😍🥰
I love your videos. I’ve been following you for ages mate, but I’ve never mentioned how much I appreciate the information, and also watching you as you progress and your experience blossoms. Thanks again. Do you ever do videos regarding any of the journeys you make in your own van? Cheers! 🤗
Thank you very much for this video!!! You are the first person to explain this process in a way I totally get!!! Love your videos!! Thanks again!!
you sir has done amazing job with this here! thank you so much for making this video awesome job!!🥰🥰
For large scale (house, big rv, etc) the added capacity and ability to swap out stuff with a component system would be worth it. For a small van stuff like ours, the price point of a power station is hard to beat now days, especially if a more casual user like myself. Great videos, great explanations! Love how you keep it simple!
You explain things so CLEARLY - I’ve learned so much from you. You have truly inspired me. THANK YOU!
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i've watched so many videos about power systems in vans but this is the first one that actually makes sense! thanks so much!!
Great video, super simple and to the point. Thank you!
Mate, thank you so much for doing this video and explaining the whole electrical system. It was exactly the information I was looking for. Much appreciated bro.
Amazing. Love how u explained everything. I can tell you love what you do. Keep up the great work. Peace from Japan.
Nice clear explaination. In 2018 I build out my Promaster and decided to go with a solar generator instead of a separate component system. It has worked out well and it was much simpler to set up. It is also nice because it is portable. I can easily take it out of the van and use it for other purposes. Thanks for the video.
Always love watching your videos! A complete experience of learning and cinematography! Great projects!
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You just gave me hope that I will be able to set up my own Solar System. Mad skills my friend. Thanks so much.
Because you are such a great teacher, I bought my Bluetti for my van conversion. Thank you for helping me.
Just came across your channel. You do the best job explaining things and making the complicated easier to understand. You're just the best I've come across....had to subscribe. Thanks!
Dude, what a fantastic video. Thank you for simplifying this for me, it's so much easier to understand now. New subscriber.
bruh thank you soo soo much for this video! I just started my first van build after watching your videos for years. Everything works easy so far but I have been struggling with electronics so I bought a power station but had no Idea how to connect everything. Hella appreciated! Keep doing!
Love to watch you build and explain your projects.
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Your videos are the best! Your explanations are clear and concise. We are doing an ambulance build for our daughter and your channel will help us do it right!
Your videos are very informative. Thank you!
Dude.....you have mad skills!!👍🏽
Thank you for the simplified explanation. I never knew about the power station.
Great video quality. Nice and crisp video. And info was very useful as always. Thanks.
Great information thank you for taking the time to explain. You do great work.
Exactly the help I needed. Great instructions and detail. Thanks.
Wow, thank you so much. I just purchased a Bluetti AC200MAX because no matter how many videos I watch I just can't get the hang of all the different parts of the electronics and just figured I run a couple of power strips from the Bluetti outlets, but your way is much better and makes compete sense to me! Thank you!!
I ordered 3 of them... Your videos are so helpful... from DC to Puerto Rico.
Love the detailed, careful explanations. Made it seem simple and doable to an inexperienced person like me.
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This was right on time bro! I've been looking for a video on doing this specifically with the Bluetti AC200. And it was simple as hell. Right on!
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Thank you so much I've watched this 3 times and it finally all makes sense to me I was really confused and starting to get nervous on how I was going to do this but you finally broke it down to where I understand it
Thank you for the video. That is the best video I have seen yet and how you describe every single thing in detail like that I’m not that good with electrical but you gave me the confidence I can do that. Look forward to more videos. I am doing a van build just got me a Ford transit. I got five years until I retire. I want to get it done by then and then start traveling and enjoying my retirement. I’ve been a dream of mine for the last 20 years again thank you for your time.❤
I use the AC200 max in my Transit van. I charge it from the ac power brick that came with the power station using a 1200 watt inverter connected to the consumer connection point on the drivers seat. This gives me 500 watts of charge while driving. other than that I just use a portable solar panel for now.
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Out of all of the van conversion videos I've watched in the last 2 years this was the only one that was explained how everything works! Thank you, super informative 😊
This is actually really informative and helpful. Thank you.
Brah Your are hands down the best KZhead teacher that explains the jobs so simple for your followers… I’m definitely a huge fan now!!! Thanks man!!!!
Forever tape for RVs works good on holding down your flexible solar panel too, thanks for such a great informative video!
This video was informative. I do like this route a lot better for powering my van. Thanks!
Great video. Thank you for simplifying this idea. Perfect
Thank you so much. Since I plan to do my own vsn build this video helps a lot!
That was an informative bro, I have learned so much just by watching your videos. I'm stoked for the rest of the build!
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dude, thank you so much, I been dreading how to do this and this breakdown video is exactly what I needed to finish up my van's electrical system
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You’re so talented! Thank you for your very helpful videos!
1st van video where the electrical process was clearly explained and shown how to make the connection. THANK YOU.
Yea most videos dey skim thru everything
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I’m sort of nitpicking here, but just for accuracy - It’s actually 120V and 240V AC, not 110V and 220V AC. It used to be 110/220 which is why it’s often incorrectly called as such. Love your videos thanks so much for making them! You’re a beast!!!
What a great video Congratulations This video is a must for anyone getting started with a van or just whatever else you want to put power in A real educator Thanks bro !!
THANK YOU! This is such a clear place to start with power systems. Great video!
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I have that exact inverter. Worked great in my shop for the last year. It will run any of my 120V power tools, chop saw, 2 gallon air compressor, etc.
You made this so approachable, thanks man
Don't stop making content bro. Appreciate the easy explanations
WOW very well done video lots of credit to you and the work you put into it
Thank you for sharing. You explained this so well that even I can understand it! ~Joyce
Dude! this is one of the best videos to learn this stuff. You explain things so simply, most people talk themselves in circles. Thank you for putting this together, keep doing these types of videos bro!
Thank you for your work ( I was so confuse before with all the cable and convertor n battery) now I can relax 😎
You are the most helpful human beings. Thanks for this play by play. Your video skills really shined in this one. ✌
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Perfect. Thank as I have the same Bluetti and just got a van with solar panel on top and wired, but everything else needs complete. Nicely done!
This is by far the best video ever! It's short and straight to the point... I'm dyslexic and it's been hard trying to understand these type of videos but i see it clearly... Thanks 👍
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You explain this better than anyone else on KZhead. Thanks! I am going with the exact setup, but going to add shore power outlet (charge blueitti) a solar power connection lower on van for portable folding solar panels. 2 maxx fans. Then just plug in appliances as need to blueitti. THANKS AGAIN!
Literally today I told someone I need someone to break down this electrical system for me. Thank you so much, you've made it easier to understand. I'm not 100% yet but this has helped.
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You are an amazing artist and a great teacher! Very easy to follow.
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Thank you so much for explaining, in laymen's terms! You would make a wonderful teacher as well! Thanks again with blessings!😀👵
Your explanations are A1!!!! Thank you
I learned so much thank u had no idea about the power stations, hats off to ya sir
Great Video - thanks for the details. I just received a bluetti eb70s and I'm thinking about the aC200 Max you have - this is all in addition to the dual battery setup I have installed on my build - but you can never have too much power!! One of the selling point on the AC200 Mac is the 30 amp DC port vs the car adapter. I know it needs a different cable, but the 30 amps is another step up to what you can power up. Happy trails!
I'm so happy too see a new video from you
That's the best solar system video I have seen thank you so much
BRO! This QUALITY CONTENT my dawg! I sincerely appreciate the effort you put into this video! I know motion graphics are time consuming and putting all the info and graphics in is tedious. But thank you for making that happen. I'd love to connect with you on future project!