Van life solar power

Do van lifers need portable solar panels?

Most van lifers who use portable solar panels pair them with a portable, all-in-one power bank. Our go-to power banks are either Jackery or a Bluetti, available in sizes ranging from 600Wh to 2,400Wh, and these power banks have their own portable solar panels ranging from 120W up to 420W.

Is vanlife adventure liable for a solar power system?

Neither VanLife Adventure nor its employees accepts any liability for the use of any information presented here regarding solar power system installations. The user is cautioned to seek competent engineering assistance when carrying out any installations. Here you will learn everything you need to know about a solar power system aboard a campervan.

What do van lifers use instead of a permanent solar system?

Some van lifers might not need, or want, a permanent solar system. Most van lifers who use portable solar panels pair them with a portable, all-in-one power bank. This is entirely dependent upon both the travel style and the rig.

What size solar panels do I need for van life?

For van life, solar panels between 100 and 300 Watts are typically chosen due to roof width restraints. Most solar panels range from 25 Watts to 400 Watts. Selecting your exact panels requires a balance of two factors:

How do I calculate my van life energy needs?

To calculate your daily energy needs for van life, perform a full power audit. This involves listing all appliances in your camper van, their power consumption, and the daily usage time for each. The sum of all individual appliances will give you your total daily power usage.

How much do solar panels cost in a van?

Decent solar panels will likely range around $1 per watt. So expect a range in prices for a 100W solar panel to be around $100. Most vans equip themselves with at least 2 solar panels. Charge controllers will vary in price as well. You can expect to spend anywhere between $75 – $300 for a decent charge controller for your solar power system.