New approaches for small RV’s. THIS DECADE HAS SEEN MANY ADVANCES IN SOLAR PANEL RESEARCH, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WIDE ARRAY OF NEW MATERIALS, WHICH IS CHANGING RV LIFE. Less important to the big rigs, that have large, flat roofs to support a large numbers of panels, the smaller Class B RV’s and Cargo… Continue reading Solar Panel Guide (1)
Tag: inverter
Wiring(4)
Having batteries, doesn’t automatically mean access to 12V. Thus, two access points are planned in the van. One 12V socket is located at the solar components (controller, charger, inverter, etc.) compartment, under the bed. It’s immediately next to the pull-out shelf and serves to power my laptop. 12V Power Socket It’s a standard 12V… Continue reading Wiring(4)
Wiring
While working on the multi-use cabinet, I started with some of the wiring. Before I can continue building new cabinets, the majority of the electrical wiring has to be installed. Battery Monitor The monitor will be located on the wall next to the side doors and connected to the batteries with 4 small… Continue reading Wiring
Power Generation
After upgrading to off-grid power and power storage, this post elaborates on the available power generating tools for a small RV. The electrical calculations are comprised into a detailed schematic overview, that serves as the basis for the installation. Alternator The extra power from the alternator can be directed to the battery bank, to… Continue reading Power Generation
Power storage
Now that the different parts of the electrical system have been established, the first thing to do is calculate the number of batteries needed to support the daily energy use. Here a lot of time goes into researching all appliances that will ultimately be installed. Adding up their amperage use, will yield our daily… Continue reading Power storage
Upgrading to off-grid power
As I am struggling a bit to finish the multi-use cabinet, the next phase of the van conversion will entail some of the wiring for the off-grid electrical system. Before any new cabinets are built, cables have to be laid. At the same time, buying a battery charger, inverter, some batteries and an induction cooktop,… Continue reading Upgrading to off-grid power
110V Wiring (2)
Besides a 110V outlet at the rear doors, a second outlet is planned at the side door entry. I start with a regular Romex house wire in the inverter compartment under the bed. An inverter will be added in a later stage. Because the compartment is directly next to the wheel housing, I have to… Continue reading 110V Wiring (2)
110V Wiring
To continue work on the bed, the 110V outlets are next. A small and simple job. The only 110V will be available at 2 outlets, one at the side entry doors and the other at the rear doors. They will both be connected to an inverter. I started with a shallow outlet box at the… Continue reading 110V Wiring
The bed (3)
The area under the bed is divided in compartments, from front to back: batteries, toilet, inverter & solar controller and bed linens with some extra space available on top of the wheel casing. The battery compartment allows a maximum of 4 batteries with a vent hole to the outside. I put the toilet next to… Continue reading The bed (3)