Solar Powered EVERYTHING, including A/C and cost of the van, for under $15,000!

[Jack]

Even in all my newbie-ness, I know an impressive build when I see one!  It's not the prettiest build (though it's not ugly either) but it's most definitely impressive and luxurious in amenities!

 

[lenny flank]

It always amazes me how far solar has come.

Back when I started dwelling, most folks had 100w of solar, maybe 200 if you were wealthy. The most you could physically fit on a van roof was maybe 3-400w.

Now, 300w single panels are available that don't cost much more than what I paid for my 100w years ago. I routinely see people today with 600w systems, and even up to 1000-1200w. And now we even have lithium batteries, which are lighter, hold more usable power, and can keep a partial charge. The only drawback for lithiums is the price, and once that goes down to AGM levels it will change the whole ballgame.

(And despite all this, I still get along with my 100w system, since it does everything I need it to do.)

 

[Jack]

I remember when solar panels became available and how expensive they were. But, like you said, as time goes by there are more advances coming faster and for less. I count myself fortunate for entering van life at this point of its history. I get to learn from the experiences of those who pioneered before me as well as start out with more for less.

 

[John61CT]

I was using solar in the late 70's off-grid owner builder in Australia.

Cost more than our roof, and that was with an ex-telecom bank of 200# 2V cells bought at auction.