Power Basics
The 2 biggest power questions I get are "what is off grid", and how much power do I need.
And the biggest thing I hear is, I don't need much, but here's the thing, if you want to live like you do at home, you do need that much off grid power! Want a large freezer, you do need that much, want ice cream, you do need that much, want to run an AC off grid-boy do you ever need that much! If you're okay with conserving power, turning things down to a lower setting, or sometimes going without because the sun has been low, then maybe you can go without quite as much. Let's discuss!
First, on grid vs off grid...
On grid - means you need to be plugged in to a power source to run the items in your camper. Most RV's are powered like this.
Off grid - does not necessarily mean you are parked in the middle of nowhere, you could be in the middle of the city! It just means you don't need to be plugged into power to run the items in your camper.
What Can I Power?
Let's talk about a few different power options, and what you can expect to power with that.
RV Hookups
aka On Grid
Needs to be plugged in to run most powered items. Can run lights and water pump for a few days without being plugged in.
Cons: Must be plugged in
Pros: Cheap
Battery will need to be recharged 1-2x a week by plugging in
100ah / 1.2kWh
LifePo4 Battery
30 Amp Shore
'
Converter Charger
AC/DC Panel
Runs LED Lights & Water Pump without being plugged in for a few days.
Runs all 120v items in camper as long as plugged in
Converts 120v shore to 12v to keep those items in camper running as long as plugged in, charges battery.
120v Breakers and 12v fuses
Small-Ish
Energy Efficient Low Voltage System
This is not for most people! You'll have to give up modern power conveniences, once you get used to it, you'll love it, but many can't fully grasp this one, and you might end up frustrated, unless you mostly tent camp or are very familiar with solar and batteries.
Cons: Cannot run large wattage appliances, have to turn down refrigerators and run air conditioners on eco mode for partial days
Pros: Does not waste energy on inverting, can run longer off grid for less $ upfront.
Depending on load, need to recharge every 1-2 days by solar, shore, or alternator charger.
100ah / 1.2kWh
LifePo4 Battery
30 Amp Shore
'
Converter Charger
AC/DC Panel
1200 Watt Inverter
DC Breakers
120v Main Breaker
12v AC on Eco 8 Hours
12v 130L Fridge 24 hours on Mid Level Coldness
Lights 2 Hours a Day
Pump 30 Min a Day
Charge Phones, Laptops
Charges batteries during peak sun hours with no clouds in sky. Can take days if batteries are drained to 0.
Charges batteries
Charges batteries when van is running
Inverts 12v battery power to 120v. Runs 120v items up to 1200 watts at a time. Will not run blenders, hair dryers, tea kettles, microwaves.
12v Fuses
Outlets all on same circuit
Our New Typical Off Grid System
Somewhere in the middle, it's not unlimited power, but boy is it good! This is our all in one power unit that's built the way we would build an all in one power unit.
Cons: As is no changes
Pros: Less expensive than a large custom system, more compact (fits over wheel well), very cool design, and powerful enough for most. Can power larger wattage items like water heater, induction cooktop, blender, hair dryer.
Depending on load, need to recharge every 1-2 days by solar, shore, or alternator charger.
8.7kWh
LifePo4 Battery
30 Amp Shore
Solar
'
Converter Charger
3000 Watt Inverter
AC/DC Panel
24v AC on Eco 10 Hours
12v 130L Fridge 24 hours on Mid Level Coldness
Cooktop 30 Min a Day
Electric Water Heater on Ideal Heat Setting 30 Min
Lights 2 Hours a Day
Pump 30 Min a Day
Charge Phones, Laptops
Faster battery charging
Charges batteries during peak sun hours with no clouds in sky. Can take days if batteries are drained to 0.
Charges batteries when van is running
Inverts 12v battery power to 120v. Runs 120v items up to 3000 watts at a time. Will run blenders, hair dryers, tea kettles, microwaves.
12v Fuses / 120v Breakers
Allows for more 120v outlets in build.
Huge Off Grid System
For those that are power hungry, don't want to live any different than they would at home (with unlimited power).
Cons: Most expensive
Pros: Can be totally customized
Depending on load and system,2 need to recharge every 3-6 days by solar, shore, or alternator charger.
1,000ah / 12kWh
LifePo4 Battery
30 Amp Shore
'
Converter Charger
AC/DC Panel
100ah LifePo4
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