Van Life Essentials- Solar Basics 101 for Living in a Van
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- This is the first of a long series I've been shooting over the years trying to simplify and clarify solar so that anyone can get the basics. You don't need to be an expert to install and enjoy the tremendous benefit of having free power for the rest of your life! It's my intention to start so small and so simple that every one of you can know enough to have solar in your nomadic life.
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Thanks for watching!
Thank you Bob! Did you notice how many women are commenting and trying to learn how to do this Van Life? It's amazing to me! Of course, I am on this journey myself.
So many teachers talk over the heads of students, assuming they know some basics. You are able to bring the information down to a true beginners level. What an excellent presentation. Assume nothing.
😆You could have called this series...The birds and the bees about solar power.
Lol ...PG of course!
Great information Bob!
😊 Thanks!
You're an inspiration to me. You keep saying "live your best life" and it's starting to sink into my thick noggin.
I have one of the small folding portable solar charger. Don’t need a battery/controller. It’s part of the solar charger. Haven’t used it much yet but it works.
ceeagee oo
This couldn't have come at a better time. Getting ready to do my own van build and my biggest worry was installing the solar. I had watched some videos and had pretty much decided to just pay the money and have it done for me (which I can't afford) , but now with you breaking down everything so simply I know I CAN do this. Thanks Bob!
I really appreciate this approach to explaining about solar. This demystifies it. I am now not intimidated and look forward to learning more. Everything else I've ever watched about solar installation made me feel as though I had to have a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering to be able to install my own system.
lol
It can be scary when you only know that you don't know anything about solar
Thanks Bob. I have been reading the solar boondocking Facebook page for months and had decided I need to find a pro to do this and hope I never have a problem. I figured out 30 years ago that if I do not understand a subject buy a children's book on how to do it. (Someone later came out with the Dummy manuals.) Breaking any task down to the most basic elements is so helpful for learning and I appreciate you doing this for your whole lifestyle. I learn something every time I watch.
Thank you Bob!! This is so easy to understand! Thank you for making it so easy for even a blonde woman to understand!!
Stop with the blonde! I'm sure you're very smart! Hair color has NOTHING to do with it. And by the way, blonde jokes are as old as Polish jokes (I'm both - blonde and Polish) We need something new ... Bonnie ... What's funnier than blonde and Polish ... Muslim? ADD? ADHD? Autistic? Prolly none of those. Still too close to the skin. Jus sayin
Think about it....If you have a small solar set-up and small refrigerator, You can use sunlight to keep your food and drinks cold.
We certainly have come a long way since caveman times!
We're unfortunately still cavemen/trogladytes, just more devious/sophisticated than the average Neanderthal, many of whom still appear to be flourishing here in Australia...
Leave it to Bob to turn a simple solar instructional video into a PG13 rated chat about the birds and bees...it was really dirty, but I still loved it!
Thanks Bob! Your life with your experience shared is inspirational in an worldwide level. Few months watching your You Tube channel and the learning curve is moving ahead. Always learning and adapting to the local reality. The project of going full time on CheapRV living is moving faster than projected. Thanks again and keep going.
Vinicius de Albuquerque, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil - F350 2008 crew cab 4x4 long bed / Larturist Tahiti Camper 1987 (2017 got this rig and already traveled 9/26 brasilian states and 9/15 departamentos in Uruguay).
Bob has definitely found his niche in life. Another great video. thank you....
Bob, Solar is indeed a fascinating technology that has decreased in price substantially over the past ten years! Take Care
Bob,I know that song very well. I live that way each and every way. I enjoyed this video a lot and take it to heart. Thank you Bob.
Bob you are a man far ahead of your time , well done.
I had to watch it twice to understand what you meant by cutting the extension leads in half. And most importantly keeping the positive and negative lines the same.
Thanks...was the first time I had ever seen this.
Excellent! Now i just need to learn the process for determining how much power a certain piece of equipment uses. I have no doubt that you plan to fill in that gap. Soo looking forward to the rest of this series!! THANK YOU!!
Hi Bob. Suggest you never short the solar panel as you did in you video. Cut the extension cable first; use insulation tape; red and black accordingly; wire into the controller before connecting the panel. All the best. Neil
Neil, there is nothing wrong with shorting a solar panel. The panel is fine and there was no danger to anyone.
It certainly cleared up some things for me; now I know where to start! Thanks
Cheap flexible panels need to be installed with an air gap for permanent installation.
The short warranty is mainly because many owners will install the panels without a gap which will cause heat buildup that decreases the life of the panel.
The panels with frames ensure air gaps when installed and therefore have longer warranties.
Good job. You reminded me of my talk of birds and bees with my dad. I knew already but I made him start ... Then let him off the hook. ☺
i understand all about solar,but i just like watching your videos.
Thank you for keeping your video simple. I'm starting to understand solar because of you:)
OMG Bob!!! You are THE BEST!! As Newbies preparing for vanlife we have been completely stymied as to all of this solar stuff and confused amidst a maze of amp hours, watts, chargers, MPPTs, etc etc etc. And then, what is the best, most appropriate purchase and how do we avoid spending money unnecessarily or foolishl. So, we have done nothing as yet. But we know we will need some sort of solar to aid us in running a fan at least. Thank you thank you thank you for distilling this down to "Solar Energy for Dummies". It's really been helpful.
Hell of a back yard you have bob
Great job Bob. I have a better understanding of Solar Power. As well, I think I have a fantastic "Birds and the Bee's explanation for how baby's are made. The "Positive and Negative" story, lol.
Thanks Bob! As always, you use the KISS method... which more often than not, works well. You've helped so many - loads of gratitude to you sir!
I'm really looking forward to this series as I have been learning about solar for the last couple of months for my campervan build here in Australia. The way you talk is so great and easy to understand. This video has really given me the confidence to go ahead and install our solar system myself rather than pay for someone else to do it for me.
I am still a little bit confused about breakers, where they belong in a solar system and how to install them but I'm sure these will be topics you cover as the series progresses.
Thanks again for sharing your wonderful knowledge ✌
I recently emailed you about solar so I really appreciate this. This really does simplify things for a beginner. Very well done video. Thank you.
Thank you Bob! Your explantion was terrific! ...easy enough for even me to understand!
Thankyou for simplifying that, it makes a little more sense now
Thankyou so much for doing this series Bob! Im converting my one ton Ford E-350 van into a stealthy camper van and going to install these myself but didnt know how, oh this is going to be alot of help sooo thankyou again! :)
I'll be sure to follow this series. I'm planning to add a couple solar panels to keep my 2-12v batteries charged so I can do some boondocking next year. This first in the series explained a lot and will stop me from making a lot of mistakes. TY
Thank You Bob.. Very informative,, im taking my notes.. I needed to get more knowledge on soloar.because im planning to retire in 2 years. And get my travel van..😊. You make it sound simple, 👍. I so appreciated. I hope i can save this video..Have a beautiful day⭐.. Hugs to Coty!!.Bob you have a gift to share with us!!. Keep sharing. God Bless you and Coty..🌻
Having training and practical experience in things electrical and electronic, I'm not fearful of the topic, but I appreciate the shopping lists and views of the products.
Always wanted to understand this and you set it before me as clear as a bell. Thank you🍒
Thank you for doing this step by step. I’m trying to learn it and it’s too hard when they do it all at once.
Excellent v-log simple and to the point. The basics really are simple. Chargers usually even have pictures of the solar panels and battery where the wires hook up.
But to make clear to your listeners don't just buy any wires for the charge controller to battery they need to be a certain gauge
Generally 4-6 gauge
Rich Greene that depends on how many Amps it is carrying and how long it is. There are charts available for this.
I love being told "this is universal" they are all the GODDAMN SAME!!! hallelujah baby.
thanks for a great vid.
Thanks, Bob! I think I'm going to go for two of the foldable solar panels. It just makes sense for me
Bob, we our coming all the way from Texas City TX USA for a week of RTR. Looking forward to meeting you. I once read on your comments if a Emmy Award could be given it would go to you. Truly agree on that statement. Best regards, Elmer and the Mrs.
Christopher Cruise ; We have never been. But my concern is safety. I'm not sure my wife and I will go. Age 76 for myself. In my opinion it seems there has been issues. So in my end just not sure. Long way off yet. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Good day
Christopher Cruise ; thank you. Good Day
Thanks! I've wanted to go solar for a long time before didn't know how...you're helping me understand....THANKS!!!
BOB ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS PLUS COMMON SINCE. BUT YOU HELPED SOME PEOPLE .
11:09 next time maybe avoid connecting the positive to the negative of the same panel ... in my book we call this a short circuit ;) thanks for the video Bob, good work ;)
Thanks Bob. I think this is the best and most simple way for me to understand the solar systems
Awesome thanks Bob....I found this so interesting...very well explained in simple layman's terms...
Excellent! Good control of the basics - otherwise we'd get snowed.
Thanks for breaking down the steps on putting together solar set up! I agree that other videos give a lot of information all at once, I would get overwhelmed and confused. Have to admit I laughed a little on needing to explain "we're all adults here" on the male and female cables. It's a typical term used, my dad worked on electronics and used terms like this and I grew up hearing them.
you are too funny! never heard anyone be the slightest embarrassed discussing male & female plugs before!! nice intro to solar, thanx!
Thank you Bob for publishing solar video! I really want to make this work for me. Watching for the next solar video!!
Thanks Bob for all the videos you do, haven’t seen them all yet but I’m working on them lol. This is one that will help me out as I’ve been baffles by the salesman’s BS to the point where I don’t buy anything. I was raised on the K.I.S.S. Principle especially in the military. You are taking the mystery out of solar for me. David
Canadian Tire has the Coleman 100 W 12 V panels on for $200.00 instead of $540.00 right now. FYI. They have smaller very low watt panels (7.5, 4...) for $30.00 to $50.00 as well.
Very good video....I learn more and more watching videos on boondocking...my favorites are you and Caroline....anticipating for the next one....
Excellent tutorial. I wasn't sure how reproduction worked until you hammered home the male/female thing. Thank you
Your videos are simple and amazingly helpful. You're my go to guy for questions. Thanks!
Thumb up. I have understood despites I am not fluent in english.
Super landscape and brightness behind !
Thanks Bob
Thank you Bob! Even I understood that and think I put solar on my trailer.
Without question, our grade school age students could follow these simple instructions. Bob Wells, mission accomplished
Bob- THANK YOU for this excellent teaching. I really do need the hand you are offering to encourage me to walk along learning this. You are an excellent teacher.
i am glad you talked about chaining panils
Been with solar 10+ years. This was a good video and as you said - this is a serie of videos. Solar is not simple. It's not a generator which you can start when there is a need for power.
Brilliant, Bob! I finally understand some of the basics. The dashboard system is very doable. Thanks so much. I’m hoping another vid will explain the kind of cable needed to attach controller to a house battery. The only cables I know are jumper cables. Inverters are still a mystery too. lol. Thanks again.
I’m glad I’ve subbed to your Blog and YT Channel. You’re amazing. Hope to come to RTR 2018.
tree feller - Thank you
Thank you so much. I posted a question on another of your videos concerning Solar. This video helped explain it a great deal. Cheers.
Great stuff even though we have our system in and working we will watch this series to make sure we did it right. Love what you do.
Awesome information. I always wanted to know about solar from the start to finish. Thx, Bob!
bob! thank you thank you. I've been so intimidated with solar for my camper van. I got it!! I've been watching for a few years now. you have changed people's lives.
You always to connect the battery first to the controller then connect to solar panel. Also an inline fuse should be installed close to the battery positive connection.
I love the way you make everything so simple thanks and I love you bunches and bunches!
Thanks Bob ! Your videos are great 👍 That makes it very easy to grasp the concept can’t wait to see the rest of the series..
Thanks Bob for all your help.
Thank you Bob, you're a lifesaver. 🙏
Thank you sir you awnsered my question on how to size a controller all the controllers I have have came with my harbor freight ,100 watt panel sets so I got 4 ten watt charge controllers and only need one forty watt one ,lol. Thanks for clearing up that question for me .Safe traveling to you and hope to see you out there some day.
This is quickly becoming my favorite UA-cam channel. Bob is a great video-host-personality. Thanks Bob.
I think this sounds like "electrical discrimination" to me... Males aren't always positive & females aren't always negative 😁😁 I'm just kidding...am sooo glad you started this series. It is going to be VERY helpful too many of us considering solar in our future RV endeavors 👍👍👍
Bob that is a *fantastic* backdrop. Good god I wish I were there right now. You're so lucky.
+Aaron B yes I am!! You can be too!
I'm getting ready to move into my fifth wheel full time and have been wanting to install solar. I've had people insist it's too complicated. You make it sound easy and doable. Thank you.
You make it so simple. Thank you.
Thanks for the great video Bob. Looking for the next in this series.
After watching far too many solar explanations I finally get it! You make things so clear Bob. You are a skilled teacher. Thanks!
I was feeling overwhelmed at the idea of trying ot connect a solar system to my future van. This has helped TREMENDOUSLY!
Excellent video, Bob! I'm glad you just stuck to the very basics to start with so I can remember what you said. I look forward to the next video that I know will add onto what you've said on this one! I've watched a lot of videos on solar, and by the time they're through, my head is swimming with information that I should remember, but soon forget because it's too much info too fast! It can't all sink into my memory at once!
Bob...view behind you is awesome!!! Yes, that is the way I need to learn, one step at a time! Thank you so much! See you in the next step!!! LOL Judie
Great landscape, beautiful terrain. Looks like home to me!
Shorting the cable will not harm the panel. There is a panel spec called Isc which means current-short-circuit. Shorting the cable allows the panel to produce 100% of the current, or Amps, that it can harvest from the sunlight. There is no danger so long as the wire is large enough to carry this current. Those wires are large enough.
The previous post(s) that mention Volts need to be corrected. The relevant panel spec is Voc which means Volts-open-circuit. This is tested by placing your meter's probes onto the panel's wire ends without the ends being connected. This is the same as when you test Volts of a battery.
Thank you so much! I was just praying about wanting to know how to understand solar for my future van build. I'm looking forward to this series!
This is EXACTLY what I needed! I love this channel... I'm still bouncing between a Roadtrek and a van... I see the positives in both.
I'm purchasing the first set up, that's all I need. I just need to charge my phone and a solar light, but it takes care of itself so, thank you!!!
I appreciate this tutorial. Solar is no longer a mystery.. I look forward to your next video!
thanks for the info Bob. Looking forward to the rest of the series
Really great instructions. I finally understand solar!
Thank you for breaking down the basics
This is exactly what i have been trying to figure for my van build. Thank you for doing these solar videos now!
Hi Bob. I look forward to watching your videos and glad you did this one on solar energy. I am going to order the 4 panel to charge my phone. Looking forward to meeting you on the road. Happy tales n trails. Rick.
Oh Boy! Your going to catch some flac with this one Bob
Hey there Bob....I am hoping to be able to make it to the RTR this year also. I will be totally new to rv/car living, having never even camped out in my life! Have been watching your channel for years. I'll be coming for classes, get some info from people who have been doing car camping for awhile and hopefully, making some new friends-whom I hope to be able to travel with my lst year out. Your channel is invaluable to all of us. Thank you again
Awesome tutorial Bob & I look forward to next one because solar power has been confusing to me but now you're making them more understable with your tutorial! THANK YOU BOB!!
Thanks for eliminating the scary
Good start. Looking forward to learning the whole process.
Thank you for making this simple.