RV and vandwellers wiki

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Resource:  [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|gentle intro to solar]]
====== Solar for car and SUV dwellers ======
Solar power can be extremely helpful for car dwellers, especially those living in [[rv:cargo_van|cargo vans]] or other vehicles with large, high, and flat rooflines.
Solar is more challenging for cardwellers due to limited roof space.  SUVs are somewhere in the middle. 

Framed panels can easily be hidden between the rails of a roof rack.  While suboptimal, flex panels can be adhered flat on the roof.  Neither are obvious to passers-by. 
===== panels =====
==== rack-mounted panels ====
Your vehicle may already have a rack (or at least rails), making the job easier.  [[https://amzn.to/2lQI1O5|A simple two-bar universal rack]] is about $150, and [[https://amzn.to/2KwpFzE|a nice locking two-bar rack from someone like Inno]] is about $300-$450.  
When rack-mounting panels, mount them //flush// with or //on top of// the rack.  This will prevent the rack from [[electrical:solar:output#shade|shading the panels]].  
To prevent theft the panel could be attached with [[https://amzn.to/2Nibqx4|tamper-proof]] fasteners.  
{{ https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--ekhERyuF--/18s3kl1s0btqqjpg.jpg?200}}
When racks are present, mounting a panel or two on them is often the first choice:
  * no additional holes need to be drilled in the roof to mount the panels
  * always deployed, nothing to set out
  * no re-aiming, re-angling as with portable panels
  * can use the least expensive and most durable (framed) panels
  * the panels get some breeze under them to minimize [[electrical:solar:output#panel_temperature|heat-related power loss]]
  * [[https://amzn.to/39GiVdS|cable gland]], low profile vent, etc, can be mounted under the panel 
  * less panel heat transferred into the living space
  * if flush mounted between the racks it can be quite stealthy
  
   
{{ https://i.imgur.com/pAR4tYX.jpg?200}}Resources: 
  * Video:  [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEj47JaPWm8|DIY Roof Rack with Solar Panel Honda Odyssey]]
  * Video:  [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44G3y22jy0|255W solar panel installed on jeep]]
  * [[https://www.instructables.com/id/Truck-Solar-Panel/|100w on a truck camper shell]]
  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/6f3wpz/345w_solar_panel_minivan/|345w on minivan]]
  * [[http://web.tradekorea.com/upload_file2/sell/74/S00065874/RV_EV_SUV_car_roof_mounted_solar_panel_PV_module.jpg|between the rails on a crossover]]
  * this one is a goof/stunt, but shows how [[https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/webp/2012/04/Subaru-Tribeca-EV-1.webp|big a panel could mount on a Subaru Tribeca]]
  * [[http://acuteaero.com/2009/09/29/station-wagon-solar-roof-and-solar-sub-self-sufficient-sonic-splendor/|80w temporarily mounted on station wagon]];  room for at least 100w.
  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hetkex/sienna_with_solar_in_the_san_isabel_colorado_best/|Toyota Sienna with Solar]] ([[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hf476b/i_was_asked_for_more_pics_of_my_solar_setup_100/|more info]])
  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/comments/lrnma0/heard_you_all_might_like_my_little_solar_camper/|100w of flex panel on a Scion]]
  * [[https://diysolarforum.com/threads/too-many-panels-on-a-minivan-is-my-plan-dangerous-backstory-and-xinpuguang-100watt-12volt-monocrystalline-_lightweight-_-question.21877/|200w on a Grand Caravan]]

==== portable panels  ====
[[electrical:solar:panels#portable|
Portable panels]] are panels that store away and are deployed as needed.  

**Pro:** Panel can be in sun while car is in shade.  Can be secured when not in use. Can be aimed at the sun. \\
**Con:** Expensive per watt.  Newbies commonly underestimate [[electrical:solar:sizing|how much power is required]].  Voltage drop from long wiring runs.  Must be aimed at the sun((unless laid flat)), which would require repositioning every couple of hours.  Portability increases risk of theft.  Can be urinated on by dogs.((this really happens))

Each type of portable panel has it's own strengths and weaknesses.
=== small framed panels ===
[[|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411LUJKxUxL._AC_SX200_SY200_.jpg?150}}]]
These are the type of rigid-frame panel that folks mount on their roof, but usually smaller to keep weight and storage size down.

**Pro:**  Cheapest per watt.  Toughest panel. \\ 
**Con:**  Heaviest portable.  Hardest to stow due to frame thickness, panel size, and rigidity.

=== briefcases ===
[[https://amzn.to/2MF1so6|{{https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Py776BBnL._AC_US160_.jpg }}]]
Briefcases are typically 2-4 small panels hinged together.  The suitcase folds up after use.

**Pro:**  Fold for easier storage.  Built-in handle makes carrying easier.  \\
**Con:**  Most expensive per watt. Relatively heavy. Can be fiddly.  Subject to mechanical wear from setup and teardown.  Some have a built-in [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controller]], resulting in very long runs between controller and battery.((The distance between controller and battery should be minimized))  
 
=== semi-flexible panels ===
[[https://amzn.to/2KzC2YE|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HQlbI08PL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]]Semi-flexible panels are basically the panel part of a framed panel without the frame.  In the past these were usually [[electrical:solar:panels#thin_film|amorphous]]((aka "thin-film")) cells but now it is common to see [[electrical:solar:panels#monocrystalline|mono]] and, to a lesser degree, [[electrical:solar:panels#polycrystalline|poly]].

**Pro:**  Very light.  Extremely thin, which allows it to be slid into narrow storage. \\
**Con:**  Can blow away in wind.  Much easier to damage than framed panels;  consider the lifetime of these panels to be a few years rather than decades.  Roughly 2x as expensive as framed panels. 

=== encased panels ===
Low yield panels (10w-25w) encased in hard plastic.  Most often seen in backpacking scenarios or on dashboard "battery maintainers".  

**Pro:**  Small. \\
**Con:** Most expensive Watt/$.  Lowest output.  Can overcharge batteries that are unused. 
===== batteries =====

Batteries are bulky and relatively heavy;  finding a place to install the [[electrical:12v:intro#storing_power|house battery bank]] may be the biggest power-related challenge facing cardwellers. 

==== where to put a battery ====

From front to rear:

  * **under the hood** - it is unlikely there is enough room under the hood for an aux battery, but some older full-size vehicles may allow it.  Upside:  convenient for [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging]]. Downside:  underhood heat is inappropriate for lithium batteries.
  * **in the passenger area** - Upside:  convenience of wiring for loads.  Downside:  need to secure battery to protect occupants in case of accident.  Takes up living space. 
  * **in the trunk** - Upside:  out of the living space. May make connection to trunk- or roof-mounted solar easier.  Downside:  long wiring runs from alternator to battery((if desired)) mean either expensive heavy wiring or a voltage-boosting [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]].
  * **in a carrier rack** - a secure cargo box may be fitted on a reciever hitch carrier.  Upside:  not taking up living or trunk space.  Venting batteries are usable.  Downside:  same wiring issues as trunk.  Cargo box may block easy access to trunk, and will increase overall vehicle length.  May cause "tail dragging" on very uneven offroad surfaces



==== battery types ====

Deep cycle batteries appropriate for off-grid use are discussed in [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|this article]].  There are some differences for cardwellers:

  * **flooded lead-acid** (FLA) - difficult to have in the passenger area due to venting requirements and small interior spaces.
  * **"maintenance free"** flooded lead-acid (MF) - Don't vent like FLA but also tend to dislike deep cycling
  * **"marine"** flooded lead-acid - In theory they are somewhere in between FLA and MF.((on a boat they are used for both engine starting and for powering trolling motors.)) In practice it's often just a label put on by the seller, reseller, or manufacturer.    
  * **AGM lead battery** - a lead battery where the liquid electrolyte is replaced with a saturated fiberglass mat.  Theoretically spillproof.  Relatively $$, and love current so additional alternator charging is recommended. 
  * **Gel lead battery** - gel has excellent longevity((lifetime cycles)) but is sensitive both to overcurrent and overvoltage.  Since car-based solar and alternator charging is likely powerful than campervan solar((less room on the car for panels)) and alternator charging((lower output alternators)) gel may be a viable option.((although I rarely make specific product recommendations the [[electrical:12v:b2b#ctek_d250_series|CTEK combo DC-DC]] would ensure the gel bat never sees more than  20A of charging.  Other combo b2b exist but they are >20A. -- secessus))
  * **LiFePO4 lithium battery** (LFP) - [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4|Drop-in LFP]] are no longer $1000 luxury items.  Some with low-temperature protection are <$400.  These are still 2x the price of AGM (and 4x the price of FLA) but if you will be in the car for //years// and/or will have sporadic charging then a lithium bank will pay for itself.  
  * **non-LFP lithium battery** - Non-LFP lithium batteries do exist but the bank voltage doesn't line up well with normal 12v.  In addition, non-LFP lithium is known for "thermal runaway".((dramatic fires))
  * **"solar generators"** - the most expensive option per watt-hour (Wh) delivered and often very slow to charge from ciggy outlet and solar, but convenience and portability make [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generators]] a preferred option for some. 


===== charge controllers =====

Solar panels don't connect directly to batteries.  They go through a [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]] that coordinates the panels' production and the battery's ((and [[electrical:12v:loads|loads']])) demands. 

Part of the article linked above covers [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#how_to_choose|how to choose a controller type]] and [[https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=electrical:solar:charge_controller#sizing_your_charge_controller|what size (rating) to select]].  


If you have a solar generator a solar controller of some kind is built into it. 

In any case, read the specs carefully to make the panels you like will work with it.  The critical piece is something like **maximum input voltage**.  If the max is 23.0v then you could use a panel with a [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|Voc]] of 20v, but could not run two panels in [[electrical:solar:series_vs_parallel|series]] for 40Voc.  

====== alternator charging ======

While cars tend to have smaller alternators than vans they can still be a source of significant power compared to solar.  Examples:

  * small [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]] feeding an aux battery
  * relay [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|passing alternator current into the cabin]]


====== example setups ======

The following DIY setups sketch out what off-grid power systems for cardwellers might look like.  These are ideas to compare against your own use case and [[electrical:12v:dailypowerrequirements|specific power requirements]], not recipes to follow. **Read the specs** on each piece of gear before purchase. 

===== general principles =====

The [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator]] is the most powerful charging source available in the vehicle.  The amount of power you can safely take from it [[electrical:12v:alternator_details#current|depends on the alternator's current rating]].  The alternator can charge the battery bank through [[electrical:12v:alternator#combiners|a relay]] (crudely, cheaply) or [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]] (precisely, expensively).

100w **solar panels** are ~$1/watt.  Used higher voltage panels are about 1/3rd of the price per watt, but require [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|an MPPT solar charge controller]] and are typically >200w.  

Larger battery banks don't just store more energy, they allow higher charging rates from the alternator((or solar, but most cars don't have enough room for that much solar)) without stressing the battery.  

===== $800 =====

This is a relatively large setup for a cardweller, but at this point we get to leverage the economies of larger batteries and used panels.  

  * 250w [[electrical:solar:panels#panel_voltage|higher-voltage]] used panel, mounted between luggage rails, ~$80
  * [[electrical:12v:b2b#kisae|kisae DMT1230]] 30A MPPT+DC-DC, $225
  * [[https://amzn.to/3EyQhKG|100Ah self-heated LiTime LiFePO4]] (or similar), $440
  * small PSW inverter like [[https://amzn.to/48aWp9u|the Bestek 300w]], up to 500w would be comfortable for the battery.

Dropping to 50A LFP would decrease cost to ~$510. All numbers below would stay the ~same.((alternator should be limited to 25A charging, so 166Wh instead of 200Wh harvested))

Actual power harvest would vary depending on the amount of driving (alternator), and [[electrical:solar:pvwatts|location/season]] (solar).  Let's assume 30 minutes of driving each day and middling latitudes like Salt Lake City. 


==== performance ====

Solar, conditions described above

  * summer (June) - ~200Wh alternator + 1,483Wh solar = **1,683Wh/day** (2.10Wh/$)
  * winter (December) - ~200Wh alternator + 401Wh solar = **602Wh/day**

loads

  * DC ~50A (650w)((solar might provided another 213w under optimal conditions, allowing loads up to 663w without exceeding LFP's typical 0.5C sustained discharge spec))
  * AC (inverter) ~40A (520w)

===== $650 =====

As above, replacing the DC-DC/MPPT combo with separate relay/VSR and 20A MPPT. Solar harvest stays the same, but I'll estimate average alternator harvest [[https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=electrical:12v:directcharginglfp#comparison|drops by almost half]] at normal states of charge.   


  * summer (June) - ~130Wh alternator + 1,483Wh solar = **1,613Wh/day** (2.03Wh/$)
  * winter (December) - ~130Wh alternator + 401Wh solar = **531Wh/day**


===== $480 =====

Simplifying with PWM controllers and relays instead of DC-DC.  1/2 the battery, so ~1/2 the alternator charging.  Price doesn't go down much because we are paying $1/watt retail for new panel.  

  * 50A LiFePO4, $160
  * combiner or VSR for alternator charging - $50
  * 2x 100w panel - $200
  * 20A single stage PWM charger - $20
  * small PSW inverter like [[https://amzn.to/48aWp9u|the Bestek 300w]] - $60  


==== performance ====

Solar, same assumptions as the above


  * summer (June) - ~65Wh alternator + 488Wh solar = **1,041Wh/day** (2.54Wh/$)
  * winter (December) - ~65Wh alternator + 284Wh solar = **349Wh/day**

loads

  * DC ~25A (325w)
  * AC (inverted) ~20A (260w)
===== $300 =====

Half the solar brings the cost (and harvest) down:

  * 50A (640Wh) LiFePO4
  * combiner or VSR for alternator charging - $50
  * 100w panel - $100
  * 10A single stage PWM charger - $15
  * small PSW inverter like [[https://amzn.to/48aWp9u|the Bestek 300w]] - $60  

==== performance ====


Solar, Same assumptions as the above

  * summer (June) - ~65Wh alternator + 488Wh solar = **553Wh/day** (1.84Wh/$)
  * winter (December) - ~65Wh alternator + 142Wh solar = **207Wh/day**

loads

  * DC ~25A (325w)
  * AC (inverted) ~20A (260w)
===== $110 =====

per [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling|this setup]].  Huge bang for buck, but available power is quite small and also limited to periods of strong sunlight. 

  * 100w panel - $100
  * 10A single stage PWM charger - $15

==== performance ====

Solar, same assumptions as the above

  * summer (June) - 488Wh solar = **488Wh/day** (4.44Wh/$)
  * winter (December) - 142Wh solar = **142Wh/day**

loads

  * DC ~10A (130w)
  * no AC (inverter) loads
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