Living Well with Off-Grid Systems

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

This article provides a comprehensive guide on setting up an electrical system for off-grid living in a converted vehicle, such as a bus, truck, van, or RV. John Jarret of Big Dog RV Services emphasizes the importance of choosing the right electrical components, including batteries, solar panels, charge controllers, and inverters.

He advocates using as much 12 VDC (direct current) as possible to reduce the energy loss associated with converting DC to AC power. To maximize efficiency, he recommends DC-powered refrigerators, LED lights, and appliances.

The author shares their experience building over 200 conversions, using a mix of solar, wind, and hydropower to recharge batteries. He explains their design process, factoring in energy needs, battery capacity, and adding a 40% buffer for cloudy or windless days.

The article also discusses the importance of regularly cleaning solar panels for maximum efficiency and offers a solution with a built-in sprinkler system for easy maintenance.

Overall, the message is that with modern solar, lithium batteries, and proper planning, off-grid vehicles can operate entirely on electricity without needing shore power or a generator, except in extreme weather conditions.
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[Iceni John]

I like that mention of a built-in sprinkler system for easy maintenance of solar panels.   Maybe that will be my next project...   I already have two quick-connect water outlets on the roof under the walkway there that I can plug my washdown brush into to clean the panels, but a built-in sprinkler system would only need me to flip a switch from inside the bus.   How decadent!

John

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I like that mention of a built-in sprinkler system for easy maintenance of solar panels.   Maybe that will be my next project...   I already have two quick-connect water outlets on the roof under the walkway there that I can plug my washdown brush into to clean the panels, but a built-in sprinkler system would only need me to flip a switch from inside the bus.   How decadent!

John

Yes, I thought the sprinkler system was pretty clever.  I assume it would help especially in dusty places and it beats getting a ladder and a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towels out to clean your panels like I have to do.  I am adding four more panels this week, as the current six panels are not quite enuf to keep my batteries charged up to keep up with my needs.  BTW, I am back in Garden Grove at the Elks Lodge for 2-3 weeks, let me know if/when you will be at your bus again as I would love to come over and check the progress.

[Iceni John]

Hi Gary,

I'm at my bus most weekdays, but it's now stored in Santa Ana (the previous storage yard in Costa Mesa closed last year).   My bus is "almost done", but progress is still tectonically slow.   I won't be taking it to Quartzsite next January, but I hope to be there in 2026.

Email me at icenijohn@yahoo.co.uk, then I'll give you my phone number.