HOW TO DESIGN A SOLAR ARRAY (For a DIY Camper Electrical System)

These videos, your calculator, and your package deals are a huge asset to the whole community of RV and van users. I can’t imagine how many hours of work went in to these. Thank you.

Well, I used a complete electric solar system design that you did for an Air Stream trailer some time ago. I did a little downsizing (600 watts solar down to 400 watts so a smaller charge controller and 400 amps of Battleborns.) but otherwise used your system plan as is. The system has been in use for a little over a year now and has been fantastic. Thanks Nate!

I have to give it to you guys, you spend so much time on details. This helps so many, always well explained. If I ever pull off getting a van next year. I know I can start from beginning to end, watching your tutorials. Once again ,It's a big thanks from me

Thank you for adding and discussing our desired configuration to the list. You also confirmed the same information I am hearing elsewhere about sizing and having a solar array that is a hair over the solar charge controller max (1460 watt array versus 1450 watts max). I continue to learn and understand more every week! Keep up the great work!

Wow, Nate, that was extremely helpful. I've used your worksheets before and this helped explain how to create different wiring options to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.

I fall into the “boarder line” area of charge controllers. I’m well under the voltage and only a few amps over for the 150/50. Since I have it already I will just stick with it but it’s good to know that I won’t ruin it by exceeding the amps on one of those super cold days scenario. Thanks for the info, you really are very helpful.

Got to say you have done a superb job with all your videos, calculators and kits.

Excellent stuff. This video and using your Solar Charge Controller Calculator has answered all my questions after some weeks of fumbling around. So you know your great work is not for nought. I have locked this in on my design and my order for your 1200W Solar Charging Wiring Kit (6x 200W | 12V Battery Bank) will come when I get to that stage of my box van build out.

Excellent as usual. You’re a huge asset in the community.

Thanks for the specific and real world examples!

Thank you for the very informative information. I do overlanding and transforming my truck little by little..

Another clear and simple tutorial. One other aspect, is the physical size rather than the electrical 'size'. I am not sure how relevant this is in the US with the RAM Promaster, but in Europe with the Ducato/Relay, there is an expensive, but nice roof rack made by Fiamma. It has the advantage that their awnings fit onto it without extra mounts. It also has a disadvantage, in that the space between the rails is 132cm. This makes it just too narrow to get 2 (100w or 120w) panels between the rails with their long axis along the length of the van. Larger panels can be too wide as singles. Now putting the panel above the rails would sort that, but I want them slightly below (not enough for shading to be an issue) to allow canoes to be transported more easily. Most conbinations I have looked at come out at 134-136cm wide. Nobody seems to make either a long/narrow panel that would work as a pair, or a higher capacity squarer panel that would work as a single. Still, i am sure there is a compromise somewhere. I seem to remember you did a video about fitting in the max possible area, even with odd sizes, so something on unusual panel shapes might be helpful/interesting. I can't be the only one with an odd roof geometry requirement.

very usefull, especially your comment about borderline amps and the controller and solar output under perfect conditions.

Great work Nate. Repetition is key to learning. Have you any links/videos/recommendations to shore power/generator voltage protection and Automatic Transfer Switching for your systems?

Hi Nate, your videos are brilliant, methodical and well explained – I’ve been using your playlists to help design our van build setup. Thanks for putting so much thought and energy into resources to help others out! Got an unusual one for you here: 12V batteries. Roof space allows for 5 panels, Offgridtec 100W 24V - (Vmp) 39.6V, (Imp) 2.53A, (Voc) 47.5V, (Isc) 2.73A. No figures for temperature coefficient or series fuse rating. Wiring in parallel to keep the voltage down, I’ve calculated a 100/50 MPPT and 5A fuses on the panel side of the branch connector. Would be great if you could have a once over and let me know if this stacks up or if you have any advice? Cheers!

I really love the way you explain things ...thank you

Which diagram should we purchase for our 48v system to follow along with your video?

Excellent, Thank you very much for your time and efforts.

WAY COOL...thanks for your valuable time

What do you recommend for people wanting to do this for basically a mobile cafe use? I plan on making a mobile cafe and having it rely on solar only and being able to connect to an external generator if needed. I also want to use outlets that I can turn off incase I'm not using that device while out during events. I have so many questions.