Fully electrical bus?

[jee.string]

With alot of solar panels, a generator and the alternator when driving...

Is it possible to go only electric for fridge, stove/oven and tankless water heater?

 

[o1marc]

Yes, but you're going to need a massive and expensive battery bank.

 

[roach711]

Generally speaking, lights draw the least current with motors (air conditioning, refridge, fans and water pump) drawing much more. The heaviest draws are resistance heaters (water heater, stove/oven, electric heat).

The amount of solar you can mount on a bus roof won't keep up with the big draws you mention. A generator will handle it but is a pain to use and a pain for your neighbors to be parked next to. Shore power would be the best option. If you plan to boondock, the genny would be your only practical option.

 

[o1marc]

Generally speaking, lights draw the least current with motors (air conditioning, refridge, fans and water pump) drawing much more. The heaviest draws are resistance heaters (water heater, stove/oven, electric heat).

The amount of solar you can mount on a bus roof won't keep up with the big draws you mention. A generator will handle it but is a pain to use and a pain for your neighbors to be parked next to. Shore power would be the best option. If you plan to boondock, the genny would be your only practical option.

I'm still trying to figure out the components for the solar system. How many watts would you need for his application? I have 10 panels equaling 2450w. How much would be needed for an average to slightly higher demand of a normal RV build?

 

[jee.string]

so the best would be propane for oven/stove + water heater and solar could keep up the charge for fridge and compost toilet fan?

forget to say this skoolie will follow warm temperatures, so small wood stove will do all the heating when necessary!

 

[o1marc]

so the best would be propane for oven/stove + water heater and solar could keep up the charge for fridge and compost toilet fan?

forget to say this skoolie will follow warm temperatures, so small wood stove will do all the heating when necessary!

You might consider a propane refrigerator also.

 

[jee.string]

bet those are mostly rv ones?

 

[o1marc]

bet those are mostly rv ones?

What was this referring to? Aren't we building RV's?

 

[jee.string]

propane fridges. havent heard of that alot!

 

[o1marc]

propane fridges. havent heard of that alot!

You won't hear about them much. I never heard of one till I started the bus. It's ideal for that application if it doesn't have issues that some have mentioned.

 

[jee.string]

what have you heard?

 

[roach711]

I'm still trying to figure out the components for the solar system. How many watts would you need for his application? I have 10 panels equaling 2450w. How much would be needed for an average to slightly higher demand of a normal RV build?

The problem with solar power is that you have to park in full sun and that causes the bus interior to heat up which requires vent fans at minimum or air conditioning. The fans aren't a huge draw but the AC definitely is and it would take a huge battery bank to power it.


To figure how large a battery bank/solar array to install you need to do an energy audit and figure out how much power you'll need on a given couple of days. Also, consider that panels rarely put out their full rated power, inverters claim some juice to make their DC/AC conversion and the sun doesn't shine every day.

We boondock a lot and propane is our go-to power source.

 

[jee.string]

not sure what boondocking means

 

[roach711]

Boondocking is parking off the grid in a forest or a Walmart parking lot. You need to be self contained since there are no campground hookups.

 

[jee.string]

gotcha! thanks for the info!

 

[o1marc]

The problem with solar power is that you have to park in full sun and that causes the bus interior to heat up which requires vent fans at minimum or air conditioning. The fans aren't a huge draw but the AC definitely is and it would take a huge battery bank to power it.


To figure how large a battery bank/solar array to install you need to do an energy audit and figure out how much power you'll need on a given couple of days. Also, consider that panels rarely put out their full rated power, inverters claim some juice to make their DC/AC conversion and the sun doesn't shine every day.

We boondock a lot and propane is our go-to power source.

Well that didn't get me any closer to an answer. What if you don't know what fridge or stove you plan on before designing your solar system? There should be an average electrical plan for RV's, some have more, some have less. But more, less, and huge, are all relative terms. What is the average consumption of an oven from- to? What number do you put on a "huge" battery bank? I have my panels and a 3k-6k pure sine inverter. I need a charge controller that will exceed the needs of the system. Do those items help me get closer to what kind amperage requirement I will need in order to determine my battery bank?

 

[jee.string]

i wasnt really looking for a very precise answer... it was more a question to lead me in a good diretion

 

[joeblack5]

It is very well possible to boondock without propane and all electric. Just define your mission. Without that the answer to your question will range from impossible, impractical to no problem.

Do you want to compromise? Live like on a space station? Then there is no problem as many van dwellers can show you. If on the other hand you want to cool your bus down to 65 f while you are in July in death valley then you will have a problem.

The answer to your question is as good as how well you define it.

 

[turf]

i'll show my lack of knowledge on the subject, so glad to pipe in.

i've been watching the same thing, battery bank and solar panels. i have a generator, 400ah 12v fla battery bank and a shore connection. my batteries are due for replacement so i'd kind of like to upgrade to a solar set up.

i have seen 2 different source say they can run AC on a 200AH 24v lifepo4 battery bank. so thats kind of what i want to shoot for. i could easily fit 2 large solar panels on my roof.

i priced out panels - 2 @ $250, a battery bank300AH 24v lifepo4 - $2600, charge controller and invert for another $2300.
upgrade total - $5400

replacing my 4 batteries with the same thing - $400

looks like im sticking with my old setup

 

[o1marc]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you only get 50 usable aH out a 100aH FLA and almost 100 out of a Lifpo battery? I bought 10-245watt, 60" x 40" panels for $50ea, $70 after shipping, on eBay.