Unleashing Solar Power: The Ultimate Van and RV Energy Solution

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Separate Power System
3. Choosing the Jackery 500
4. Power Output Sections
   1. 120 Volt Pure Sine Inverter
   2. USB Power for Devices
   3. 12 Volt Power Output
5. Powering the Fridge and Other Appliances
   1. Fridge Power
   2. Fan and Lights
   3. Roof Fan and LED Pot Lights
   4. ALPI Cool Compressor Fridge
6. Determining Power Requirements
   1. Wattage Calculation for Lights
   2. Wattage Calculation for Fridge
7. Charging the Jackery 500
   1. Provided Charging Cords
   2. Adding a Solar Charger
8. Solar Charging Limitations
9. Charging from the Vehicle and Home
10. Power Management and Maintenance
11. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In this article, we will provide answers to frequently asked questions about the power system used inside a van. We will discuss the separate power system, the chosen Jackery 500 model, and how it powers various appliances such as the fridge, lights, and fan. Additionally, we will explore the power requirements for each device, charging options for the Jackery 500, and limitations related to solar charging. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to power your van's appliances efficiently and effectively.

Separate Power System

One of the key considerations when setting up power inside a van is having a separate system from the van's battery. This ensures that you will still be able to start the van in the morning even after using appliances such as lights and the fridge throughout the night. To achieve this, solar generators are commonly used. These devices are essentially batteries equipped with all the necessary inputs and outputs, including a solar input for charging.

Choosing the Jackery 500

Among the various solar generators available in the market, we selected the Jackery 500 model for its suitable size and capacity. Our goal was to have a system that could provide power for two consecutive days without the need for charging. The Jackery 500 offers three different charging options: through a solar panel, via the car battery while driving, or using an AC plug. It features an output section for powering different devices in the van and a single input for connecting any of the three power sources mentioned.

Power Output Sections

The Jackery 500 is equipped with multiple power output sections to accommodate different devices. Firstly, it includes a normal 120 volt pure sine inverter, which proves useful for powering devices like CPAP machines or laptop chargers. The USB power ports allow for charging phones and other USB-powered devices. Finally, the device provides a 12-volt output section for powering various appliances in the van.

Powering the Fridge and Other Appliances

The fridge is a crucial appliance in a van, and having a reliable power source for it is essential. To power our 23 quart compressor fridge, we use the 12-volt output section of the Jackery 500. Additionally, we utilize a splitter from Canadian Tire that provides two power ports. One port is dedicated to the fridge, while the other powers the rest of the system, including the fan and lights. By connecting the fridge to the 12-volt output and ensuring the rest of the system is powered through the splitter, we can efficiently distribute power to all appliances.

Determining Power Requirements

To ensure the Jackery 500 is capable of supplying enough power for our needs, we calculated the wattage requirements for each device. The lights in our van consume approximately 10 watts and are used for four hours each day, resulting in a total of 40 watt-hours. The fridge, on the other hand, operates at around 35 watts and runs continuously for 24 hours when parked or boondocking. However, it only runs approximately 20% of the time when plugged in. Thus, we determined that a system capable of producing 168 watt-hours per day would be sufficient for a two-day period.

Charging the Jackery 500

While the Jackery 500 comes with two charging cords, it lacks a solar charger cord. To overcome this limitation, we modified one of the cords by adding an XT60 connector in the middle. This modification allows us to connect a solar panel to the Jackery 500, effectively enabling solar charging when not using the car or AC plug options. By plugging the modified cord into the input section of the Jackery 500, we can easily connect our solar system and charge the device using renewable energy.

Solar Charging Limitations

It's important to note that the Jackery 500 has a limitation on the amount of solar power it can accept. While we have a 100-watt solar panel, the Jackery 500 is only capable of utilizing 60 watts of solar power. This means that even on a bright sunny day, we can only expect to charge the Jackery 500 at a maximum rate of 60 watts. If we were to charge the device through the car battery, we would get approximately 40 watts, and when plugged into an AC power source, we would receive around 80 watts.

Charging from the Vehicle and Home

When driving, we choose to plug the Jackery 500 into the cigarette outlet in the van, allowing it to charge while on the road. In addition to charging the Jackery 500, this setup also provides power to the fridge through the use of a splitter. By utilizing this configuration, we can efficiently charge the Jackery 500 and power appliances simultaneously. For those without access to a vehicle, charging from a home or campground with a 120-volt power source is also a viable option.

Power Management and Maintenance

To ensure our power system functions optimally and reliably, we practice power management and maintenance. This includes being mindful of power consumption, conserving energy where possible, and keeping track of power levels to avoid depletion. Additionally, it is important to regularly monitor the performance of the solar panels, keeping them clean and ensuring they receive sufficient sunlight for effective charging.

Conclusion

The Jackery 500 has proven to be a reliable and efficient power source for our van. With its separate power system, multiple charging options, and ability to power various appliances, it has met our needs while providing the freedom to explore off-grid destinations. Although there are limitations with solar charging, with careful power management, we have found the Jackery 500 to be a suitable solution for our van lifestyle. We recommend considering the Jackery 500 for anyone in search of a versatile and portable power system for their van or other off-grid adventures.

Highlights:

• Separate power system enables starting the van without draining the battery
• Jackery 500 selected for its capacity and versatility
• Multiple power output sections accommodate various devices
• Efficient power distribution system for the fridge and other appliances
• Calculation of power requirements ensures sufficient energy supply
• Modified charging cord allows for solar charging of the Jackery 500
• Limitations on solar charging capacity of the Jackery 500
• Charging options from the vehicle and home provide flexibility
• Power management and maintenance practices ensure optimal performance
• The Jackery 500 offers reliability and versatility for van power needs

FAQ

Q: Can the Jackery 500 power devices other than the fridge and lights? A: Yes, the Jackery 500 features various power output sections that can accommodate devices such as laptops, phones, CPAP machines, and more.

Q: Can the Jackery 500 be charged solely through solar power? A: While the Jackery 500 can be charged using solar power, it has limitations on the amount of solar power it can accept. It is recommended to utilize other charging options or consider a larger solar generator for more demanding energy needs.

Q: How long does the Jackery 500 last before needing to be recharged? A: The duration for which the Jackery 500 can provide power depends on the specific power requirements of the devices connected to it. With careful power management, it can typically last for two days or slightly longer.

Q: Is the Jackery 500 suitable for larger van setups with more power-hungry appliances? A: While the Jackery 500 is capable of powering smaller appliances commonly used in van setups, it may not be ideal for larger setups with high-power demand. Consider a larger capacity solar generator or alternative power solutions for such scenarios.

Q: Is it recommended to have a backup power system in case the Jackery 500 runs out of power? A: Having a backup power system is always a good idea, especially when relying on a single power source like the Jackery 500. This ensures that essential appliances can still operate in case the main power source is depleted.