Item List and Cost
Item List and Cost
Before I begin, I want to emphasize the build was driven by cost. That is finding the best deal. How much does it cost to build a solar generator? Buying a solar generator can be costly. Building your own generator allows you to expand the amount of power for substantially less cost. Basically, more power for less money.
Solar generators provide a reusable source of energy using solar panels. Gas generators can provide power as long as you have access to fuel. The point is during a natural disaster, these resources may not be readily available. Once you build your solar generator, you can use sun as a power source. Weather allowing of course.
Solar Panels – my cost for 2 120 watts 12v – 300.00
MPPT Tracer Solar Controller – my cost for 30 amp – 129.00
AGM Deep Cycle Batteries – my cost for 2 100 amp 12v – 340.00
Pure Sine Wave Inverter – my cost for 1000 watt 2000 surge – 200.00
Mt-5 or MT-50 meter – my cost for meter programmer – 35.00
Wiring 8 gauge – my cost for panels to solar controller – 30.00-50.00
Wiring Battery – my cost for 2 gauge battery to battery – 10.00-20.00
3M Double sided tape – my cost for flexible solar panels Tape – 20.00-30.00
MC4 Connectors – my cost making connectors – 15.00
Branch Connectors – my cost – 8.00
Fuses and breakers – my cost – 40.00
Misc. unforeseen cost – my cost – 100.00 buffer may more or less
and finally – Dual Battery Isolator – my cost – 100.00
- Hilipert KF94 Mask
Hilipert KF94 Fish Type Face Mask Questions? Is your mask comfortable? Do you have an upgraded mask? Staying safe is an issue we all face. I came across this mask by accident. I didn’t even know its worth. I just knew, it was more comfortable than my former masks. It turns out the Hilipert KF94… Read more: Hilipert KF94 Mask - Lithium Battery price drop
Lithium Battery price drop. I have added another link for the next seller until this item is restocked, This seller is AMAZON’s choice with 5 year warranty. Link at bottom of page I keep seeing prices drop for lithium batteries. This is a new low price for a LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery at 100-amp hours with… Read more: Lithium Battery price drop - Portable Gas Generator BAN
Portable Gas Generator Ban has passed in California. Will it be illegal to run your portable generator at a campsite? Will you be able to own a portable generator at your place of residence? The California Air Resource Board (CARB) was considering a regulation to ban small off-road engines, which included portable gas generators used… Read more: Portable Gas Generator BAN - Harmony Borax Works
The Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail is located in Death Valley. At its full operation three tons of borax was produced per day. The Harmony Borax works employed 40 men. To transfer all this borax required a 20-mule team. The operation became famous because of the large mule teams and double wagons. - Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Furnace Creek Visitor Center features small museum and small bookstore. You can speak to rangers, pay park fees, or buy a yearly national park pass. Some exhibits include short films about Death Valley. There is a large 3D display map showing where all the popular sites and attractions are located. You can verify weather conditions… Read more: Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Quick Van Build
Quick Van Build
This video is about how I started my YouTube Channel. Along with many, I became homeless in 2008. I never want to be unprepared again. So, I began to make plans to build a disaster recovery vehicle. Eventually I began my search for a van. Number one, I added Solar Panels one by one. Number two, I built a solar generator, which includes a solar controller, AGM deep cycle batteries, and a pure sine wave inverter. Number three, I customize the interior with a folding bed and small kitchen.
This website is also about the Honda Odyssey itself, covering maintenance issues and modifications. This van conversion or quick van build camper is going to be my disaster recovery vehicle if a natural disaster occurs. As a Amazon Affiliate I receive a small percentage from purchases made from this website. I wish everyone the best.
https://www.vantasticodyssey.com/staging/3055/angels-landing-hike-in-zion-national-park/
foldable bed for van or rv 
Installing Solar Panels On Honda Van Back 
conduit 
Fuses or Breakers 
Pure Sine Wave Inverter 
Solar Controller AGM Deep Cycle Batteries 
Solar Generator and Refrigerator Fit
As a Amazon affiliate I may receive a small percentage at no cost to buyer
Solar Panel Failure – WHY?
Watch my video about Micro Fracturing on Flexible Solar Panels and how to prevent it.
The video shows how over flexing can destroy a solar panel. Why air flow under the solar panel can cause over flexing, and why a solar panel needs to be firmly attached or it will over flex. Even water behind the panel can act as a battering ram destroying solar panels.
I have seen some solar installations where the solar panels are weaving in the wind. Sometimes you can hear it hitting the vehicle.
As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases
https://www.vantasticodyssey.com/staging/3055/project-steps-for-solar-install-solar-panels-wiring-industrial-tape/
Prepare to live Off-Grid
Be prepared for power outages. Do you have a back-up plan? Now is the time to be prepared. You are welcome to submit questions on how to install solar panels to your vehicle. Make your vehicle a safe dwelling. Please check out project steps on how to install solar on a vehicle or van dwelling. Items you will need to consider – Solar controller, MT50 Meter, Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Fusing and Solar Panels.
Solar Generator
Solar Controller
Inverter and fusing
the Tracer solar controller.
MT-5 meter, or new MT-50 meter
The MT-5 meter is a LCD used for the Tracer solar controller. It helps to have one in order to adjust the settings. You can adjust yours settings without it, however it is cumbersome. The MT-5 or MT-50 lets you adjust AMP Hours (AH) for your batteries so you get the proper charge. It displays the amount of volts and amps the solar panels are generating and the charge of the battery. It serves as a monitoring system read-out. Please watch this tutorial video below.
Key Features
Large backlit LCD display
Compatible with multiple Commander Series (20A/40A) and ViewStar Series
(10A/20A/30A) charge controllers
Real-time monitoring and graphical display
Customizable parameters for charge control and load control
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
https://www.vantasticodyssey.com/staging/3055/angels-landing-hike-in-zion-national-park/