This Friday morning, as I begin to write this blog post, waiting for my caffeine to kick in after a spotty night's sleep, my achy muscles and joints complain from last night's CrossFit flailings. My personal charging methods are inadequate—I need an upgrade.
Fortunately, your adventure van conversion doesn’t need to have the same shortcomings. This blog post will address the three primary methods of charging your campervan: solar power, shore power, and alternator charging. We'll cover the benefits and drawbacks of each and whether all are necessary for your van’s intended use. Let’s dig in!
Solar Power
Just think about it for a second. Eight minutes ago, a ray of light left the sun, traveled 93 million miles through space, and found itself being absorbed by the photovoltaic cells of your solar array. That sunbeam’s power causes electrons to break free from atoms in the semiconductor material of your panels. The freed electrons create an electric charge, which forms a current captured by the wiring of your solar panels. This energy is then optimized by the solar controller to efficiently charge your battery. Wow. The same sun that makes plants grow is now powering your van and providing the energy needed to microwave your ramen noodles.
Surely this form of energy is the best, right? Completely limitless, mostly free, and just plain awesome? Well, kinda. Solar power has its limitations.
The Reality of Solar Power
First, solar panels are big, and the roof of a van is not. With MaxxAir fans and rooftop AC units, there isn’t much real estate left on the roof for solar panels. Second, and most obviously, solar panels need sun, which means you can’t park in the shade. Third, and this affects me on a personal level: if you live somewhere where it’s cloudy and rainy (or very hot) solar panels will be much less efficient.
You likely know this already, but let’s break it down to a practical level. Let’s say you’re able to fit a stunning 1,000 watts of solar on your roof deck—a rare accomplishment on a van. You’re smart and not parking under a tree. It’s a bright, sunny day. You eagerly check your control panel, expecting a massive power intake from your impressive solar investment. Yet, you’re disheartened to see a mere 300 watts trickling into your battery system. WHY?!
Take some deep breaths (box breathing can help). Here’s the deal: Best-case scenario, you have roughly five hours a day of solid solar charging potential. Factors like the sun’s angle, seasonal changes, or unexpected clouds can reduce efficiency. Because of this, I recommend treating solar power as a trickle charger—a supplemental source of energy, not your main one.
Our Recommendation
At Limitless Van, we typically install 200 to 400 watts of solar. This strikes a balance, leaving room on the roof for other essentials like fans or rooftop AC while providing enough power for light use of your van’s components. For example, 400 watts of solar on a sunny day can keep a van topped off when powering light loads like cell phones, 12V lights, and a small fridge.
There are times, however, when we’d recommend more solar power. If you plan to park for extended periods (four or more days) without starting the engine and running the alternator (more on that below), we’d prioritize additional solar capacity or portable panels. Portable panels let you park in the shade while positioning the panels in optimal sunlight, making them a great option for long stationary adventures.
Shore Power
Shore power is a no-brainer. Every camper van conversion should have this option. It’s often the quickest way to recharge your battery bank. Shore power provides AC power, which, via your inverter, allows you to run your air conditioning, fans, and appliances while keeping your auxiliary batteries topped up.
Advantages:
Unlimited power while connected.
Ideal for use when parked at campgrounds or homes.
Drawbacks:
Ties you to the grid, which limits off-grid freedom—the very reason you likely invested in a van.
Requires a reliable 30-amp outlet, which isn’t always available in remote locations.
For safety, if you’re a DIYer, be cautious with shore power installations. Improper setups can be dangerous. At Limitless Van, we use SmartPlug for shore power connections. This plug offers a secure, reliable connection that reduces heat, prevents “melty plug syndrome,” and minimizes the risk of electrical fires. Unlike traditional twist-lock plugs, SmartPlug’s multi-point locking mechanism ensures consistent pressure on all electrical pins, reducing resistance and heat buildup.
Alternator Power
Ahh, at last, my favorite power source! In my opinion, every van should have alternator charging. Whether you choose a budget-friendly Renogy DC-DC charger or a high-powered 48V Nations Alternator paired with a Wakespeed regulator, using your vehicle’s alternator to charge your house batteries is a must if you want to be able to enjoy time off-grid.
DC-DC Chargers
The last major point I want to dive into is this: not all DC charging systems are created equal. What you need depends heavily on your specific power requirements.
The simplest form of DC charging is a product like the Renogy DC-DC charger I mentioned earlier. It pulls DC power from your van’s starter battery and acts as a bridge to your auxiliary battery. This ensures the auxiliary battery charges properly while preventing your starter battery from being drained excessively. If your battery bank is on the smaller side—say, 300Ah or less—this is a great, straightforward solution to include in your electrical system.
Secondary Alternators
Disclaimer: You’re about to sense my enthusiasm for the secondary alternator system we recommend. This setup is tailored for our clients who tend to opt for fully loaded vans and enjoy extended off-grid adventures. If your van has minimal appliances and frequent shore power access, consider the following informative but not essential for your needs.
As the off-grid vehicle industry evolves, so do the demands for more robust power systems. At Limitless Van, we’ve shifted away from smaller battery banks altogether. These days, our battery packages start at a minimum of 10kWh of storage (equivalent to approximately 800Ah in 12V lithium batteries). And when you’re working with battery banks of this size, faster, more efficient charging becomes non-negotiable. That’s where secondary alternators shine.
What We Use
There are plenty of options out there, so I will focus on what we install at Limitless Van. Every van we build comes equipped with a 48V secondary alternator sourced from Nations Starter & Alternator, paired with a Wakespeed regulator. This setup is developed in collaboration with Artek, our trusted electrical experts who help us deliver the latest and greatest power systems.
The result? Over 8,000 watts of power at high idle. Yes, we also install high-idle kits to make this possible! That might sound like just a big number, so here’s what that looks like in practical terms:
In one of our vans with a 10kWh battery bank, the secondary alternator recharges the batteries at an astonishing rate of 1% per minute. In under an hour, you can go from a 50% battery bank to fully charged. That’s a game-changer for anyone serious about off-grid travel.
Maybe you can sense my enthusiasm here. It’s hard not to be excited about what this means for adventure vans. A setup like this redefines off-grid capability, letting you go further, stay longer, and enjoy more of the comforts you’d expect at home. It’s a significant step forward in how off-grid adventure vans are built, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.
How Do Charging Methods Compare? Do You Need All Three?
Not all charging methods are created equal, and not all are necessary for every van. The right setup depends on your travel style and power demands.
Solar Panels: On a sunny day, a 300-watt solar array might generate 225 watts—but only if conditions are ideal. While solar is great for passive charging, it’s not always reliable in cloudy weather or shaded campsites.
Shore Power: Plugging in typically provides around 2,000 watts, making it one of the fastest and most consistent charging methods—ideal if you’re frequently at campgrounds or RV parks.
48V Secondary Alternator: This powerhouse delivers over 8,000 watts at high idle—more than four times what you get from shore power. If you’re turning your van on regularly, this can be your most effective charging source.
So, Do You Need All Three?
Not necessarily. If you primarily stay at campgrounds with shore power, solar may not be essential. If you drive often, your alternator can keep your house batteries charged without relying on solar. However, if your van includes high-draw appliances like a microwave, air conditioning unit, or induction cooktop, a secondary alternator becomes a game-changer, ensuring you don’t run out of power. While lower-draw items like refrigerators, lights, and water pumps steadily pull from your battery bank, they don’t deplete it as quickly.
The key is to design a charging system that aligns with your power needs, giving you reliable energy no matter where your adventures take you.
Wrapping It All Up
Building the perfect power system for your adventure van is as personal as the journey you’ll take with it. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of solar, the convenience of shore power, or the sheer capability of a secondary alternator, the best setup depends entirely on your lifestyle and goals.
Take what resonates from this post, and don’t stress over the rest. Our goal is to give you a solid foundation and a few things to think about as you dream up your ultimate camper van conversion.
If you’re still wondering about how much battery power you need, be sure to check out our blog post, How Much Power Do I Really Need: Your Guide to Going Off-Grid in a Van Conversion.
Thanks for sticking with me to the end, and happy adventuring!
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