Newbie here. Bought a 2006 extended econoline high top that is pretty much built out. 450w of solar panels on roof, inventor, batteries, switches etc are all there. But batteries are dead and equipment is dated. Quality replacement batteries are expensive. Any reason not to buy a Jackary or similar power station and use the existing solar panels to simply charge that or am I missing something? Thanks!
Have you tried charging the batteries on a real battery charger? Maybe the solar or the controller are bad, or bad connections.
I buy $20 used deep cycle batteries from junk yards. They’ll usually last at least 5 years.
I got a bluetti ac200p and three 200 watt solar panels, not used it full time yet as I’m building my camper van. I have used it for cooking and with the panels it charges quickly.
We are currently developing a product that is essentially an electrical van system, but its all in one portable box. We are planning for it to be released at the end of February. We believe this could be perfect for you. Alternatively, If you are thinking of replacing your batteries, we are an official distributor for Fogstar and we are cheaper than buying from Fogstar direct. We highly recommend their LiFePO4 batteries.
There’s already tons of those type systems available. But you’re paying a lot for what you get.
A diy system is much better, and much cheaper.
Regardless, we should all be prepared to live comfortably with no power. Too many people are too reliant on it these days. So many people are in trouble right now because their heat requires power they don’t have.
Power problems are one of the biggest problems for people living a mobile lifestyle. I camped for years with no power… Today, I need power for my phone & laptop, but other than that, none of my truly essential items require power. Heating, cooking, & cooling are all fuel powered without the need of electricity or battery power.
Being prepared is very important, and old school camping without power, could literally save lives.
Yeah I went with a solar generator and wish I knew what I do now, I am still going to go with a battery, MPPT controler and inverter but my solar generator will be a back up.
Don’t forget an isolator to charge while driving…
Batteries as a main source for sure, cheap small solar generator for minor backup. Have backup cheap charge contoller, etc.
Batteries give a lot more bang for the buck than these hugely overoriced “solar generators”.
I use small cheap pocket power banks to charge my phone, and these charge right off one of my folding portable panels that got PD port on it.
I also have inexpensive solar generator for laptop charging and blender. The rest is on batteries
Those expensive jackary stations…may be for people who camp out of suv not having room for permanent solar setup. Anyway cheaper solar stations from amazon worked ok for me in the past
