Budget Battery System with Solar

A basic system with a 100W solar panel which is perfect for simple vans on a tight budget

Full specifications and cable sizing can be found at the end of this article.

"Disclaimer: Installing electrical equipment in a campervan requires technical know-how and an understanding of automotive electrical systems. Improper installation may pose risks such as electrical hazards, fire, damage to the vehicle and personal injury. It is recommended to seek guidance from a professional or thoroughly educate yourself before proceeding with any electrical modifications or installations."

The diagram above illustrates a simple and cost efficient power system which is ideal for day vans and campervans. The system uses a 110Ah AGM battery, a simple split charge relay and a small 100W solar panel. If your budget can accommodate it we recommend upgrading to a DC-DC charger as this will optimise the battery charging and prolong the life of the battery. (Lithium Vs. AGM)

Selecting a power system for your van requires thoughtful consideration of its intended use. Overspecification of systems can lead to unnecessary costs, therefore, estimating your typical van usage is crucial to avoid expenses beyond your budget, alternatively under-specifying your system can leave you anxious about power levels. This design includes a 100W solar panel, a larger panel and a charge controller can be added if required.

Unless there is a requirement for prolonged winter usage or the desire to run high powered electrical appliances we would not recommend installing a mains hook-up due to the additional cost. Nevertheless, these features can be easily integrated during the initial build or retrofitted at a later date.

If you would like to see live usage and power levels an energy monitor can be added to the system, we strongly recommend this addition as you can monitor exactly what is going in and out of the system.

The total cost (including cables) is £497 (as of March 2024), if you would like to reduce the cost and remove the additional solar system the cost is reduced to £307. Installing this system should be achievable within 1 day. If you're not confident about installing it yourself we'd be glad to discuss how we could help and offer a quote. (All appliances, lighting and outlets are additional to this cost)

Please note, Brento doesn't have an affiliation with any of the companies listed below. However, based on our experience, they offer great products at competitive prices.

To install this system you will need a range of basic tools, and equipment. Having a mix of crimps, terminals, and heat shrink tubing is useful. The list below should provide more than enough consumable items, by planning carefully, you could save money by purchasing specific items separately. Yet, having a variety of parts available ensures the job runs without any delays.

If you haven't worked with automotive electrics before, you might not have the necessary tools for the job. Here are some essential tools vital for a safe and effective installation.

If you'd like to install this system yourself, please read the following notes. It might be possible to reduce cable sizes; however, the current sizes allow it to be installed in any sized van with minimal voltage drop. Sizes have also been standardised to reduce the number of different cables required during the installation.

Notes-

1. All battery/split charge cables are to be PVC high flex battery cable 4AWG/25mm2 unless otherwise stated.

2. The lighting, water pump and USB are supplied from a common power supply to reduce the need for an additional fusebox, however individual supplies provide redundancy in the system, preventing a total power loss due to a single fault.

3. Diesel heaters should be connected directly to the battery without an isolation switch. Isolating the power supply of a diesel heater during operation may cause irreparable damage to the device.                                                                         

Appliances -

USB Outlet/Lights/Water Pump - Are supplied from a common supply Follow manufacturer guidance on fuse and cable size. This will differ between manufacturers and models.

Fridge - Fridges are sold with suitable cables and fuses. Follow manufacturer guidance if this cable needs to be extended.

Diesel Heater - Heaters are provided with a suitable cable and fuse. If you need to extend the cable, voltage drop can cause faults during start up due to the high current draw. Consult the manufacturer's instructions if modifying the wiring harness.  For help choosing a heater read the following article.