BougeRV solar panels (use code HOBOTECH for discount) bit.ly/3spDJQy EcoFlow solar panels (use code EFHOBOTECH50 for discount) bit.ly/3K22OXI Air Conditioners: hobotech.tv/amazon/#Comfort
I should have purchased everything way before this stupid inflation. Dumb politicians printing money like nothing! We, the working class, end up feeling that burden.
@@JorgeGonzalez-yt8sy The soft start is built into the AC unit. If you don't have it built in then you can get a third-party device to bridge between the AC unit and your generator/inverter.
You can get a 12 volt, DC powered mini split heat pump/ac that could even come as a sealed system so you don't need to mess with topping off the refrigerant. It should cut the power requirements down a bit and the cost doesn't seem too bad. If I had the space to install one I'd try it. More appropriate for van life or an RV for sure.
The glass panels are meant to go on the roof of a house and last 20 to 30 years out in the weather, if those flexible panels last 5 years putting them up and taking them down everyday in the desert wind you should feel lucky.
I live in Grand Junction Colorado. That's About and hour and a half from the Utah Boarder. I live in a 38 ft. 5th Wheel with 4 Slides. I run a window type swamp cool on solar. It only takes 250W to run it. On a 100+ temp day my 5th wheel trailer inside temp is anywhere from 75 to 80 degrees max. And Its all free!! Gota love it!!
I purchased four 100 Watt RICH Solar flex panels for $80 each and they work great. I plan on purchasing more. While they are less effective they are definitely lighter and easier to store due to their thinness. I am searching for some light weight trays that I can attach support arms to for holding one end of the panels. I plan on filling the trays with something heavy such as sand or rocks to hold them in place. What ever is available when I need to set them up. Nice job proving a 6k ac can be run on panels.
We live off grid, have 5 mini splits and 1 air conditioner we run on just over 10k of panels just fine on 115F days, no generator and still charge up the batteries, which is a must.
Research and study Ohm's law. That will help a bit. It's a simple equation. Of course to understand Ohm's law you'll need to research other things like volts & amps & resistance but like anything else, it's impossible when you don't understand it and simple when you do.
@@DrDangerPuppy it's not impossible if someone just say exactly what's needed and how to maintain it. I just want to know what I need to run a freezer. Simple that's it! We're not trying to get a degree or teach a class. This makes my head spin.
@@lonigirl8807 "say exactly what's needed and how to maintain it". That would be the "impossible when you don't understand it" part of the equation. You're asking to understand it so that it's simple to do, which is the second half of the equation. In any event, here's a random guide for what they call the best solar freezers. There are other guides/reviews, i'm not recommending anything just making you aware of potential alternatives so as to make it simple for you. I've only skimmed it so, caveat emptor! Be aware that your power needs will vary based on the freezer you want to run. A 12V DC freezer is going to have different requirements than an 120V AC freezer. Each freezer (regardless of AC or DC) will draw a different amount of power. The answer to your question is going to vary. Hopefully this helps a tiny little bit.
@@DrDangerPuppy thanks! Caveat emptor, really? Couldn't you have just said buyers beware! That's what I'm talking about! Lol! How many people had to look that up, I wonder. Thanks for the information.
I've missed seeing your vids -- was ill, am better now. You're the best, Tom. You've not only saved me buckets of coin but have taught me a lot. Appreciate it. Thanks
@@HOBOTECH Thank for the explanation. There was quite a bit of hot folks last summer and with your info iin this video many will be cool this summer including our furry friends! God Bless!
Good info. Thanks! At home I’m using 6 PV 250 watt panels = 1500 watts. Hooked to a 3000 watt Growatt inverter. It’s hooked to 4 Enjoybot 300 ah batteries. Maybe this summer I will try to run house AC.
I will be getting a “tiny house” that is 10x12. I have good southern exposure where it will be placed. I want to be off grid with solar/ and or a dual fuel generator. I can see a system with glass panels, lithium batteries, inverter etc and be off grid with all my power needs provided. HT is my go to on this.
Glad I found this channel. Fits my next adventure well. Building an e-bike with the plans of a ride that I have never heard anyone taking. My limited budget is the largest challenge. But, I hope to put it together by July. First ride will be 275 miles. Followed by much longer rides after the 275 mile test run. Will be watching old vids on the channel, to learn what I can! Safe travels!
We have 2000 watts on the roof of our motorhome. 1000 watts on the ground. All panels are the same make and model. With a rating of 345 per panel. Six 100 Ah lithium batteries made by Herewin. With this system we are able to run our basement A/C and heat pump unit. For run time I have one of the two compressors turned off. Which still provides enough to cool and charge the batteries.
I wonder if you could have flat panels on the roof, but under them have panels that slide out either side and deploy drop-down telescopic legs? Then you could have one side lower and one side higher, angling them at the sun for better efficiency. Maybe one day fully-flexible solar will be a thing and you could have an awning almost the size of the vehicle, made entirely of solar panels!
I got a 2021 jayco rV class A ! , 1400 watts on my roof , 11 lithium batteries, added a 3,000 watt inverter I can run one ac all day ! My front ac is 1400 watts , my rear ac is 1200 watts of this helps
Tom, this is off topic but please check out the Millertech 600 pure sine inverter. It runs off of power tool batteries. A review would really help those guys out. I’m not affiliated with them. I just own 2 of these inverters an they are really cool.
This is a perfect test for me. I have 4 250w grape solar panels that I've never used. I'm going to get an Ecoflow Pro and a soft start window A/C unit. It won't be enough to cool my 1100 sq.foot area, but it should be enough to reduce my power bill and still have an emergency backup in the winter too.
Even at $1200 (before the HOBOTECH 50 discount code)….the 400 watt Ecoflow folding panels are sold out on 2/28/22! Not sure if it’s JUST happened, due to concerns for grid DOWN situations in general, or more specifically concerns about Cyber HACKING due to retaliation from Russia for economic sanctions in the invasion of Ukraine? I do have 3 x 160 watt folding Ecoflow panels for my standard (not Pro) Delta solar generator model which has a maximum input of 400 watts with its own internal controller. They are very efficient, however as you described, keeping them in place in the wind ( I do like your PVC pipe with electrical tie set up), with just the supplied support case, is the only problem I’m having. With the 400 watt max input, my Delta standard model keeps my Standard home side by side fridge and 12 year old 19 cu ft freezer running for approximately 20 hours. Eventually planning for a Delta Pro purchase, but at $3500 for just 1 Pro , and $1000 each for the additional batteries (up to 2 x extended run time) and the small electric back up gas charging generator (for extended cloudy days) , my budget at the moment won’t allow it. Eventually retiring to Florida East Coast, so both systems will be useful for storms or other grid down situations. The automatic switch over when the power goes out is priceless for peace of mind when you are away from home! I did have to also plug in an ACP brand small back up battery into the Delta, to GUARANTEE my computer would stay on in the split second gap with electric to battery power down switch over. The short microsecond gap of the Delta alone might be too much for some servers. My combination works for me! Keep up the great in depth technical reviews
Check out Nomadic Cooling. They manufacture DC air conditioners. Yes, they are more expensive but it is a solution. I am putting a Victron system in my truck camper with a DC air conditioner. Just check out the option. DC a/c's are used in Europe on Semi trucks because they can't idle their rigs while sleeping.
Hi Hobo, can you make a video how too show your set up one day. You explain in the video but for the one like my that is not too good on solar power thanks and keep your good video i like to check your interesting from Quebec.
Well, of course you can run A/C if you have that much solar coming in and a decent amount of lithium storage. I think that's all a lot more than most people are going to have (be able to afford).
Others awesome. I'm putting up a Dome in Northern AZ. Many people don't have air conditioning there. . But till my home quanset is built I'll need electricity. Hopefully it will be built when it starts getting cold. I'd be happy to order from you. Thanks for your videos.
Thanks HT for useful info I had not seen before! How did you convert your A/C to Soft Start? I have it on my central air but would like to convert my window (back-up) units. Thanks in advance.
It's great to see you back, and in your Roadtrek. One problem, I watch your blog on my phone (no computer) so I don't get a "down below" to order from. I would use it if you typed it on the screen at the end. Anyways good to see you back. AL
Hey hobo! I’d love to see a video where you do this with a AC window unit for a small room in a house. I’m in Florida and whenever we have a hurricane come through the threat of losing power in the middle of summer is haunting. How many solar panels wattage would it take to run a 5 to 6000 BTU window AC unit?
@@HOBOTECH didn't you do a video on how much solar is needed to run a full size freezer? I was looking through your videos but I haven't seen it. I thought you did last summer.
I worry about theft. If you pull out the lightweight foldable ones and then go hiking for the day, I think the odds are good that the heavy glass units would still be there on your return.
@@aussie2uGA If u stealth camp in urban area yes for sure they be stolen. Not sure in BLM camping. But always a chance theft will happen even in ur rig.
You did the test with the ecoflow & bougerv panels but in a future video could you also include a powerfilm folding panel? I believe a 120w folding powerfilm panel is also about $1000. Thanks
The problem with this is you cant run it through out the night for a good nights sleep which is why I made an evaporative instead even with my 2kw solar/9kw system. The trade off is it uses a LOT of water!
I have a camper van with four 100 watt solar panels and three Battle Borns and a soft start in my A/C to help when using the propane generator. No way would I want to cart around all those extra solar panels and have to guard them from being stolen.
This is so funny! I am doing the same thing here in Phoenix! Except I only have three 100w solar panels (in parallel) with three 100ah renogy with a three thousand watt sine wave inverter running a 5 thousand BTU window A/C! I need more solar panels though, I’m using more power than what I’m bringing in!
I'm blown away by some of the nasty comments in this video! Anyway: you blew by one of the most important things IMO: the soft start device. Did you install that yourself? I looked at your website and couldn't find anything. Thanks. Jim
I learned something today. I learned that you are getting me to spend more $$$ on some glass panels! I only want to buy one or two to keep my trailer battery charged. Do the Bouge RV have solar controllers built in? Or do I need to add my own?
i would love an air conditioner but the one you offer is too much for me Im in my little areostars converted van of which i love but it can get hot sometimes and I'd love an air conditioner what kind of smaller air conditioner could you suggest
Hey Hobotech. Heard of a company called Canadian Solar? It's a worldwide conglomerate. They have panels 220w 320w for about $1.00 per watt. Can you check it out and do a review? That's canadian dollars as well
One other thing. The latest B class coachman transit vans have 12 volt ac. Forgot the make. That's a 22' vehicle high top. Must be working. They added a second alternator on the engine, or Ford did? Huge fridge and Thurman furnace plus solar. They claim it can stay off grid. It's only 180k as well! LOL
There is a company named Micro Air, that manufactures a "soft start" kit, for rooftop RV A/C units. It allows some, to be able to run off a 2000W generator. Some people have stated, that they can run the rooftop A/C off of solar, with this kit installed.
Hello, thank you for the video. I have 2 Goal Zero Yeti 3000x batteries; one I want to use for ac. I have 400 watts of solar on the van roof. Is there any ac unit I can buy that will work with this system? Thank you in advance 😊
Good stuff to know. I think though perhaps with smaller setups and smaller AC units, it may be possible to use even less power if you set the AC on low. I think you said in your tests you were running it continously on high, so if you minimize the amount of loss (by keeping windows/blinds closed, and doors closed as much as possible) you might be able to get away with slightly less, but this will probably depend on the AC unit itself too.
Fresh Air is important too. Running continuously is certainly more than required, but you can't bottle up or your health would suffer. Blinds closed is great though, keep out the thermal gain (external permeable window shades are even better)
Thanks again for a brilliant vid. I'm planning on giving my RV AC a go with my EcoFlow Delta Pro this summer. A question, if you'd be so kind .. Soft start built in? Looking on the google and am only seeing soft start units. Help?
i've heard of trucker AC systems that actually run on 12v(?) but lost the links... Failing that, when it comes to 110v AC's, maybe the mini-split systems are more efficient than standard RV AC's? Curious if anybody's experimented with either of these
Mini splits are by far the best. If you only need a/c the 9000 btu LG unit on my site uses the same dual inverter tech. The 12v units are only useful if you don't have an inverter and wish to run 200A welding cable long distance.
@@HOBOTECH thanks for the follow-up! $5 gas to fuel the generator makes this topic all the more relevant as we head into another summer. i wonder if the dual inverter efficiency of the LG surpasses the efficiency of 12v units (once you factor in some loss allowing for 110v w/inverter(?) If its possible to mount a 12v AC near the battery bank, then welding cable needs might not be so extreme..., but i hear you on that!
Big enough to handle your particular a/c unit's power draw. Have to calculate it yourself, look at the labels on your equipment and add it up. Soft start circuit is ver important. All in his previously posted videos. Search on his homepage.
@@HOBOTECH thank you for your reply. I just installed a 3000w inverter. . But I am lacking in the required panels. . I'll bump it up soon. Thanks again.
Hey Tom, I have a Bluetti AC200P. I am going to attempt to do exactly what you’re doing, however I am going to install glass panels (2 or three large ones 310+ ea.). The guy where I am buying them seems to feel if I go more than 700w of panels I will fry my Bluetti. What is your thought?
I run a 9,000 btu ductless mini split 24/7 July thru November at sea level in southern AZ. It takes 2-3kw to start it and 1.5kw to run it full tilt. Overnight is the tricky part. I have a diy lifepo 24v 700ah, univ. of youtube battery set up, cobbled together that runs the AC and three compressor fridges overnight. I use ten 265w panels facing east to catch the morning energy and get a jump on the day. Ten facing south to help catch all the midday energy and ten panels facing west to catch every last drop of energy before night. Thats 30x265w for almost 8000watts of pv. Seems like a lot but used panels are cheap or use to be when I bought these. This pv set up easily runs the AC and recharges the 700ah battery on cloudy days. Chemtrail days are touch and go, that shite really blocks the pv energy.
So to someone like me, who will be buying a Delta shortly but intending to use as a small system in the UK which isn't normally blessed with such solar-gain as in this video, it seems I should be considering about a 50% efficiency (in terms of wattage) with the mono panels. Can you recommend any particular panels better for 'more often gloomier' days but will still fare well on the Summer days?
I meant in general conditions of gloomier days (as opposed to the glorious skies you've enjoyed lately) rather than specific to one country or the other.
Well, there's usually a way in most cases, and I don't think anyone said you "can't" but the question is: is it feasible. If you have to spend thousands of dollars on solar panels and other gear, it may not make sense financially especially if you camp infrequently (say once a month or every other weekend) to spend thousands on gear as it would take you years to probably get your money back (OR if you were staying in camp grounds that have AC, then it may be cheaper to just use land power versus solar). It would just depend on how much you use it and how long the panels would actually last.
Is there any way I can talk with you about this. I’m currently looking into buying 2-3000 watts of panels. I’m wanting to run two small AC’. One about the size of the one you’re running in your van (my bedroom window) and a portable AC (the kind on rollers that vent out a window). My problem is I’m a kick ass carpenter, and a kicked ass electrician. I need to know how to set this up with a charge controller to a 12v system with a 3-4000w inverter. Portable. I live in the country on property I rent. I’m looking at 5 acres in the mountains so I’m wanting to trailer mount these until the cabin gets built. Please help.
Plug the charge controller into the batteries, plug the inverter into the batteries. Done. I have lots of videos on these topics you can search my playlist or come to our Facebook group.
BougeRV solar panels (use code HOBOTECH for discount) bit.ly/3spDJQy
EcoFlow solar panels (use code EFHOBOTECH50 for discount) bit.ly/3K22OXI
Air Conditioners: hobotech.tv/amazon/#Comfort
Hello! Will I be able to connect 2 X 200W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panels with EF ECOFLOW EFDELTA?
How many watts solar panel do I need to power a air conditioner that's 500w ?
Glad I bought those 200-watt panels a year ago. Even with Tom's discount code the new ones are $100 more each now. Binflation.
I should have purchased everything way before this stupid inflation. Dumb politicians printing money like nothing! We, the working class, end up feeling that burden.
Can't emphasize that "Soft Start" requirement enough - Great vid and I like the breakdown on the individual panels' $/performance at the end
could you help me understand if he means the soft start is built into the a/c ? or does he mean he installed a soft start on the RV for the a/c ?
@@JorgeGonzalez-yt8sy The soft start is built into the AC unit. If you don't have it built in then you can get a third-party device to bridge between the AC unit and your generator/inverter.
@@JKLauderdale i see, that clears it up very well. thanks
You can get a 12 volt, DC powered mini split heat pump/ac that could even come as a sealed system so you don't need to mess with topping off the refrigerant. It should cut the power requirements down a bit and the cost doesn't seem too bad. If I had the space to install one I'd try it. More appropriate for van life or an RV for sure.
You can judge a man by the contentness of his cat.
Hobo good.
The glass panels are meant to go on the roof of a house and last 20 to 30 years out in the weather, if those flexible panels last 5 years putting them up and taking them down everyday in the desert wind you should feel lucky.
I live in Grand Junction Colorado. That's About and hour and a half from the Utah Boarder. I live in a 38 ft. 5th Wheel with 4 Slides. I run a window type swamp cool on solar. It only takes 250W to run it. On a 100+ temp day my 5th wheel trailer inside temp is anywhere from 75 to 80 degrees max. And Its all free!! Gota love it!!
I purchased four 100 Watt RICH Solar flex panels for $80 each and they work great. I plan on purchasing more. While they are less effective they are definitely lighter and easier to store due to their thinness. I am searching for some light weight trays that I can attach support arms to for holding one end of the panels. I plan on filling the trays with something heavy such as sand or rocks to hold them in place. What ever is available when I need to set them up. Nice job proving a 6k ac can be run on panels.
We live off grid, have 5 mini splits and 1 air conditioner we run on just over 10k of panels just fine on 115F days, no generator and still charge up the batteries, which is a must.
I really appreciate this video and wish I understood all of this better. What a blessing to have this knowledge and skill. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻
I don't understand it either and when They explain I still don''. So I don't purchase.
Research and study Ohm's law. That will help a bit. It's a simple equation. Of course to understand Ohm's law you'll need to research other things like volts & amps & resistance but like anything else, it's impossible when you don't understand it and simple when you do.
@@DrDangerPuppy it's not impossible if someone just say exactly what's needed and how to maintain it. I just want to know what I need to run a freezer. Simple that's it! We're not trying to get a degree or teach a class. This makes my head spin.
@@lonigirl8807 "say exactly what's needed and how to maintain it". That would be the "impossible when you don't understand it" part of the equation. You're asking to understand it so that it's simple to do, which is the second half of the equation.
In any event, here's a random guide for what they call the best solar freezers. There are other guides/reviews, i'm not recommending anything just making you aware of potential alternatives so as to make it simple for you. I've only skimmed it so, caveat emptor!
Be aware that your power needs will vary based on the freezer you want to run. A 12V DC freezer is going to have different requirements than an 120V AC freezer. Each freezer (regardless of AC or DC) will draw a different amount of power. The answer to your question is going to vary. Hopefully this helps a tiny little bit.
@@DrDangerPuppy thanks! Caveat emptor, really? Couldn't you have just said buyers beware! That's what I'm talking about! Lol! How many people had to look that up, I wonder. Thanks for the information.
Excellent video Tom, I have 1500 watts of solar panels and no trouble running a 8000 btu Media with soft start.
Professor we love all you share. Teach us all guru!
Nice review on the folding panel. Thank you.
PS stretches to Odin!
How many watts solar panel do I need to power a air conditioner that's 500w ?
Odin... Perfect name for that cat. That is awesome.
I've missed seeing your vids -- was ill, am better now. You're the best, Tom. You've not only saved me buckets of coin but have taught me a lot. Appreciate it. Thanks
Thanks. I'm back to work now.
@@HOBOTECH Thank for the explanation. There was quite a bit of hot folks last summer and with your info iin this video many will be cool this summer including our furry friends! God Bless!
@@mikefromuniontown3809How many watts solar panel do I need to power a air conditioner that's 500w ?
Good info. Thanks! At home I’m using
6 PV 250 watt panels = 1500 watts. Hooked to a 3000 watt Growatt inverter. It’s hooked to 4 Enjoybot 300 ah batteries. Maybe this summer I will try to run house AC.
Looking forward to trying out my ecoflow delta pro and extra battery in my 30 amp RV when the RV seasons arrives
I will be getting a “tiny house” that is 10x12. I have good southern exposure where it will be placed. I want to be off grid with solar/ and or a dual fuel generator. I can see a system with glass panels, lithium batteries, inverter etc and be off grid with all my power needs provided. HT is my go to on this.
Great real info we need thx again professor
Glad I found this channel. Fits my next adventure well. Building an e-bike with the plans of a ride that I have never heard anyone taking. My limited budget is the largest challenge. But, I hope to put it together by July. First ride will be 275 miles. Followed by much longer rides after the 275 mile test run. Will be watching old vids on the channel, to learn what I can! Safe travels!
Only hobotech would run an air conditioning video while we have ice outside :)
We have 2000 watts on the roof of our motorhome. 1000 watts on the ground. All panels are the same make and model. With a rating of 345 per panel. Six 100 Ah lithium batteries made by Herewin. With this system we are able to run our basement A/C and heat pump unit. For run time I have one of the two compressors turned off. Which still provides enough to cool and charge the batteries.
I wonder if you could have flat panels on the roof, but under them have panels that slide out either side and deploy drop-down telescopic legs? Then you could have one side lower and one side higher, angling them at the sun for better efficiency.
Maybe one day fully-flexible solar will be a thing and you could have an awning almost the size of the vehicle, made entirely of solar panels!
Thanks Odin
I got a 2021 jayco rV class A ! , 1400 watts on my roof , 11 lithium batteries, added a 3,000 watt inverter I can run one ac all day ! My front ac is 1400 watts , my rear ac is 1200 watts of this helps
Tom, this is off topic but please check out the Millertech 600 pure sine inverter. It runs off of power tool batteries. A review would really help those guys out. I’m not affiliated with them. I just own 2 of these inverters an they are really cool.
This is a perfect test for me. I have 4 250w grape solar panels that I've never used. I'm going to get an Ecoflow Pro and a soft start window A/C unit. It won't be enough to cool my 1100 sq.foot area, but it should be enough to reduce my power bill and still have an emergency backup in the winter too.
Even at $1200 (before the HOBOTECH 50 discount code)….the 400 watt Ecoflow folding panels are sold out on 2/28/22! Not sure if it’s JUST happened, due to concerns for grid DOWN situations in general, or more specifically concerns about Cyber HACKING due to retaliation from Russia for economic sanctions in the invasion of Ukraine? I do have 3 x 160 watt folding Ecoflow panels for my standard (not Pro) Delta solar generator model which has a maximum input of 400 watts with its own internal controller. They are very efficient, however as you described, keeping them in place in the wind ( I do like your PVC pipe with electrical tie set up), with just the supplied support case, is the only problem I’m having. With the 400 watt max input, my Delta standard model keeps my Standard home side by side fridge and 12 year old 19 cu ft freezer running for approximately 20 hours. Eventually planning for a Delta Pro purchase, but at $3500 for just 1 Pro , and $1000 each for the additional batteries (up to 2 x extended run time) and the small electric back up gas charging generator (for extended cloudy days) , my budget at the moment won’t allow it. Eventually retiring to Florida East Coast, so both systems will be useful for storms or other grid down situations. The automatic switch over when the power goes out is priceless for peace of mind when you are away from home! I did have to also plug in an ACP brand small back up battery into the Delta, to GUARANTEE my computer would stay on in the split second gap with electric to battery power down switch over. The short microsecond gap of the Delta alone might be too much for some servers. My combination works for me! Keep up the great in depth technical reviews
We plan to head to the desert someday soon and will be using solar AC for sure. We have glass panels so hopefully will stay cool. Thanks for the info!
Good information as usual.
Check out Nomadic Cooling. They manufacture DC air conditioners. Yes, they are more expensive but it is a solution. I am putting a Victron system in my truck camper with a DC air conditioner. Just check out the option. DC a/c's are used in Europe on Semi trucks because they can't idle their rigs while sleeping.
Very impressive! Maybe I can camp in the desert in the summer 😎 Odin is such a cutie!
Best information so far
Hi Hobo, can you make a video how too show your set up one day. You explain in the video but for the one like my that is not too good on solar power thanks and keep your good video i like to check your interesting from Quebec.
I have a tour of my RV from about 3 years ago on here. Not much has changed.
Well, of course you can run A/C if you have that much solar coming in and a decent amount of lithium storage. I think that's all a lot more than most people are going to have (be able to afford).
The outside temperature gets up to 90° or the nights aren’t cool anymore and all those numbers will change
Been waiting for this video for a while. Thanks for showing solar input. How much power was the 6k btu ac consuming?
Others awesome. I'm putting up a Dome in Northern AZ. Many people don't have air conditioning there. . But till my home quanset is built I'll need electricity. Hopefully it will be built when it starts getting cold. I'd be happy to order from you. Thanks for your videos.
Another great video! Happy birthday Odin!
Thanks HT for useful info I had not seen before! How did you convert your A/C to Soft Start? I have it on my central air but would like to convert my window (back-up) units. Thanks in advance.
Soft start is built into Frigidaire units.
But is this the requirement for continuously running AC or say, setting the thermostat to room temp and the AC cycles on/off?
This is continuous running. If cycling, the power use is much less.
It's great to see you back, and in your Roadtrek. One problem, I watch your blog on my phone (no computer) so I don't get a "down below" to order from. I would use it if you typed it on the screen at the end. Anyways good to see you back. AL
I've been trying to figure out how to do this without a long, difficult to type URL. I'll look into it.
Kitty must have one bodacious attitude to be named Oden.
Nice program on the solar panels.
Hey hobo! I’d love to see a video where you do this with a AC window unit for a small room in a house. I’m in Florida and whenever we have a hurricane come through the threat of losing power in the middle of summer is haunting. How many solar panels wattage would it take to run a 5 to 6000 BTU window AC unit?
This video is MADE using a 6000 BTU window AC unit.
Yeah try watching again...
@@HOBOTECH didn't you do a video on how much solar is needed to run a full size freezer? I was looking through your videos but I haven't seen it. I thought you did last summer.
Now if I can some how do this with my 4runner.
The secret is out! The foldable r quite a bit more expensive indeed. Also take in the factor in consideration if u can tilt the panels? Witch to buy?🤔
I worry about theft. If you pull out the lightweight foldable ones and then go hiking for the day, I think the odds are good that the heavy glass units would still be there on your return.
@@aussie2uGA If u stealth camp in urban area yes for sure they be stolen. Not sure in BLM camping. But always a chance theft will happen even in ur rig.
😢How many watts solar panel do I need to power a air conditioner that's 500w ?
You did the test with the ecoflow & bougerv panels but in a future video could you also include a powerfilm folding panel? I believe a 120w folding powerfilm panel is also about $1000. Thanks
The problem with this is you cant run it through out the night for a good nights sleep which is why I made an evaporative instead even with my 2kw solar/9kw system. The trade off is it uses a LOT of water!
I have a camper van with four 100 watt solar panels and three Battle Borns and a soft start in my A/C to help when using the propane generator. No way would I want to cart around all those extra solar panels and have to guard them from being stolen.
This is so funny! I am doing the same thing here in Phoenix! Except I only have three 100w solar panels (in parallel) with three 100ah renogy with a three thousand watt sine wave inverter running a 5 thousand BTU window A/C! I need more solar panels though, I’m using more power than what I’m bringing in!
I'd be curious to know the output of your 300W rooftop panels as well, given they are sitting flat and not angled towards the sun.
Thanks Tom.
I'm blown away by some of the nasty comments in this video!
Anyway: you blew by one of the most important things IMO: the soft start device. Did you install that yourself? I looked at your website and couldn't find anything. Thanks. Jim
All Frigidaire window units that I know of come with a soft start.
Good informational video.
Thank you!
So what's everything I need to buy?? Want the same set up
Cool,.... literally...... Will it still work when its 110 ? love to see the install / component info..... super cool !
I used a similar setup living in Tucson during the summer of 2020. Temps averaged 105-110 most days.
Hey Tom your voice sounds a little "dusty" in this video. Keep your fluids up there buddy!
Hey Odin!
With my small volume teardrop trailer, I can get away with 400 watts of panels feeding 2x100amp/hour batteries and a 5000 btu AC.
Great video! What specs are your solar control or which solar charge control are you using in this video??
Thank you!
I learned something today.
I learned that you are getting me to spend more $$$ on some glass panels! I only want to buy one or two to keep my trailer battery charged.
Do the Bouge RV have solar controllers built in? Or do I need to add my own?
These are plain solar panels. You need to have your own controller(s).
i would love an air conditioner but the one you offer is too much for me Im in my little areostars converted van of which i love but it can get hot sometimes and I'd love an air conditioner what kind of smaller air conditioner could you suggest
Hey Hobotech. Heard of a company called Canadian Solar? It's a worldwide conglomerate. They have panels 220w 320w for about $1.00 per watt. Can you check it out and do a review? That's canadian dollars as well
I'd boycott Canadian panels now due to their tyrannical measures on the freedom truckers. Canada has fallen.
Contact them see if they will send me some.
@@aussie2uGA we are ok. Only media is falling. Trudeau has been taken down. Just a computer image left. We have a new queen. Romana Didulo
@@HOBOTECH I will try. US OFFICE in Calif. It's a massive company, they mustbe doing something right
One other thing. The latest B class coachman transit vans have 12 volt ac. Forgot the make. That's a 22' vehicle high top. Must be working. They added a second alternator on the engine, or Ford did? Huge fridge and Thurman furnace plus solar. They claim it can stay off grid. It's only 180k as well! LOL
Thanks man!
Ty sir
Soft start? How where please ? For canada
There is a company named Micro Air, that manufactures a "soft start" kit, for rooftop RV A/C units. It allows some, to be able to run off a 2000W generator. Some people have stated, that they can run the rooftop A/C off of solar, with this kit installed.
What's your thoughts on the solar powered/hybrid air conditioners?
Hello, thank you for the video. I have 2 Goal Zero Yeti 3000x batteries; one I want to use for ac. I have 400 watts of solar on the van roof. Is there any ac unit I can buy that will work with this system? Thank you in advance 😊
Why r the solar panels so large ?
Odin looks like an Attack Cat, when he's in the mood.
Positive Comment
Good stuff to know. I think though perhaps with smaller setups and smaller AC units, it may be possible to use even less power if you set the AC on low. I think you said in your tests you were running it continously on high, so if you minimize the amount of loss (by keeping windows/blinds closed, and doors closed as much as possible) you might be able to get away with slightly less, but this will probably depend on the AC unit itself too.
Fresh Air is important too.
Running continuously is certainly more than required, but you can't bottle up or your health would suffer.
Blinds closed is great though, keep out the thermal gain (external permeable window shades are even better)
This is great! Nice work. What inverter are you using for this? I'm especially curious about the wattage.
This Vertamax hobotech.tv/amazon/#Electrical
As far as I am concerned, anyone who loves cats is cool! 73
Clean that portable panel and redo the test at home. That dust will really kill any output.
The dust made no difference.
always very educational...in summer doesn't it get to 110 in your current locale? would probably need more panels to cool the van down
I live in the mountains. It never goes above 95. I only camp in the desert during winter.
Thanks for sharing, what size inverter are you using to power the A/C?
1500w
@@HOBOTECH Thanks
@@HOBOTECH Thanks
Thanks again for a brilliant vid. I'm planning on giving my RV AC a go with my EcoFlow Delta Pro this summer. A question, if you'd be so kind .. Soft start built in? Looking on the google and am only seeing soft start units. Help?
Frigidaire units on my page are all soft start. hobotech.tv/amazon/#Comfort
i've heard of trucker AC systems that actually run on 12v(?) but lost the links... Failing that, when it comes to 110v AC's, maybe the mini-split systems are more efficient than standard RV AC's? Curious if anybody's experimented with either of these
Mini splits are by far the best. If you only need a/c the 9000 btu LG unit on my site uses the same dual inverter tech. The 12v units are only useful if you don't have an inverter and wish to run 200A welding cable long distance.
@@HOBOTECH thanks for the follow-up! $5 gas to fuel the generator makes this topic all the more relevant as we head into another summer. i wonder if the dual inverter efficiency of the LG surpasses the efficiency of 12v units (once you factor in some loss allowing for 110v w/inverter(?) If its possible to mount a 12v AC near the battery bank, then welding cable needs might not be so extreme..., but i hear you on that!
If I'm boondocking and plug my 30 amp plug into my bluetti ac220 max generator with 1 200 watt panel. What will it allow me to run do you think?
Hey Tom,
Just Perfect,
V MAN
12v 24 v 48volts inverter ?????
So where do you store these in your Trek? I have a 190P.
Great job god bless
What are those telescopic flag poles at the back of the van? Looking for something like that to install a signal booster
hobotech.tv/amazon/#Cargo-Outdoor
How big of an inverter do you recommend for your application.
Big enough to handle your particular a/c unit's power draw. Have to calculate it yourself, look at the labels on your equipment and add it up. Soft start circuit is ver important.
All in his previously posted videos. Search on his homepage.
Depends on your a/c unit. I use a 1500w for my 6000 btu. A 3000w would be required for a 12k btu.
@@HOBOTECH thank you for your reply. I just installed a 3000w inverter. . But I am lacking in the required panels. . I'll bump it up soon. Thanks again.
How to get $0FREE$0 A/C with $4000 in solar panels!
But seriously, as someone planning on running a 5000BTU A/C, I appreciate this demonstration.
Actually can be done with $300 worth of used residential panels if you wish. This demo shows it can be done with any kind of panels.
Hey Tom,
I have a Bluetti AC200P. I am going to attempt to do exactly what you’re doing, however I am going to install glass panels (2 or three large ones 310+ ea.). The guy where I am buying them seems to feel if I go more than 700w of panels I will fry my Bluetti. What is your thought?
And I'm still confused.
Please I need a link for SoftStart on my window-style AC, an LG 6K BTU unit.
You need to buy a unit with one built in or get an aftermarket soft start for $200+
Connecting that flex panel to the 2 glass panels is probably reducing your overall output potential.
I would be interested in knowing how much solar power would be required to run a mini split A/C.
Alot will depend on the efficiency of the split mini for the most part they are more efficient then regular ac.
I run a 9,000 btu ductless mini split 24/7 July thru November at sea level in southern AZ. It takes 2-3kw to start it and 1.5kw to run it full tilt. Overnight is the tricky part. I have a diy lifepo 24v 700ah, univ. of youtube battery set up, cobbled together that runs the AC and three compressor fridges overnight.
I use ten 265w panels facing east to catch the morning energy and get a jump on the day. Ten facing south to help catch all the midday energy and ten panels facing west to catch every last drop of energy before night. Thats 30x265w for almost 8000watts of pv. Seems like a lot but used panels are cheap or use to be when I bought these. This pv set up easily runs the AC and recharges the 700ah battery on cloudy days. Chemtrail days are touch and go, that shite really blocks the pv energy.
I love solar power♥️🧡
So to someone like me, who will be buying a Delta shortly but intending to use as a small system in the UK which isn't normally blessed with such solar-gain as in this video, it seems I should be considering about a 50% efficiency (in terms of wattage) with the mono panels. Can you recommend any particular panels better for 'more often gloomier' days but will still fare well on the Summer days?
I can't recommend anything in the UK.
I meant in general conditions of gloomier days (as opposed to the glorious skies you've enjoyed lately) rather than specific to one country or the other.
@@paultaylor7691 CIGS panels work the best in shade
Thank you.
what temp is a/c set at?
Could you not use an Inverter window ac unit that draws like 35% less power?
Absolutely, but the smallest one I could find was 9000 BTU made by LG.
@@HOBOTECH Ah ok, a lil superfluous 😉. Thanks your always informative!
Professor Hobo, what's your favourite metal band? Just curious. 🤘from 🇨🇦
Devin Townsend Project 🤘
@@HOBOTECH oh hell yeah! Deadhead and Stormbending are amazing songs. His old stuff with SYL rips hard too 🤘
Cheers man, love the channel.
Is the VHB tape the same stuff from the beginning years ago?
Yes and I will do a video on that soon since I keep getting asked.
@@HOBOTECH thanks
Exactly! On the AC.
Don't listen to the neighsayers. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Well, there's usually a way in most cases, and I don't think anyone said you "can't" but the question is: is it feasible. If you have to spend thousands of dollars on solar panels and other gear, it may not make sense financially especially if you camp infrequently (say once a month or every other weekend) to spend thousands on gear as it would take you years to probably get your money back (OR if you were staying in camp grounds that have AC, then it may be cheaper to just use land power versus solar). It would just depend on how much you use it and how long the panels would actually last.
Is there any way I can talk with you about this. I’m currently looking into buying 2-3000 watts of panels. I’m wanting to run two small AC’. One about the size of the one you’re running in your van (my bedroom window) and a portable AC (the kind on rollers that vent out a window). My problem is I’m a kick ass carpenter, and a kicked ass electrician. I need to know how to set this up with a charge controller to a 12v system with a 3-4000w inverter. Portable. I live in the country on property I rent. I’m looking at 5 acres in the mountains so I’m wanting to trailer mount these until the cabin gets built. Please help.
Plug the charge controller into the batteries, plug the inverter into the batteries. Done. I have lots of videos on these topics you can search my playlist or come to our Facebook group.