Hi everyone! First off, I apologize if posting this in the wrong place.
Admittedly, I am a total noob and am completely flustered over how big, and what kind of a system I need for a full-time, partially off-grid #vanlife system. I'm currently converting an ambulance into a camper which I'll be working out of. The only things I am sure of thus far are that I want an all-in-one system to conserve space...and more importantly, that I never have to conserve energy or ever worry about having enough power to live/work comfortably wherever I may be in North America.
But the more research I do, the more confused I'm becoming. And, unfortunately, adding to the complexity of my mostly off-grid build, I'm on somewhat of a restrictive budget.
I've been following Will's videos and this forum, as well as other online resources, but I'm still desperately needing guidance from any of you in the know who are willing to help me to configure the best system for my needs.
I am a musician and filmmaker. In addition to needing to keep professional camera gear charged, I'm needing to run a small audio/video production/post-production studio from wherever I may be. Consequently, I'll be running a considerable amount of 120v gear--guitar amps, audio interfaces, mics, studio monitors, synthesizers, outboard effects, power conditioners, etc., and a power-hungry Mac system with multiple external drives. I also have a rather large 12v fridge and am presently hunting for the best-suited 9000BTU mini-spit to absolutely keep everything (including myself) cool and warm as needed.
I've already bought and received 4x208AH 12v batteries (which Will recommended), am awaiting delivery of 4 super-efficient 475w bifacial panels, and was about to pull the trigger on an MPP6548 to run it all. Other than space savings, I'm going with an all-in-one unit, again, on Will's advice, for beginners wanting a plug-and-play easy install. I'm also wanting this system to run directly to load when ample sun is available, and have already been advised I'll need at least a 6000w+ inverter to run all my gear...leaving me very limited options aside from a 48v system...assuming I'm understanding the vast amount of new (to me) information correctly.
I'm also afraid I may have already messed up by buying 12v batteries and what I believe to be 12v panels. Assuming that I'll now have to run the 4 panels and my 4 12v batteries in series to accommodate a 48v all-in-one, I worry about shading problems and having to always be parked in direct sun to meet my power needs. Or if I'm even needing such a large 48v unit at all. I possibly still have a little time to cancel these panels and swap them out for higher voltage units if deemed a better fit for my needs, on your generous recommendations.
Any helpful advice this forum can offer would be HUGELY appreciated. I really don't know how to proceed.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
Admittedly, I am a total noob and am completely flustered over how big, and what kind of a system I need for a full-time, partially off-grid #vanlife system. I'm currently converting an ambulance into a camper which I'll be working out of. The only things I am sure of thus far are that I want an all-in-one system to conserve space...and more importantly, that I never have to conserve energy or ever worry about having enough power to live/work comfortably wherever I may be in North America.
But the more research I do, the more confused I'm becoming. And, unfortunately, adding to the complexity of my mostly off-grid build, I'm on somewhat of a restrictive budget.
I've been following Will's videos and this forum, as well as other online resources, but I'm still desperately needing guidance from any of you in the know who are willing to help me to configure the best system for my needs.
I am a musician and filmmaker. In addition to needing to keep professional camera gear charged, I'm needing to run a small audio/video production/post-production studio from wherever I may be. Consequently, I'll be running a considerable amount of 120v gear--guitar amps, audio interfaces, mics, studio monitors, synthesizers, outboard effects, power conditioners, etc., and a power-hungry Mac system with multiple external drives. I also have a rather large 12v fridge and am presently hunting for the best-suited 9000BTU mini-spit to absolutely keep everything (including myself) cool and warm as needed.
I've already bought and received 4x208AH 12v batteries (which Will recommended), am awaiting delivery of 4 super-efficient 475w bifacial panels, and was about to pull the trigger on an MPP6548 to run it all. Other than space savings, I'm going with an all-in-one unit, again, on Will's advice, for beginners wanting a plug-and-play easy install. I'm also wanting this system to run directly to load when ample sun is available, and have already been advised I'll need at least a 6000w+ inverter to run all my gear...leaving me very limited options aside from a 48v system...assuming I'm understanding the vast amount of new (to me) information correctly.
I'm also afraid I may have already messed up by buying 12v batteries and what I believe to be 12v panels. Assuming that I'll now have to run the 4 panels and my 4 12v batteries in series to accommodate a 48v all-in-one, I worry about shading problems and having to always be parked in direct sun to meet my power needs. Or if I'm even needing such a large 48v unit at all. I possibly still have a little time to cancel these panels and swap them out for higher voltage units if deemed a better fit for my needs, on your generous recommendations.
Any helpful advice this forum can offer would be HUGELY appreciated. I really don't know how to proceed.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin