Off-Grid Energy Solutions: Solar vs. Generator

Everyone needs some form of power in their campervan. Well, unless you're interested in experiencing life as it was before electricity was discovered. But I think I'm pretty safe in assuming most people would like the ability to power at least a few modern-day conveniences. When it comes to living off-grid in your trusty van, there are two main contenders: solar energy and good ol' generators. Each has its perks and quirks, so let's go through them and see which would be best for you.

Solar Energy: Soakin' Up the Sun

Picture this: you're cruising down the highway, and your solar panels are soaking up all that glorious sunshine, turning it into sweet, sweet electricity. Here's why solar rocks for van life:

1. Eco-Friendly Vibes: Solar panels are like the hippies of the energy world—they're all about peace, love, and renewable energy. No fumes, no noise, just clean power from the sun. And the sun is free.

2. Low-Key Maintenance: Once you've got your solar setup installed, it's pretty much set it and forget it. Minimal maintenance means more time for adventures and less time tinkering with your power system. Of course, you have to either have the know-how and ability to properly set up a solar panel/battery system or at least have access to someone who can. Whether or not you can do this yourself will also determine how much you will end up paying for a functioning system in your campervan.

3. Stealth Mode Activated: Since solar panels are quiet and low-profile, you can fly under the radar when you're stealth camping in urban areas. Of course, the level of stealth depends on how you install them. Ours are actually raised off of our roof and installed on cargo racks. Opting for that kind of installation may have sacrificed a bit of stealth, but it meant we didn't have to drill a bunch of holes into the roof of our van. Every hole you drill is a possibility for disaster to enter. If you do want super-stealth solar panels, a couple of companies make thin, flexible panels meant to fit the curve of a van and be invisible from below. Regardless of how you install your panels, there's one thing you won't have to worry about: a noisy generator to blow your cover!

But solar has its downsides too.

1. Weather Woes: When the sun's hiding behind clouds or it's nighttime, your solar output takes a nosedive. After experiencing a few days of constant rain and no sun, we learned our lesson, and now we no longer run our gaming laptops or our Starlink on our battery bank for extended periods of time. They just pull too much juice. We prefer to keep the important necessities up and running, like our refrigerator, vent fan, lights, and phones. We prefer to always keep our batteries at 50% or higher. So, to help with that, power-hungry items get passed over to our small generator. We could definitely benefit from more panels on our roof to allow for charging our batteries faster, but that's not something we're ready to upgrade at this time.

2. Upfront Costs: Let's be real, quality solar setups can put a dent in your wallet upfront. It's an investment, for sure, but one that pays off in the long run. I recommend really trying to figure out exactly how much power you will need and purchasing that package at the beginning. Upgrading a solar/battery set-up can be a headache. You have to make sure any new items added to your setup are compatible with your existing equipment. If you run into compatibility issues while upgrading, like we did when discovering our current batteries had been discontinued, you may have to start over from the beginning. So buy what you need in the beginning so you don't need to worry about how to add to it later.

Generators: The Instant Power Fix

Ah, the trusty generator—the van lifer's best friend when the sun's on strike. Here's why generators have a place in the van life toolkit:

1. Instant Gratification: Need power ASAP? Fire up the generator, and boom—instant electricity. It's perfect for charging up your gadgets or running power-hungry appliances on demand. I told you earlier what we mainly use ours for, but we also use it for our bucket water heater, a stand-alone air conditioner, and yard tools.

2. Night Owl Friendly: Generators don't care if it's day or night; they'll keep chugging along, pumping out power whenever you need it. No sun required. Solitude, however, should be required. If you're parking around other people, please don't bring out a generator, no matter how quiet it may be. If it's not silent, it's too loud.

3. Party Like It's 1999: Got a big rig or a power-hungry setup? Generators can handle the heavy lifting, providing enough juice to keep your van life luxuries running smoothly. Seriously, the bigger your generator, the more you can power. There's really not much of a limit here. If you're constantly on the move, you'll need a way to pack it up. I suggest a sturdy metal box that sits on your tow hitch. Add a lock to make it secure, and you've also given yourself some extra storage for a few other things, if your generator doesn't take up too much room.

But wait, there's a flip side.

1. Noise Pollution: Let's face it, generators can be as loud as a rock concert, which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to commune with nature or catch some Z's in your van. Anyone parked around you is also sure to be unhappy with the noise.

2. Fuel Guzzler: Generators have a thirst for fuel, whether it's gas, diesel, or propane. That means regular pit stops to refuel and a hit to your wallet every time you fill up. Our small generator holds a gallon of gas, and it powers up our stuff for roughly six hours before we have to add fuel. That's really not that bad, but if it's your main source of power, it is something to think about.

Making the Call: Solar or Generator?

So, which side of the fence do you land on? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Adventure Style: Are you a sun-worshipping, off-grid nomad who loves chasing rays? Solar might be your jam. But if you're all about that instant gratification and don't mind the noise, a generator could be your best friend.

2. Budget Breakdown: Crunch the numbers and see which option fits your budget best. Solar might cost more upfront, but it pays dividends in the long run with free energy from the sun. Generators will always cost you, and gas prices are always going up.

3. Noise vs. Peace: Think about where you'll be spending most of your time—in the wild or in the city? Solar keeps things quiet and stealthy, while generators can draw unwanted attention with their rumble.

4. Be a Prepper: We have chosen to have both. It's what makes sense to us. Solar is fantastic when the sun is shining day after day. The generator is nice when it's not. But if the shit ever hits the fan, fuel will be hard to come by. So, in that case, you either have solar or you're in the dark. To be truly prepared for anything, having both is the way to go.

At the end of the day, whether you're Team Solar or Team Generator, both options have their perks and pitfalls. It's all about finding the right balance for your van life journey and keeping the power flowing wherever the road takes you. Have fun chasing the sun and living life off the grid, one watt at a time!