The Autonomous Electric Motorhome

These are some proposals I'm drafting for a friend inspired by LG's new Bifacial Solar panels claiming a 25% gain under optimised conditions (like fresh snow) by harvesting the reflections from the rearside.

If this turns into a build I'll continue the thread but I have a feeling somebody might assess the budget south.

What else is as good as snow? Why a white van roof of course!

Lets get a big yellow one!



You can fit 5 modules on that roof.



What can we do with 5 modules?

I reckon with a little bitta synergy from dual alternators, a wind turbine, anna 6kVA backup GenSet it can power;

• 3 Induction Hobs.
• 1 Halogen Grill/Oven.
• A Microwave.
• A compressor fridge.
• Usual Motorhome loads.
• A toaster.
• An electric 500W kettle.
• A hot fill Washing Machine.
• A 5 HP Winch
• A small workshop.
• A small cabin.
• A site office.

32A Single Phase Inlet.
16A Single Phase Inlet.
32A Single Phase Throughlet.
16A Single Phase Outlet.


1.5kWp PV.
1.75kWp with 15% bi-facial gain over white reflector.
1.87kWp temp comp @ 10°C.
Tristar60 MPPT.

3kVA Low frequency true sine inverter with 60A charger and genset autostart.
300VA TS Inverter (backup if preferred).

7kVA Diesel Genset with Electronic Ignition.

700Ah C20 @ 24v Battery (16.8kWh, 8.4kWh to 50% DOD): 12 x 2V forklift cells / OPzS.


~5.37kWh Day average minimum PV gain (Spring to Autumn).
Peak Solar Gain: 12kWh.

Expected Average Daily Loads:

• 40Ah p/d compressor fridge
• 15Ah p/d inverter
• 40Ah p/d electronics, lights
• 150Ah p/d electric kitchen: induction hobs, halogen grill/oven 3.75kWh
• -100Ah per day gain using gas hobs to allow battery to recuperate.

Total Load: 245Ah p/d

Generation Ability

• 223Ah p/d average min. solar gain.
• 37.5Ah p/d alternator gain; 30 min. drive.
• 125Ah p/d Wind Harvest in average 5 m/s.

Design load: 6kW per day.

Designed with inherent redundancy and minimum parasitic loads.