Off grid lifestyle & systems
Travelling style is personal to every motorhome owner. At MACSUK, we strive to support our customers in understanding their own needs and desires when it comes to the way in which they want to use their vehicles. As a result, every off-grid design and build is bespoke and tailored to the user.
Enquiries relating to enhancing the off-grid capability of motorhomes are some of the most frequent we get at MACSUK. Some result in relatively simple upgrades of single components like having a bigger battery installed. Other more ambitious requests require a replacement of the majority of the primary electrical components of a van.
Understanding what you intend to use your power for, where you want to go and how much time you want to stay away from campsites or charging locations are just some of the simple steps that MACSUK will take you through when considering an off-grid lifestyle investment.
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There are 3 primary elements that comprise an off-grid build:
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1. Charging capability (solar panels / vehicle alternator / 240v charging capacity)
2. Power storage (battery size)
3. 240v AC (inverter) and 12v DC (USB / battery power) requirements
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The above elements will determine the scale of the installation, what power management and charging devices are needed and how much you will need to consider spending to achieve your off-grid goal.
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Once we have all understood the requirements and agreed a plan for your van, the discreet installation, accessibility of the kit and the commissioning of the system can all be left to us at MACSUK!
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The above picture of a MACSUK install was taken in Austria. The solar capacity of this roof exceeded 850w. We call this a 'full solar roof' using a number of different solar panel circuits to contribute to complete off-grid independence. Solar panels are only one part of the install, but in this case, the build was planned such that the amount of energy being used inside the van was matched by the solar power being put in. It is important to remember that solar power depends on the time of year, the weather and angle of the sun!
This installation included 3x 300ah lithium batteries. MACSUK will by preference always install lithium due to their long life, efficiency and power reserves compared to GEL, Acid and AGM batteries. The most common battery sizes we install are 300ah, 460ah, 560ah and more recently 628ah, often in multiples. In simple terms, the more battery storage in a build, the longer a van can go off grid until they need recharging. Remember, battery reserves are directly related to the amount of power drawn out of them and every user needs to understand how much they are likely to need to support their off-grid lifestyle.
A garage mounted 608ah battery encased in a protective shell to prevent any damage being caused when loading the van. Also shown is a Victron Lynx bus bar and shunt.
A very discreet 2x 560ah batteries spanning the upper and lower floors, hardly visible and protected by a 3 sided battery tray to prevent movement. Also shown, a victron Lynx bus bar, isolator and shunt as well as power cables to the inverter and main systems
A 300ah battery located under a travelling seat along with all necessary wiring to support 2000w inverter, bluetooth controller, fuses and shunt
This installation illustrates the location of a 3000w Victron Multiplus inverter with integrated 120a charger. This device takes 12v DC power stored in the batteries and converts it to 240v AC power to enable the user to power 3-pin plugs. This device is a top of the range inverter/charger and is excellent value for money, providing many other power management benefits in a full scale off-grid installation. It is pictured with two Victron Orion DC to DC chargers that together deliver up to 60a of charge to the leisure batteries from the alternator when the vehicle is moving.
A 3k multiplus installed in a single seat box alongside solar MPPT charger and Orion DC to DC charger
A 3k multiplus installed in a double seat box alongside 3x solar MPPT chargers, Lynx power in and CerboGX power controller in addition to 2x 300ah batteries
A 3k multiplus installed in a garage, alongside 2x solar MPPT chargers, Lynx power in and CerboGX power controller in addition to 2x 300ah batteries situated elsewhere in the vehicle
A 3k multiplus installed in a single seat box. The 3x solar MPPT chargers, Lynx power in, CerboGX power controller and 3x 300ah batteries were situated elsewhere in the vehicle
A full blown victron installation with 3k multiplus, 2x 200ah batteries and supporting victron equipment including battery protect, shunt, lynx, solar isolator and 3 x MPPTs. This install was entirely contained within a double seat box.