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Skoolies

Unlike typical motorhomes or campers, skoolies come as empty shells, without a pre-existing electrical system beyond the starter battery.  To simplify the design process we have created a step-by-step skoolie solar system builder with kit recommendations for all five subsystems: Battery Bank, Alternator Charging, Solar Charging, AC Input/Output, and DC Distribution. At the bottom of the page, you can find some popular pre-configured solar setup options.

Battery Bank

1.  Select a battery bank:  The battery bank is the heart of the solar power system. We recommend LifeBlue lithium batteries over AGM batteries because of their ease of install, high quality, Bluetooth monitoring and ability to expand over time. Because of the input and output current limits of lithium batteries, we recommend starting off with at least three 100Ah batteries to handle high current alternator and shore power charging, and to be able to fully support a 3000VA inverter.

We sell LifeBlue batteries as a base solar kit, which includes one battery, a Victron BMV-712 battery monitor, cable, lugs, and heat shrink, plus expansion kits, which include one battery and parallel cables. For three batteries, select one base and two expansion kits.

LifeBlue batteries come in three size configurations, choose what will fit best for your application.

100Ah: H 9.4″ x W 12.5″ x D 6.5″ 28lbs

200Ah: H 10.8″ x W 20″ x D 6.9″ 57lbs

300Ah: H 9.5″ x W 20.25″ x D 11″ 83lbs

If three batteries is more than you were looking for, you will need a lower current alternator charger. Although a 3000VA inverter/charger will work with less than three batteries, it will not supply the full 3000VA output or be able to accept the full 120A of shore power charging current. A smaller inverter/charger system might be a good option.

Estimated Installation Labor

300Ah LifeBlue Lithium System with BMV-712
6 hours / $870

  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Bank with BMV-712 Monitor

    This is a complete LiFeBlue lithium RV battery base kit with a Victron BMV-712 Bluetooth battery monitor. The monitor is included to provide cumulative battery bank data, compatible with Victron VRM monitoring. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage,...

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  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Expansion Kit

    This kit is designed to be an add-on to an existing LiFeBlue battery system. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, faults and state of charge. These batteries can only be parallel connected due...

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For larger systems, Victron lithium batteries are recommended because of their extremely compact footprint. Or, if you only need one battery, a monitor is not required for single LifeBlue battery.

  • Victron Lithium Battery System with Monitor (Single Battery)

    This kit is designed to work with one or two Victron lithium batteries. It does not use a Lynx Distributor to combine batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically recommended for Victron lithium batteries. This kit...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
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  • Victron Lithium Lynx Battery System with Monitor (Multiple Battery)

    This kit is designed to work with 1-4 Victron lithium batteries in 12V, or 2-8 Victron lithium batteries in 24V. It uses a Lynx Distributor to combine and fuse batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
    Options total
    Grand total
    Quantity:
  • Victron Lithium Expansion Kit

    Add a Victron Lithium battery to an existing Victron lithium system. Do not mix battery ratings in the same system. Parallel Expansion kits are for 12V battery systems. 24V battery systems can be built from an equal number of Parallel and Series Expansion...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
    Options total
    Grand total
    Quantity:
  • LiFeBlue LiFePO4 12V Drop-In Battery

    LiFeBlue lithium batteries have integrated controls to automatically protect against overcharging, overly discharging, and frozen charging. This integration makes installation much easier for DIY projects. LifeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, Faults and...

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Alternative Charging

2.  Select an Alternator Charging kit:  If you expect to drive at least half an hour per day, the alternator charging system is likely to be the primary source of energy for your Skoolie. These alternator charging kits work on the stock alternator.

If you have an alternator rated for 160A or more, and you have two or more LifeBlue batteries, or a lithium battery system that can handle 150A of charging current, get the Battery Cominber kit. If not, get the DC/DC Charging kit.

Within the Battery Combiner kit, there are several options. The boost feature allows you to push a button to manually combine your lithium battery and your starter battery for times when your starter battery is dead. The boost can only provide the total surge current of the house battery bank (600A for three Life Blue batteries) this may or may not be enough to crank your ignition.

The Battery Combiner kit can only charge your batteries up to about 80% State of Charge. The DC/DC Charging kit can take your batteries all the way up to 100%, but does it much more slowly than the Battery Combiner kit.

We have witnessed 129A of charging current at idle with the high current kit on a Mercedes Sprinter with a 220A alternator.

Estimated Solar Installation Labor

Battery Combiner kit
8 hours / $1,160

  • Battery Combiner for Drop-In Lithium

    Enable alternator charging to a drop-in lithium battery bank. An optional boost feature lets your house batteries start your ignition when your starter battery is dead. Not for use with alternators rated less than 160A, Smart Alternators, or rigs with regenerative braking.  ...

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  • DC/DC Charging: Motorhome, Van, Skoolie

    Enable DC/DC charging from your alternator to a secondary Lithium, AGM or Flooded battery bank. This kit is ideal for van conversions and skoolies with older alternators or lithium batteries with input current limits under 100A. Ideal for: Vans, skoolies, motorhomes *Please note...

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Other popular alternator charger components and kits:

  • Victron Cyrix Battery Combiner

    Victron Cyrix battery combiners connect your house battery bank to your starter battery and alternator to allow alternator charging. Additionally, when a charge is applied to a house battery bank the Cyrix will close and allow current to flow to the starter battery....

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  • 230A Alternator Charger Kit (AGM Battery)

    Enable 230A alternator charging of a secondary AGM or Flooded battery bank.  A boost button lets your house batteries start your ignition when your starter battery is dead. This kit is ideal for van conversions and skoolies. A Cyrix based alternator charger will...

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  • Battery Combiner for Victron Lithium

    Enable 200A alternator charging of a Victron lithium battery system.  A boost button lets your house batteries start your ignition when your starter battery is dead. This kit is ideal for van conversions and skoolies.   Not for use with alternators not designed to...

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Solar Charging

3.  Select solar charging system:  Skoolies tend to have a lot of roof space which allows for a wide variety of solar array configurations. One of our favorite systems is 4x 200W solar panels on an 85A solar charge controller. This gives you room to add more panels in the future if you find you need more energy.

For a complete explanation of everything you would want to know about how to design a solar charging system, check out our Solar Charger Design Guide

The Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers are compatible with any battery type, can work on 12V or 24V battery systems, and communicate status via Bluetooth.

Estimated Solar Installation Labor

4x 200W on an 85A Controller
10 hours / $1,450

  • Complete Solar Charger (50A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 700W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a medium power system mounted to a rigid...

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  • Complete Solar Charger (85A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 1200W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a large power system mounted to a rigid...

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  • Complete Solar Charger (100A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 1400W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a large power system mounted to a rigid...

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Add panel kits ending in Cable to connect to the AM Solar combiner box.

  • Rich Solar 200W Solar Panel

    High wattage, using 6" cells, this panel is ideal for large systems where there is ample roof space. These modules come in a standard and higher-voltage version*. Please be sure to match your kit and/or module(s) to similar voltage profile modules. Please reach...

    • Wattage: 200W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Nominal Voltage: 12V / 24V
    • Operating Voltage (Vmpp): 20.4V / 37.6V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.3V / 45.4V
    • Operating Current (Impp): 9.80A / 5.32A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 10.2A / 5.83A
    • Size: 58.7" x 26.8" x 1.38" 26.5lbs
    • Frame: Silver Anodized Aluminum
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  • Zamp 170W Solar Panel

    Using 6" monocrystalline cells, this panel is ideal for large systems where there is ample roof space. Made in Bend, Oregon, United States Flash tested at 184W +/- 3% Zamp uses tempered, low iron, 3.2 mm, AR coated(which stands for anti-reflective) solar glass....

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  • NOIR 100W Solar Panel

    Custom designed by Grape Solar for mobile applications, this 100W panel is ideal for Airstreams trailers, vans, truck campers, and any application where roof space is limited. The Grape Solar NOIR 100W panel comes in several kit variants.  Select the correct kit to...

    • Wattage: 100W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 19.1V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 23.1V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 5.23A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 5.59A
    • Size: 41" x 22" x 1.38" 15.4lbs
    • Frame: Black Anodized Aluminum
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  • NOIR 110W Solar Panel

    Custom designed by Grape Solar for mobile applications, this 110W panel is ideal for Airstreams trailers, vans, truck campers, and any application where roof space is limited. The Grape Solar NOIR 110W panel comes in several kit variants.  Select the correct kit to...

    • Wattage: 110W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 21.3V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 25.7V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 5.18A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 5.60A
    • Size: 68" x 15.4" x 1.38" 17.9lbs
    • Frame: Black Anodized Aluminum
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AC Input/Output

4.  Select an Inverter/Charger System:  The Victron Multiplus inverter/chargers combine an inverter and a charger in one unit.  They also offer PowerAssist, which means that they can combine shore power with battery power when necessary. Our kits come with everything you need, from the shore power cord to an AC outlet.

For a vehicle like a skoolie, with no existing shore power connection or AC distribution panel, get the “Empty Shell Kit” variant. If your van is partially built out with a shore power connection and AC panel, get the “RV Upgrade Kit” variant.

The 3000VA inverter/charger is only slightly more expensive than the 2000VA and shaped differently. The 3000VA inverter/charger gives you the option of running an air conditioner or running multiple appliances at the same time, like a coffee pot and a microwave. Installation time is the same for both inverters.

In order to fully support the 3000VA inverter, you will need a battery bank that can handle 300A of current outflow, or three Life Blue batteries.

If you plan on running an air conditioner, get an Easy Start kit

Estimated Installation Labor

Multiplus Inverter (Empty Shell Kit)
17 hours / $2,465

  • MultiPlus 12/3000/120-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger

    The MultiPlus is a powerful true sine wave inverter, a sophisticated battery charger that features adaptive charge technology and a high-speed AC transfer switch in a single compact enclosure. Rated at 3000VA. Note: Some Keurig coffee makers are known to be incompatible with...

    Please select your battery type for Multiplus programming
    If you selected "Other" for battery type above, please provide battery make, model, absorption/float voltage settings below
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  • MultiPlus 12/2000/80-50 - 120V Inverter/Charger

    The MultiPlus is a powerful true sine wave inverter, a sophisticated battery charger that features adaptive charge technology and a high-speed AC transfer switch in a single enclosure. Rated at 2000VA. Note: Some Keurig coffee makers are known to be incompatible with inverters....

    Please select your battery type for Multiplus programming
    If you selected "Other" for battery type above, please provide battery make, model, absorption/float voltage settings below
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Other popular inverter/charger kits and components:

  • Victron Phoenix 1200VA Inverter Kit

    Victron Phoenix 1200VA Inverter Kit

    This kit includes all the standard components for the do-it-yourself installation of a Victron Phoenix 1200 inverter system.  This inverter offers Bluetooth communication compatibility through a dongle and is ideal for refrigerators, laptops, entertainment centers, and cell phone chargers. Wiring Diagram Due to...

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  • AC Input Passthrough Kits (no charger)

    These kits allow 15A/30A/50A shore power passthrough to a dedicated AC distribution box. The 30A kit is expandable to 4 more AC circuits, the 50A kit is expandable to 16 more AC circuits. These kits come with a Shore cord (n/a for 15A...

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DC Distribution

5.  Select the appropriate DC Distribution Kit:  In order to safely draw power for DC loads, you will want a DC Distribution kit.

The 6-circuit option is usually fine with most skoolies, but a 12-circuit option is available. If you plan on using a 12V DC air conditioner, get the High Current

Estimated Installation Labor

12V DC Distribution Kit
1 hour / $145

  • DC Distribution Kit for Drop-In Lithium Batteries

    This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a battery bank. A Victron Battery Protect prevents the batteries from being overly discharged. The Battery Protect is designed to keep your battery safe and only allows current to flow to DC...

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  • DC Distribution Kit for Victron Lithium Battery Systems

    This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a Victron Lithium battery system. 12V 6-Circuit Wiring Diagram 12V RV Wiring Diagram

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Other DC Distribution kits and components:

  • DC Distribution Kit for 24V Battery Systems

    This kit includes everything you need to connect a 12V DC distribution block to a 24V battery system. High power systems frequently require 24V battery banks. This kit steps the 24V from the batteries down to 12V for the DC loads. Wiring Diagram

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  • Victron Battery Protect, Smart 12/24-220A

    Protect your batteries from accidental excessive discharge by installing a BP220 between your battery positive and DC distribution buss or fuse box.  For loads under 220A. The Battery Protect is designed to keep your battery safe and only allows current to flow to...

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  • ATC Fuses (DELETE)

    ATC Fuses are commonly used in automotive applications between the battery bank and DC loads like lights and fans.

    • Dimensions: H 1.9” x W 4.2” x D 1.9”
  • 12V with USB DC Outlet

    Standard 12V outlet with dual USB AM Solar Part Number:  OUTLET-12USB

    • Dimensions: H 4.1" x W 1.8" x D 2.1"
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6. Optional components and tools: You may consider including these items in your purchase.
Custom Drawings and Programming Instructions are free for any kit.
Just let us know at check out, or add this to your cart.
Here’s an example of a custom drawing. 200Ah 400W 30A 3000VA

Tools – Make sure you have something equivalent to everything on the top row of this page.

Conduit – If you plan on routing an alternator charging cable under the van, get some 5/18” conduit.

Complete System Monitor – The Victron Cerbo with Touch 50 GX can log data and communicate over the internet.

Tech Support – Each kit comes with a set amount of free tech support, if you feel you may exceed that, you can purchase more here

PreConfigured Complete System Examples (Obsolete kits)

  • Short Bus 340W 200A 220AhAGM 500VA

    Short Bus 340W 200A 220AhAGM 500VA

    This system is designed to give you some general ideas on your options and pricing. We’ll design a custom quote for you with the most up-to-date technology to fit your needs. - 2x 170W Solar Panels with mounts and wire harnesses - 30A...

    Out of stock

  • Adventure Bus 680W 200A 400AhAGM 2000VA

    Adventure Bus 680W 200A 400AhAGM 2000VA

    This system is designed to give you some general ideas on your options and pricing. We’ll design a custom quote for you with the most up-to-date technology to fit your needs. Features: - 4x 170W Solar Panels with mounts and wire harnesses -...

    Out of stock

  • Full-Timing Bus 860W 200A 600AhLi 3000VA

    Full-Timing Bus 860W 200A 600AhLi 3000VA

    This system is designed to give you some general ideas on your options and pricing. We’ll design a custom quote for you with the most up-to-date technology to fit your needs. - 4x 170W Solar Panels with mounts and wire harnesses - 2x...

    Out of stock

  • Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Support from AMSolar is definitely 5 stars. 1st line of support for Victron equipment provided through distributors. AMSolar likely one of the best when it comes to RVs.

    Tom B

  • Zamp 2 Pole Plug, PV Side

    AM Solar is my “go to” website and store for all my solar needs. They provide technical advice to help ensure you are choosing the correct components. Their parts and connectors are high quality and come with heat shrink cabling to ensure a water tight connection.

    Bryan S

  • Zamp ATP Prep Kit – Male

    This is a nice kit to have. Everything needed to attach your panel to the zamp box. Very slick. Highly recommend.

    Steve S

  • Roof Wire Harness Acc. Kit

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W