Van Conversions

Unlike typical motorhomes or campers, van conversions 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 van 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 options.

VAN SYSTEM INSPIRATION

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Battery Bank

1. Select a battery bank: The battery bank is the heart of the system. We recommend LifeBlue lithium batteries because of their Bluetooth monitoring, high quality, and ability to expand over time. Because of the input and output current limits of LifeBlue batteries, we recommend at least 100Ah of battery capacity per 1000W of inverter output.

We sell LifeBlue batteries as a base 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.

Visit our Battery Bank product page to compare LifeBlue and Victron lithium battery sizing and specs.

Estimated Installation Labor Cost 
300Ah LifeBlue Lithium System with Monitor:  6 hours / $870 (+ cost of equipment)

  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Bank with 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,...

    Quantity:
    from: $1,238.00

  • 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...

    Quantity:
    from: $990.00

Victron lithium battery banks are another popular option:

  • 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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    from: $1,500.00

  • Victron Lithium 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...

    Quantity:
    from: $1,700.00

Alternator charging

2. Select an Alternator Charging kit: Due to the limited roof space for solar panels and frequent driving common to van owners, the alternator charging system is likely to be the primary source of energy for your van. You will need to choose between a DC/DC charger or a battery combiner. You can learn about their differences here.

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

Estimated Installation Labor Cost
High Current Alternator Charging:  8 hours / $1,160

  • 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...

    Quantity:
    from: $226.95

  • 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.  ...

    Quantity:
    from: $415.00

  • 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...

    Quantity:
    $495.00

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....

    Quantity:
    from: $75.65

  • 120A Alternator Charger Kit (AGM Battery)

    Please contact us to purchase. We want to ensure you are getting the kit and system needed for your application. Enable 120A alternator charging of a secondary AGM or Flooded battery bank.  A boost button lets your house batteries start your ignition when...

    Quantity:
    $295.00

  • 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...

    Quantity:
    $475.00

solar charging

3. Select solar charging system: With a solid alternator charging system and frequent driving, you shouldn’t need more than about 200W of panels on a van. Our most popular configuration includes two panels on a 20A charge controller. These kits include everything you need for solar charging: solar panels, mounts, wire harness, combiner box, sealant, charge controller, disconnect switch, fuse/breaker, lugs, heat shrink, etc.

Check out our Complete Solar Charger page to get panel dimensions.

If you want to use a portable panel, we recommend oversizing the central charge controller so it can handle both the roof array and the portable panel.

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 Installation Labor Cost
2 x 100W on 20A Controller:  7 hours / $1,015 (+ cost of equipment)

  • Complete Solar Charger (20A)

    Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smart phone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 300W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades, Panel(s) can be...

    Quantity:
    from: $350.00

  • Complete Solar Charger (30A)

    Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 450W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades. This kit offers everything...

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    from: $430.00

  • Complete Solar Charger (50A)

    Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 700W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades, Panel(s) can be tilted...

    Quantity:
    from: $550.00

Popular solar panel options:

  • 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
    Quantity:
    from: $260.00

  • NOIR 110W 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 110W panel comes in several kit variants.  Select the correct kit to...

    • Wattage: 100W
    • 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
    Quantity:
    from: $275.00

  • Zamp Obsidian 100W Solar Panel

    This panel has it all, a low-profile, a narrow footprint, and high output. It is ideal for van conversions, Airstreams, or anyone wanting the latest in mobile solar panel technology. Custom-engineered by Zamp Solar and made in Bend, Oregon. High Performance: By using...

    • Wattage: 100W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 21.9V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 25.62V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 4.83A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 4.58A
    • Size:: 20.7" x 43.6" x 0.67" 10.78lbs
    • Frame:: Obsidian Black Anodized Aluminum
    Quantity:
    from: $415.00

  • 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...

    Quantity:
    from: $239.99