Vanlife in Canada: Portable Solar Power for the Ultimate Off-Grid Experience
Vanlife in Canada offers freedom and self-reliance to enjoy our country's beauty, but you need the right power setup to make it work. Whether working remotely, keeping food cold, or just charging your phone, a reliable solar system is key to off-grid success. Fortunately, figuring out how much solar power you need is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll break down how to size your system and choose the best portable gear for your road-bound lifestyle.
How Much Solar Power Do I Need for Vanlife?
Understanding how much solar you need for a vanlife road trip starts with understanding your power needs. Generally speaking, 400W to 600W will cover basic everyday requirements.
However, energy needs vary widely. So, make a list of your devices. This might include your laptop, phone, LED lights, a coffee maker, and an electric burner. But do you also have an EcoFlow Glacier Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer, heater, or air conditioner?
Next, find the rated watts of your appliances and multiply each by the number of hours you run them to get your watt-hours (Wh). For instance, you might use a coffee maker for 15 minutes (0.25 hours) and run an AC for 5 hours.
Now, add up your Wh to find your total energy needs. This will help you determine what size solar generator you need.
What to Consider When Choosing Portable Solar Power for Off-Grid Adventures
Daily Power Needs
Determine your daily energy needs, like we did above, to decide what size system you need. If you run air conditioners, you’ll need much more power than just running lights and charging electronics. In that case, you’ll want something like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), which starts at 4000W output for power-hungry devices. Then, you can recharge it quickly with the efficient 400W portable solar panel.
Sizing Your Solar Panels
The panel wattage helps determine how much power they can generate since panel wattage x peak sun hours = daily output (Wh). However, you can also switch that equation around to determine how many panel watts you need, where:
Panel wattage = (Daily power needs in Wh)/(Peak sun hours)
Say you use 1800Wh daily and get 5 hours of direct sunlight. Then, 1800Wh/5h = 360W.
However, you should get a system about 20% larger than required. In this case, 360W x 1.2 = 432W.
Weather Resistance and Durability
Vanlife in Canada means rugged adventures in all kinds of weather. Choose products with an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating.
Charging Time
Check the specs to see how long it takes to recharge your power station with the solar panel(s). Look for something that will recharge in a few hours rather than taking all day.
Compatibility With Devices
Check your system's compatibility with your devices. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus makes this easy, offering multiple ports for a variety of output options, including AC wall plugs, USB-A, USB-C, DC car output, and DC5521.
Portability
Portability is key when it comes to vanlife. Look for folding panels to save space, and consider a roof-mounted panel.
How Does a Solar System Work in a Van?
Solar systems in vans work much the same as they do at home, but are simply more portable. Set up your portable solar panels in direct sunlight. They convert sunlight into DC electricity via the photovoltaic effect, which then charges the battery in your solar generator. That DC can be used directly for things that use DC electricity, like your phone via a USB-A or USB-C cord, and appliances you plug into your DC port on your van.
Your solar generator should also come with a built-in inverter, which converts DC electricity into AC, allowing you to plug in appliances like coffee makers or air conditioners via standard AC wall plugs.
Your generator will use stored energy in the battery to run your devices at night. Then, recharge your generator in the sunshine the next day.
17 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Vanlife With Portable Power
Choose a slightly larger solar generator than required
Use solar strategically
Plan your energy use
Monitor your battery levels
Charge devices and power stations while driving
Charge devices while the sun is shining
Charge electronics at public charging stations
Don’t leave devices plugged in
Turn off your inverter when not in use
Don’t charge all devices at once
Keep your panels accessible
Park in a sunny location
Invest in efficient, low-wattage appliances
Save your AC/heater for the hottest/coldest days
Use window coverings to insulate your van
Use natural lighting
Install solar panels on your roof
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200W Solar Enough for a Van?
It depends on your energy needs. A 200W panel will supply enough for basic needs or part-time vanlife. However, full-timers or those who use air conditioners or other power-hungry devices will need more.
Is 400W of Solar Enough for a Van?
This depends on your energy needs. A 400W solar panel will recharge devices, run lights, and power small appliances. However, if you run heaters or AC, you will need more to keep up with your needs.
How Much Solar To Run AC in a Van?
It depends on the watts of your AC and how long you run it. A 1,300W AC running for 6 hours requires 1,300x6 = 7,800Wh. If you get 5 hours of direct sun each day, you’ll need about 7,800Wh/5h = 1,560W.
Portable Solar Power Enables Sustainable Vanlife
Portable solar power is the backbone of a successful, sustainable vanlife experience in Canada, no matter how far off the beaten path you like to roam. Start by calculating your energy needs and accurately sizing your solar generator and panels. Then, invest in high-efficiency equipment like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), and use smart habits to stretch your power further. With the right setup, off-grid living doesn’t mean going without; it means the freedom to go wherever you want.