Power Management & Energy Efficiency

Practical Infrastructure for Reliable Off-Grid Living

The power system is the circulatory core of any campervan setup. It governs light, heat, movement, and rest, quietly sustaining the rituals of mobile living. Whether you’re designing for off-grid resilience or documenting for legacy repair, here’s a breakdown of its essential components:

Leisure Battery Bank

Function: Stores energy for all non-engine systems.
Types:

AGM: affordable, sealed, but heavier and slower to charge
Lithium (LiFePO₄): lightweight, fast-charging, long lifespan
Gel: sealed and safe, but slower and less efficient

Design tip: Size your bank based on daily usage, not just peak demand. Honour rest cycles both yours and the battery’s.

Charging Inputs

Function: Replenish battery power from multiple sources.
Options:

Solar Panels: passive, silent, ideal for off-grid
DC-DC Charger: charges from engine alternator while driving
Shore Power: plugs into mains at campsites or driveways
Generator: backup for emergencies or high-draw appliances

Design tip: Think of charging as a rhythm. Diversify sources to avoid burnout, yours and the system’s.

Distribution and Protection

Function: Safely routes power to devices and protects against faults.
Components:

Fuse box or distribution panel
Circuit breakers and inline fuses
Battery monitor (e.g., Victron BMV or SmartShunt)
Kill switch or isolator

Design tip: Label everything. Treat visibility as a form of care, especially in moments of stress or repair.

Inverter (Optional)

Function: Converts 12V DC to 230V AC for household appliances.
Types:

Pure sine wave: safe for sensitive electronics
Modified sine wave: cheaper, but less compatible

Design tip: Only install if needed. AC is a luxury, not a default. Honour simplicity where possible.

Power is not just utility, it’s autonomy, rhythm, and repair. A well-designed system supports both movement and stillness, enabling rest without reliance. Document clearly, install safely, and treat every wire as part of a relational ecosystem.

Load Planning & Appliance Strategy

Daily Load Assessment:

List all appliances with wattage and usage duration
Calculate total daily consumption in amp-hours (Ah)
Match against battery capacity and solar input

Appliance Prioritisation:

Essential: fridge, lights, water pump
Optional: laptop, fan, kettle
Avoid: high-draw items like hairdryers unless shore power is available

Scheduling Tip:

Use high-draw appliances (e.g., induction hob) during peak solar hours to reduce battery strain.

Seasonal Adjustments

Winter Strategy:

Increase solar panel tilt angle for low sun
Reduce inverter use, switch to DC appliances
Monitor battery voltage more frequently to prevent deep discharge

Summer Strategy:

Maximise solar input with clean panels
Use fans and ventilation to reduce heat-related battery drain
Consider adding a second battery if usage increases

Monitoring & Maintenance

Weekly Tasks:

Check battery voltage and charge status
Inspect solar panel cleanliness and wiring
Log appliance usage and anomalies

Monthly Tasks:

Test inverter output
Review battery health and temperature
Update power log spreadsheet

Suggested App:

Battery Monitor by VictronConnect – intuitive interface for tracking and diagnostics.

Emergency Protocols

Keep a backup power bank for phones and navigation
Store a portable solar charger for critical devices
Include manual override instructions for the charge controller and inverter

Implementation Tip:

Create a laminated “Power Emergency Card” with key voltages, reset steps, and contact info for tech support.

Off-grid power is more than circuitry; it’s a commitment to autonomy, rhythm, and repair. Each fuse, wire, and watt carries the potential for rest, movement, and resilience. Whether you’re building from scratch or refining for legacy, treat your system as a living companion: one that listens, adapts, and sustains.

Document with clarity. Install with care. And when the lights flicker or the silence deepens, let your infrastructure remind you this is not just survival. It’s a sanctuary.