Van Life Essentials - Solar Amp Hours Explained

Today we look at the basic concepts of solar starting with the idea of amp hours, especially as it relates to your battery and it's health. I'm well aware that most people are overwhelmed by attempts to explain the basics of solar, and in this video, I work hard to avoid all jargon and terms you don't know.
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Пікірлер: 346

  • @wvevie7612
    @wvevie76125 жыл бұрын

    Usually my eyes glaze over at electricity demos. So helpful. Bringing it down to an understanding level.

  • @betsykemper1332
    @betsykemper13325 жыл бұрын

    Finally it’s starting to make sense. Thanks Bob for all you do. The RTR rocked.

  • @WeLoveCops

    @WeLoveCops

    5 жыл бұрын

    still a bit confused but am starting to get it..... 200 watt solar panals charge a 200 amp hr bank at 50% in how long full sun? Variables I understand, but on average....?

  • @caseyswarts2395
    @caseyswarts23955 жыл бұрын

    Bob, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to explain mobile power to folks. In fact just attended the RTR looking for inspiration in this area. You have NAILED it! This is the best analogy I’ve come across yet and will help many to understand the world of mobile power. The next question people will have is how to know how many amps (quarters) their device will use (cost). I know you aren’t a big proponent of a battery meter, such as a Trimetric, but I am. With a Trimetric, they could turn on their device and know exactly how many amps they were using at that moment. A Trimetric, or similar, is the only accurate way they have to keep track of how many Amps (quarters) they have taken from their bank. Using a voltmeter to gauge battery level is like trying to determine how much gas is in your car by reading a fuel pressure gauge. You need a gas gauge, and that is a Trimetric or similar. And, again, thank you for this. You did it. You actually simplified what was a foreign and complex topic for many.

  • @jack-theoptimisticbaromete4278
    @jack-theoptimisticbaromete42784 жыл бұрын

    I'm in the planning stages of a van build and I was so confused by all this. Your videos are a huge help. The charitable work you do is amazing too. When I buy all the gear for my conversion I'll be sure to buy via amazon using one of your links. These videos and all the other work you do is really worth while. Your're a good man, Bob. Thank you.

  • @amyschaefer1140
    @amyschaefer11405 жыл бұрын

    Yeah! I was looking for just basic teaching on solar. Thanks Bob!

  • @bud-weiser7713
    @bud-weiser77135 жыл бұрын

    One of the best, basic, easy to understand videos out there.. one quarter=1 amp ... awesome

  • @janethudson3844
    @janethudson38445 жыл бұрын

    The heavens are opening up and and the angels are singing! I finally see the light! I get it now!!!!!!

  • @timewatcher2
    @timewatcher25 жыл бұрын

    What a Great Video. After all this time I actually understand it! Thank you so much Bob.

  • @judyabernathy80
    @judyabernathy805 жыл бұрын

    Finally!! An explanation simple enough for me to understand!!! Thanks, Bob!!

  • @cheyjan330
    @cheyjan3305 жыл бұрын

    What a great explanation and math lesson! Bob, you are so helpful to all of us, thank for giving us knowledge to build on and to make informed decisions.

  • @DakotaRose56
    @DakotaRose565 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU!!!!! Finally explained so that I get it! My husband was an electrician and it was all jibberish to me! Can't wait for the upcoming videos, you explain things so clear. I really believe you have helped a lot of people today!

  • @Vera-dc7my
    @Vera-dc7my5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. I finally got it. Thanks for simplifying things. It was really needed. Many of us are clueless

  • @felinamarie
    @felinamarie5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much. After all the researching I've done and people I've talked to, no one had been able to get it to connect with me until this. Forever grateful.

  • @janemunro4496
    @janemunro44964 жыл бұрын

    Oh my goodness! I saved this to listen again. First time this has ever made any sense to me. Wonderful easy instructions!!! Thank you Bob!

  • @rvquiltquest7062
    @rvquiltquest70625 жыл бұрын

    Looking for my first Class C to go full time. Almost have everything ready to go. Just can't find that perfect RV for me yet!! I WILL FIND ONE!! :) I plan on being at the next WRTR and then RTR. I will get solar and composting toilet and still learning how to get all that but see by your videos IT CAN BE DONE. Thank you for all your very informative videos. Hope to meet you one day. :)

  • @mouseboots46

    @mouseboots46

    5 жыл бұрын

    Right behind you! Can't mske any more plans or hunting until my house sells. 😣

  • @danielletoner8487

    @danielletoner8487

    5 жыл бұрын

    I’m launching in August! Can’t waitFYI: I was searching for class C and opened my search...... found a 26’ Class A. Very sweet. I love the big view out the front

  • @laurenkeon3267
    @laurenkeon32675 жыл бұрын

    Hi! This video is totally awesome! For first time I could understand what u nomads are always talking about so easily, using words none of which made any sense to me. I loved this tutorial; succinct, easily applicable, and just gave me more confidence as I contemplate this lifestyle in my retirement and tentatively get my feet on the ground, living solo. Living female solo. ( I added the female part only to say I am one of those females who knows literally nothing about maintaining vans/Class B, C rigs. Know nothing about repairs, etc.). But very willing to do the homework, take on-line classes I’ve seen by other nomads, research and just gain as much knowledge as possible, recognizing I will mostly learn by ‘doing’ once I’m actually on the road. felt overwhelmed with all I need to learn before embarking on my adventure so have watched various nomad videos for this last year to gain needed knowledge. However, this was an area I was just totally confused about and yet felt it was an area of critical importance . Loved loved loved this “Amps/Watts/Volts/Solar 101”. You truly spoke in language I could understand and correlate to present life. Also made me aware of what to look for when purchasing my new home. I was so excited realizing I understand you! Before, it was like a foreign language when you and different nomads interviewed other nomads and spoke about all you’d done to increase power and battery life. I just didn’t get it. I hope you continue these types of ‘101’ series of various subjects. There are so many of us out here who just need certain issues simplified, pros and cons, that typical ‘homework ‘ just doesn’t answer. Again, thank you. I’m smiling big cause I just learned a new skill. Lauren

  • @donwyates
    @donwyates5 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoy hearing you talk Bob (seriously!). You explain things in a way that many can latch on to, and that's key to education. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.

  • @debicaron6046
    @debicaron60465 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Bob..so many of us need to keep it simple.. I have a battery isolater and 300 W of Solar..makes living g in my van a breeze!!

  • @thizizliz
    @thizizliz5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob. You broke it down to make a complex topic understandable. Throwing in Ohms Law provided the core info we need. I hope you'll pin this video!

  • @Cr2nCaroline
    @Cr2nCaroline5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you SO much for explaining! I've read articles and the analogies for volts, watts and amps too yet your visual presentation with the bank/currency analogy just seems easier to absorb. Perhaps it's because more people have a closer relationship with money as it's so crucial to our everyday lives? It's more relatable. Well, who cares?! It helps! And the rest of tbe knowledge will come with time! Thank you, thank you!

  • @robertjubber5754
    @robertjubber57542 жыл бұрын

    I have listened to many many videos about electricity. Thank you for being the first to explain things easily enough for me to understand! Loved it!

  • @michaelrice3021
    @michaelrice30215 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob! I have watched a few / well, many vids about the subject [solar & batteries]--little by little I'm getting it. Today's lesson was perfect.

  • @janmariolle
    @janmariolle5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this fantastic explanation! I finally feel like I get it! Wow. What a difference a simple explanation makes.

  • @DrewBe59635
    @DrewBe596355 жыл бұрын

    I have tutored for electronic technician's school. This is a great way to teach it. Thank you for including and stressing that batteries should be kept above a level to improve longevity. I'm looking forward to you next video in this series. This is one criticism though: Encourage someone who still doesn't understand to ask more questions. It is the teacher thing in me.

  • @luzvelazquez3373
    @luzvelazquez33735 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for taking the time to explain at a basic level so newbies to solar power can understand.

  • @bingsballyhoo711
    @bingsballyhoo7115 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I am really excited to see the series start!

  • @rimonagale1625
    @rimonagale16255 жыл бұрын

    Wow Bob; great analogy & tutorial! Thanks for the education. I didn't know anything about this stuff.

  • @melissawilson1044
    @melissawilson10445 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob I can finally understand how this all works. Now I know what I have to do to get it all together. 👍😁

  • @aglaaluk2325
    @aglaaluk23255 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob, another great video! From one Alaskan transplant with a dog named Kodi to another!

  • @MurphyArtPrints
    @MurphyArtPrints5 жыл бұрын

    Bob, this is the clearest explanation I've ever seen on the topic. Great job.

  • @brookedolby6853
    @brookedolby68535 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob..... Thank you for all you do.

  • @roscmon
    @roscmon4 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU!! I've tried to understand electricity so that I can understand a solar system and have run into the analogy of water running through a hose. Nothing stuck. But you've just explained things in an exactly perfect way for me to understand my power usage. Again, thanks! I appreciate the time you took explaining this!

  • @amyb7648
    @amyb76485 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for breaking it down. Your bank analogy helped me tremendously! Very excited for the other videos in this series, thanks again 👏🙂❤

  • @merrymacmurphy
    @merrymacmurphy5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for a perfect explanation of how the battery works. That analogy helped me to understand for the first time in my life! You made me so happy! I appreciate all your videos so much.

  • @maryw3685
    @maryw36855 жыл бұрын

    thank you Bob. off to a good start learning about amp hours to charge our devices and run our appliances. Understanding the electrical system is vital to rv living.

  • @gregwilson4923
    @gregwilson49235 жыл бұрын

    This was so helpful in an area I just feel was inaccessible to me. Thank you so much! I can't wait for the next lesson.

  • @lindac7146
    @lindac71465 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Bob! I finally have some info I can understand to help me plan for my Nomadic future.

  • @laurirohr5364
    @laurirohr53645 жыл бұрын

    Just saw this. Thank you Bob for breaking this down for me! Hope to be joining you all sometime in the near future. I'm planning on building out a cargo van & want to be sure I get the right amount of solar for my needs. This is a great help. Take care😊

  • @cdb4464
    @cdb44645 жыл бұрын

    Great topic and understandable explanations Bob! Can't wait for the rest of the series on solar. Getting psyched about solar on my new rig. You're the best.

  • @janemortz8148
    @janemortz81485 жыл бұрын

    This is great. I will watch and learn all of these videos. Thanks a bunch. Nice background 👍.

  • @caling98
    @caling985 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob. Beginner here. This made a lot of sense. Can't wait for the next episode.

  • @FREE_GOAT
    @FREE_GOAT2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob! I finally learned the basics of this in your 15 min video. Keep the the excellent work :-)

  • @XC797
    @XC7973 жыл бұрын

    You have given the very best simplistic explanation of amp hours . I took electronics courses many years ago . Bob: thank you for a down to EARTH 🌎 explanation of electricity and a common sense approach to electricity

  • @MisUnderstandingUs
    @MisUnderstandingUs5 жыл бұрын

    oh my bob thank you so much me and my fiancé are trying to learn as much as we can before we start our journey and your videos have been the biggest and most informative help that we have to learn the ins and outs in the simplest way.

  • @1noryb
    @1noryb5 жыл бұрын

    Great analogy without making it complicated! Thanks Bob

  • @loryadams1733
    @loryadams17335 жыл бұрын

    This was a great beginner video for me. I still don't quite understand it but I am looking forward to your other videos and hopefully I will catch on.

  • @donnettarogers7746
    @donnettarogers77465 жыл бұрын

    Great info Bob! I look forward to your solar videos! Thanks from Alaska! :)

  • @Radnally
    @Radnally5 жыл бұрын

    Always informative. Thanks Bob

  • @oceanebrieze2050
    @oceanebrieze20505 жыл бұрын

    Bless you Bob. Finally, some clarity!

  • @garymacdonald5921
    @garymacdonald59215 жыл бұрын

    Bob thank you for making it plain for all to understand

  • @peggymcg7595
    @peggymcg75955 жыл бұрын

    Thank you.. people learn in many ways how to understand things and this helped me so much!!

  • @stevewoods755
    @stevewoods7555 жыл бұрын

    I watch every video, some several times. This was very helpful! I am learning before I start which is a few years off.

  • @FayeCalder
    @FayeCalder5 жыл бұрын

    I now understand much more because of you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Faye

  • @maribethspence9458
    @maribethspence94585 жыл бұрын

    Wow this was a really great video! Thank you! Learned a lot more from this video then all the times others have tried to explain watts, volts and amps to me. I feel tons smarter just by watching this video! This actually put a smile on my face and I seriously need all the somethings to smile about that I can lately. Thank you, Bob :-)

  • @missourigirl4101
    @missourigirl41015 жыл бұрын

    Oh my Bob this is fantastic!!! Incredible explanation . Thanks so very much!

  • @Rebeccamyst
    @Rebeccamyst5 жыл бұрын

    Great demonstration that makes it very understandable. Thank you.

  • @creusfitness
    @creusfitness3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks you sooo much for keeping this simple. A true indicator that you know your stuff. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @grammakat9154
    @grammakat91545 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I finally get what everyone is talking about in their videos when they are discussing their batteries, inverters and solar! The inverter was the main thing I could not grasp!

  • @atlhammer
    @atlhammer5 жыл бұрын

    This is the best I have ever heard it explained.

  • @mscavsfan
    @mscavsfan5 жыл бұрын

    Most deep cycle batteries are rated at a C20 rating. That means if you have a 100amp hour battery, the most efficient use of that battery will be drawing on the battery over a 20 hour period. This means that you really have 5amps you can use per hour. Thus you could draw from your battery over a 20 hour period of time. Now, if you are drawing 10 amps per hour, you might think you're going to get 10 hours. Unfortunately batteries dont work that way. You'll end up getting 5-7 hours. So be careful with how you load down your bank.

  • @yoso585

    @yoso585

    5 жыл бұрын

    mscavsfan So basically, can’t really have too much battery?

  • @lindac7146

    @lindac7146

    5 жыл бұрын

    That's good to know.

  • @mscavsfan

    @mscavsfan

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@milcotto4153 I run my down to zero and have no problems charging them right back up.

  • @ReflectedMiles

    @ReflectedMiles

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@mscavsfan You run what down to zero? Hopefully not deep-cycle flooded batteries. If you do, they will have a short life indeed. If there's a mantra across the whole battery industry it's "never run your batteries to zero." That applies to pretty much all types, and certainly all types normally used in RV's.

  • @edgarbleikur1929

    @edgarbleikur1929

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@yoso585 correct

  • @icradventures8917
    @icradventures89175 жыл бұрын

    Light bulb moment! It is beginning to get thru to me! Thanks for simplifying this!

  • @patpiper6884
    @patpiper68845 жыл бұрын

    I just love your explanations and your manner of speaking.

  • @Debbie_T_FL
    @Debbie_T_FL5 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation! Thanks Bob 😊

  • @gregor.potrebujes
    @gregor.potrebujes2 жыл бұрын

    Beatiful analogy. So here is the thing I learned: Lead-acid batteries can only be discharged up to 50% before irreversible damage occurs. However that's not how other batteries work. But lead acid do work that way. Thank you for sharing that important information :)

  • @roylindsey7030
    @roylindsey70304 жыл бұрын

    Super helpful video for the novice. Looking forward to watch your other videos. Thanks

  • @ADKMan
    @ADKMan5 жыл бұрын

    I like the analogy Bob easy to understand. I have found it hard to explain this to people and try to keep it simple....money people know about.

  • @warrenwantoobe1267
    @warrenwantoobe12675 жыл бұрын

    GREAT SERIES, MUCH NEEDED!

  • @freetoexplore5669
    @freetoexplore56695 жыл бұрын

    Awesome solar class thanks Bob😊

  • @KashfuzzCrochet76
    @KashfuzzCrochet765 жыл бұрын

    Wow it’s like you read my mind! Thank you!

  • @lorielizabethwade7505
    @lorielizabethwade75055 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much, Bob, for the confidence boost to head out on the road this yr. Just what I needed. :)

  • @FreeRV
    @FreeRV5 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU BOB FOR MAKE IT SIMPLE! GREAT VIDEO!

  • @robertthomas4907
    @robertthomas49074 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation! Amp hours for dummies! Which I apparently am....thank you sir!

  • @MsDragonfly1111
    @MsDragonfly11115 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for explaining it so clearly. Much appreciated.

  • @christianfletcher7874
    @christianfletcher78742 жыл бұрын

    Finally it makes sense, thanks so much for making this video!

  • @yogawithmadelaine822
    @yogawithmadelaine822 Жыл бұрын

    Thank-you for making it really simple. I needed that! Well done!

  • @louisemissouri4410
    @louisemissouri44105 жыл бұрын

    Ok so now I know I want 200w panels with 2/100amp batteries in a bank to be able to run a 12v fan at night and charge my phone for the next day. I can have a Lucy lite for daily solar charging. It would allow me to watch vids on my ph at night. Then there's no worries of running the batteries dead. This really helped. Thanks so much.

  • @wherewomenwander2921

    @wherewomenwander2921

    5 жыл бұрын

    Louise I see you are in Fla. Me too so I thought I would tell you something incase you haven't heard. I don't know what kind of solar you may be installing but Lots of people have tried the flexible panels on top of their vehicles here in Fla. They have failed due to the excessive heat and not enough ventilation when people put them on the roof of a vehicle. Just letting ya know. Have a great evening.

  • @louisemissouri4410

    @louisemissouri4410

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@wherewomenwander2921 hey thanks for that info. I travel mostly in Missouri-Arizona. I think a grate under them would solve that problem. Shouldn't cost much for someone to weld something together for that problem. Good luck... TC ATB Louise

  • @abqgary4521
    @abqgary45215 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob. Look forward to next video in the series cuz what I don’t know is a lot! 😬

  • @dkchosen
    @dkchosen5 жыл бұрын

    This was a great informative video. Thanks.

  • @amyreaves2166
    @amyreaves2166 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am building a barn and I want to use solar just for some tools to be recharged and a couple of fans and led lights. I will have to watch this a couple of more times so I can get it. This has been the best explanation I could grasp hold of because I don’t have a clue about electricity or solar.

  • @nmartin5551
    @nmartin55514 жыл бұрын

    Bob - I love your videos and your general approach to all things cheap RV living/van life. I’m working on not making my van conversion so complex I never leave home! I can’t wait to get my tail out there and meet you!

  • @prettylittleoutlaws2858
    @prettylittleoutlaws28585 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob, super helpful as always

  • @toddramsay977
    @toddramsay9775 жыл бұрын

    I am amazed how you can talk solar in layman's terms. I am a performance engineer for a major communications company. Your series is right on. Thanks for sharing. With a little investigation everyone can customize their solar. People go small travel trailer or go truck camper! The boondocktor. LOL

  • @larryjackson6064
    @larryjackson60645 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bob !

  • @cruisingangel7042
    @cruisingangel70425 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for that simple explanation!

  • @monicawhitlock681
    @monicawhitlock6815 жыл бұрын

    thanks so much.........it's BEGINNING to make sense!!

  • @laurajphillips
    @laurajphillips5 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic! This was great Bob! Thank You!!!!

  • @ivygarcia9525
    @ivygarcia95253 жыл бұрын

    YOU ARE A GOD SENT! Thank you so much Bob! 😁👍🏼💖🌸

  • @paulalow7406
    @paulalow74064 жыл бұрын

    This is the best explanation. Thanks a heap Bob.

  • @TheSeeking
    @TheSeeking4 жыл бұрын

    This gentleman is exceptionally good at counting

  • @TheRock-xj7hs
    @TheRock-xj7hs5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks ,much more clear.

  • @cmlackey1
    @cmlackey15 жыл бұрын

    Wow. Thank you for making this video and demystifing solar. Awesome.

  • @pasitheathanatosasmr488
    @pasitheathanatosasmr4882 жыл бұрын

    You are so good at explaining this topic!!

  • @larrynorby9996
    @larrynorby99964 жыл бұрын

    This is one reason, among others, why I decided to use Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries can be drained down to 10% vs 50% without damaging them. They also have over twice as many cycle times over lead acid deep cell batteries Yes they cost more but they just last much longer and can even be stored for ver a year and retain their charge to 80%. Nice video Bob. Thanks

  • @letslookhere
    @letslookhere4 жыл бұрын

    Simple and straight forward, thank you

  • @RANDOG1951
    @RANDOG19515 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you made this subject clearer. Once, way back, I had asked how many amp hours? You had kept referring to your new battery bank as 6 golf carts while live streaming you and Jim / Denver. It's so very important to know how many amp hours. I have rejuvenated a friends wheelchair batteries. They are 40 ah each. I have purchased 400 watt system from new powa last winter and nearly blew up my new used batteries. The expanded and I had acid (AGM) on the floor of my van. Baking soda took care of that mess. My batteries still work. Hopefully, live and learn. Thanks for sharing.

  • @TheWanderingFios
    @TheWanderingFios3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I get it! I am such a visual learner:) now to find out my items required amounts!!

  • @brendagonzales8353
    @brendagonzales83535 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob!!! Finally someone explaining it that makes sense

  • @sirpurplemonk
    @sirpurplemonk5 жыл бұрын

    Great job Bob! Keep up the good work!

  • @thomasjames5722
    @thomasjames57223 жыл бұрын

    Loved the banking analogy - thank you. Makes more sense.

  • @susansereikis8563
    @susansereikis85635 жыл бұрын

    Excellent! Now I understand. Thank you😁