This DIY Camper Van Solar Kit features 300 watts of solar (3x100w Panels) and 200 Amp Hours of Lithium Batteries wired into a 12v battery bank. It also features a 2000w Inverter/Charger and alternator charging by way of a battery isolator.
THERE IS AN UPDATE TO THIS WIRING DIAGRAM THAT INCLUDES A DC-DC CHARGER AND A BUSBAR SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE CUTTING & DRILLING OF COPPER BAR. HERE IS THE LINK FOR THAT: https://www.explorist.life/2000w-inverter-200-400ah-lithium-200-to-700w-solar-camper-wiring-diagram/
Looking for a different size of system? Check here: https://www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams
Not sure how big of a system you need? You need to do a power audit. Here’s a tutorial: https://www.explorist.life/what-size-of-solar-system-is-needed-to-power-a-camper/
Want more solar education in general? Check this: https://www.explorist.life/diy-campervan-solar
Want a high-resolution wiring diagram to print out? Get it here: COMING SOON
Here is a video that shows how this page works:
EXPLORIST.life / Battle Born Solar Bundle [Affiliate Link]
Battery, Inverter, Charge Controller, Battery Monitor Discount Bundle Coming June 1.
100W Solar Panels [Affiliate Link]
50A ANL Fuse [Affiliate Link]
Roof Entry Gland [Affiliate Link]
100A ANL Fuse [Affiliate Link]
250A ANL Fuse [Affiliate Link]
250A ANL Fuse [Affiliate Link]
15A Solar Disconnect [Affiliate Link]
Master Battery Disconnect Switch [Affiliate Link]
Exterior Shore Power Outlet [Affiliate Link]
250A Terminal Fuse [Affiliate Link]
300A Terminal Fuse [Affiliate Link]
30 A Shore Power Cord [Affiliate Link]
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
2/0 x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
8 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
6 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
8 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
8 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
6 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
8 AWG x 5/16 Wire Lug
Total wire lug quantities for this wiring diagram are totaled at the bottom of the shopping list below.
Tutorial: How to Wire the Li-BIM Battery Isolator
Tutorial: How to Wire the AC Side of Your Electrical System
Tutorial: How to Wire for Shore Power
Tutorial: How to Wire a Battery Bank
Tutorial: How to Wire a Busbar
Tutorial: How To Wire DC Distribution Block & Accessories
Tutorial: How to wire a power distribution panel
IMPORTANT!!! This diagram is, indeed, pretty detailed. YOU MUST STILL READ AND FOLLOW YOUR USER/INSTALLATION MANUAL WHEN INSTALLING THIS EQUIPMENT. In case of an error in the diagram above, your user manual will always superscede the diagram you see on this page.
Known issues with the diagram above:
- The shunt in the diagram is backwards. On the side of the shunt, there is a label that says which side goes to the battery and which side goes to the load. Please follow the orientation on the side of the shunt.
- The shore power cord has a male plug on both ends. Shore power extension cords do not have male plugs on each end. This would be incredibly dangerous. Please do not splice a shore power cord so there is a male on each end. The shore power cord in the parts list below is accurate and has a male end on one side and a female end on the other.
Solar Charging System:
- Qty: 3 – 100 Watt Solar Panel
- Put these in the sun
- Qty: 3 – Solar Panel Mounting Feet
- Help mount solar panels to the roof
- Qty: 1 – MC4 Connectors
- Connecting Solar Panels to Wires going to Charge Controller
- Qty: 40 – 10 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Solar Panel to Charge Controller
- Qty: 40 – 10 AWG Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Solar Panel to Charge Controller
- Qty: 1 – Roof Entry Gland
- Waterproof Box for Running Wires through Roof
- Qty: 1 – 1″ Wire Grommet
- Mounted in roof under Roof Entry Gland
- Qty: 1 – 15 Amp Solar Disconnect Switch
- Mounted on Din Rail Between Solar Panels & Solar Contoller
- Qty: 1 – Din Rail
- To mount the Solar Disconnect Switch
- Qty: 1 – Victron Smartsolar MPPT 150 | 35 – Bundle
- Included in Bundle at Top of List
- Solar Charge Controller
- Qty: 5 – 8 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Charge Controller to Busbar
- Qty: 5 – 8 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Busbar & Charge Controller Equipment Ground
- Qty: 5 – 8 AWG Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Charge Controller to Busbar
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 8 AWG Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Positive & Negative Wires from Charge Controller to Busbar
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 8 AWG Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Connecting Busbar to Charge Controller Equipment Ground
- Qty: 1 – 50 Amp ANL Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- On Positive Busbar Protecting Red Wire to Charge Controller
- Qty: 1 – ANL Fuse Holder
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Mounted to Busbar under each ANL fuse
Battery Bank, Busbar, & Inverter
- Qty: 1 – 2000W Victron MultiPlus Compact Inverter Charger 12V – Bundle
- Included in Bundle at Top of List
- This Converts Your 12v DC Power to 120v AC Power
- Qty: 1 – 200Ah Battle Born Lithium Battery Bundle
- Included in Bundle at Top of List
- These Store Your Power
- Qty: 4 – 2/0 Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Batteries & From Batteries to Busbar
- Qty: 4 – 2/0 Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Batteries & From Batteries to Busbar
- Qty: 8 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Wires to Batteries & to Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 300 Amp Terminal Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attached to Battery Protecting Red Wire to Busbar
- Qty: 5 – 2/0 Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Busbar & Inverter
- Qty: 5 – 2/0 Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Busbar & Inverter
- Qty: 5 – 2/0 Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Busbar & Inverter Equipment Ground
- Qty: 5 – 2/0 Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between Busbar & Chassis Ground
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Positive Wire from Busbar to Inverter
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Negative Wire from Busbar to Inverter
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Black Wire from Negative Busbar to Inverter Equipment Ground
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Black Wire from Negative Busbar to Vehicle Chassis Ground
- Qty: 1 – 250 Amp ANL Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- On Positive Busbar Protecting Red Wire to Inverter
- Qty: 1 – ANL Fuse Holder
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Mounted to Busbar under each ANL fuse
DC Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 1/4″ x 3/4″ x 13″ Copper Bar
- For Busbar
- Qty: 1 – Victron BMV-712
- Battery Monitor & Shunt
- Qty: 1 – Main Disconnect Switch
- Disconnect Loads on Positive Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 5/16″ Bolt
- For Building Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 5/16″ Washer
- For Building Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 5/16″ Lock Washer
- For Building Busbar
- Qty: 1 – 5/16″ Nut
- For Building Busbar
AC Circuits & Shore Power
- Qty: 1 – 30 Amp Shore Power Cord
- Connecting 30A Flanged Power Inlet to Shore Power
- Qty: 1 – 30 Amp Shore Power Extension Cord
- If your Shore Power Cord is too Short
- Qty: 1 – 30A to 15A Adapter
- For plugging your 30A shore power cord into a 15/20 amp standard outlet.
- Qty: 1 – 30A Flanged Power Inlet
- Connected to Outside of Camper
- Qty: 10 – 10 AWG 3 Conductor Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From 30A Flanged Power Inlet to Inverter
- Qty: 5 – 6 AWG 3 Conductor Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Inverter to Power Distribution Panel
- Qty: 1 – Power Distribution Panel
- For Distributing Power & Housing Breakers/Fuses
- Qty: 1 – 50A AC Breaker
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- For AC Branch Circuits
- Qty: 1 – 20A HOMT Tandem AC Breaker
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- For Standard 120V Outlet Circuits
- Qty: 1 – 20A / 30A HOMT Tandem AC Breaker
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- For Circuits that include large loads (hot water heater)
- Qty: 50 – 12 AWG 3 Conductor Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- For AC Branch Circuits
- Qty: 6 – 120V GFCI Outlet
- For plugging 120V Appliances into
- Qty: 6 – Single Gang Electrical Box
- For 120V GFCI Outlet
- Qty: 6 – GFCI Wall Plates
- For 120V GFCI Outlet
12v Distribution
- Qty: 1 – Power Distribution Panel
- For Distributing Power & Housing Breakers/Fuses
- Qty: 1 – 100 AMP ANL Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- On Positive Busbar Protecting Red Wire to the Power Distribution Panel
- Qty: 1 – ANL Fuse Holder
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Mounted to Busbar under each ANL fuse
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 6 AWG Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Positive & Negatives Wires to the Busbar from the Power Distribution Panel
- Qty: 5 – 6 AWG Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Positive Wire From Busbar to Power Distribution Panel
- Qty: 5 – 6 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Negative Wire From Busbar to Power Distribution Panel
Alternator Charging
- Qty: – LI-BIM 225 Isolator
- Connects and Disconnects House and Starting Battery Banks
- Qty: 5 – 2/0 Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between LI-BIM 225 Isolator & Start Battery
- Qty: 20 – 2/0 Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Between LI-BIM 225 Isolator & House Battery Bank
- Qty: 1 – 250 Amp Terminal Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- On Starting Battery Protecting Red Wire to LI-BIM 225 Isolator
- Qty: 1 – 250 Amp ANL Fuse
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- On Positive Busbar Protecting Red Wire to LI-BIM 225 Isolator
- Qty: 1 – ANL Fuse Holder
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Mounted to Busbar under each ANL fuse
- Qty: 4 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Attaching Positive Wire to Starting Battery, Isolator x2, & House Battery Bank
- Qty: 5 – 16 AWG Red Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Isolator Ign to Ignition Positive
- Qty: 1 – Add-a-Fuse Kit
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- Used to piggyback power for Ignition+ Wire
- Qty: 5 – 16 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Isolator Gnd to Chassis Ground
- Qty: 10 – 16 AWG Black Wire
- Check Wire, Lug, and Fuse List at Bottom of List
- From Isolator Sig to Momentary Switch & from Momentary Switch to Chassis Ground
- Qty: 1 – Momentary Switch
- Placed in-line on Isolator Sig Wire
Misc Tools & Accessories (As Needed/Optional)
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Spade Connectors
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Ring Terminal Crimp Connectors
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Butt Splice Crimp Connectors
- Qty: 1 – Big Wire Crimper
- Qty: 1 – Wire Stripper
- Qty: 1 – Big Wire Cutters
- Qty: 1 – Standard Wire Crimper
- Qty: 1 – Heat Gun
- Qty: 1 – Multimeter
- Qty: 1 – Cordless Drill
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Drill Bits
- Qty: 1 – Hole Saw Kit
- Qty: 1 – Butyl Tape
- Qty: 1 – Sikaflex
- Qty: 1 – VHB Tape
- Qty: 1 – White Rustoleum
- Qty: 1 – 30A Surge Protector
- Qty: 1 – Lever Nut Connectors
- Qty: 1 – Braided Wire Sleeve
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Spade Fuses
- Qty: 1 – 3/4″ Red Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 3/4″ Black Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/2″ Red Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/2″ Black Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/4″ Red Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/4″ Black Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/8″ Red Heat Shrink
- Qty: 1 – 1/8″ Black Heat Shrink
Wires, Lugs, Breakers, and Fuses
Wires
- 40ft. – 10 AWG Black Wire
- 40ft. – 10 AWG Red Wire
- 10ft. – 8 AWG Black Wire
- 5ft. – 8 AWG Red Wire
- 34ft. – 2/0 Red Wire
- 19ft. – 2/0 Black Wire
- 5ft. – 6 AWG Red Wire
- 5ft. – 6 AWG Black Wire
- 5ft. – 16 AWG Red Wire
- 15ft. – 16 AWG Black Wire
Lugs
- Qty: 4 – 5/16″ x 8 AWG Lug
- Qty: 20 – 5/16″ x 2/0 Lug
- Qty: 2 – 5/16″ x 6 AWG Lug
Fuses & Breakers
- Qty: 1 – 50 Amp ANL Fuse
- Qty: 4 – ANL Fuse Holder
- Qty: 1 – 300 Amp Terminal Fuse
- Qty: 2 – 250 Amp ANL Fuse
- Qty: 1 – 50A AC Breaker
- Qty: 1 – 20A HOMT Tandem AC Breaker
- Qty: 1 – 20A / 30A HOMT Tandem AC Breaker
- Qty: 1 – 100 AMP ANL Fuse
- Qty: 1 – 250 Amp Terminal Fuse
- Qty: 1 – Add-a-Fuse Kit
- Qty: 1 – Assorted Spade Fuses
Sylvie G
Friday 6th of November 2020
Hi Nate, my husband and I are building out our new camper van and are super grateful for all your diagrams and videos they are so helpful, thank you for dumbing things down for those who of us who are confused LOL!
I would like your advice on which battery brand to choose, we have already decided that we need one 100Ah Lithium battery, the dilemma comes in between choosing whether to buy Renogy or Battleborn. most people, yourself included, seem to prefer battleborn however as we are in Canada the only way I can get a battle born battery is at the cost of almost $1,700.00 CAD, however the Renogy I can get for $1,007.00 which is a significant amount. I want to be cost efficient but I also want to build this van out to be as good and functional as possible, do you think Battleborn is worth such a steep difference in price or do you think the renogy is just as good?
your advice would be greatly appreciated.
thank you
Nate Yarbrough
Friday 1st of January 2021
I very much do not think Renogy is as good. The warranty is half as long and Renogy's customer support is pretty abysmal. The battery is fine, and I do recommend it if you're willing to take the risk of never needing customer support, but that's up to you.
Steven M
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
The 10/3 I grabbed is the same style so I'm with ya on the flexibility. Thank you so much! Now I need to find it in 3' length. :)
Steven M
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
Hey Nate,
Thanks again for all the info you’ve provided on your site and videos. I’ve received many compliments on my power system and happily credit you and your site for what I’ve built. I have 1 question though. I’m running 6/3 wire as your diagram lists but it’s VERY difficult to work with compared to what you demonstrated on the distribution box wiring video and the wire really doesn’t fit in the circuit breaker despite having the screw loosened as much as it will go. I’m wondering if I purchased the wrong 6/3 wire-- if that’s possible. The wire isn’t in front of me but I believe it has 6 or so copper strands in each wire. I picked mine up at lowes and all they had was round wire compared to your flat. Any help on this would be REALLY appreciated. My confidence level on this is quite low.
Nate Yarbrough
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
The 6/3 wire I have in my list is significantly more flexible and although tight, will fit just fine as the wire strands are MUCH smaller and there are just more of them inside of each wire: https://amzn.to/2HbriDp or https://amzn.to/3dKnLYp will work just fine.
Lars Balck
Sunday 23rd of August 2020
Nate, I am going to install 400 w solar with 200 Ah batteries in a small Lance trailer using your layout. The trailer receives power from the trucks alternator via the 7 pin trailer connection and charges an existing battery. Where/how does the Smart DC-DC charger connect to the existing system?
Thanks
Nate Yarbrough
Wednesday 9th of September 2020
You will likely have to re-run bigger wires with anderson connectors as the 7 pin connector is probably only 12 AWG. There's a little more clarification in this diagram: https://www.explorist.life/30a-camper-inverter-with-solar-and-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/
Ronald G Osborn
Saturday 4th of July 2020
I like your site and videos. However, shouldn't you have a 30A main breaker before the shore AC in to the inverter?
Nate Yarbrough
Sunday 5th of July 2020
Yep! But that is installed in the campground power pedestal, so we don't need to worry about it on our end of things.