Our Ultimate Boondocking Solar Setup for Full-Time RV Living
When we decided to hit the road full-time in our Brinkley Model Z 3515 RV, we knew we wanted the freedom to boondock—camp off-grid without hookups. The ability to park in beautiful, remote locations while still having access to reliable power was a top priority for us.
Since both of us work remotely, we depend on consistent electricity every day to run our computers, Starlink internet, and essential appliances like an air fryer, Instant Pot, and air conditioning when it gets too hot. Unlike weekend campers who can rely on generators or minimal power usage, we needed a system designed for full-time RV life—capable of sustaining us even on cloudy days.
Our Brinkley Came with a Head Start
Our Brinkley Model Z 3515 came with a factory-installed 370W solar panel, but that was nowhere near enough to power our full-time off-grid lifestyle. We needed a robust solar and battery system that would allow us to stay in remote locations for extended periods without constantly worrying about power limitations.
That’s where Mobile Solar Consulting came in. From the moment we picked up our RV, we knew we wanted to upgrade our solar setup to the ultimate boondocking system. With their expertise, we designed a package that would keep us powered up day and night, no matter where we were camping.
Our Solar & Battery Setup
Our goal was simple: maximize power storage and solar generation so we could run all our essential devices, stay cool in hot weather, and work remotely without worrying about battery levels.
Solar Panels: Maximizing Sunlight Collection
To generate enough power each day, we needed a significant solar array. With the factory-installed 370W panel, we added an additional 12 high-efficiency 200W solar panels for a total of 2,770W of solar power.
- 12x Mega 200W Rich Solar Panels – Expands our capacity to charge our batteries efficiently, even on partially cloudy days.
Battery Storage: Powering Our Off-Grid Lifestyle
Batteries are the heart of any solar setup. Since we needed enough power to last through cloudy days, we opted for a large lithium battery bank.
- 6x SOK 24V 100Ah LiFePO4 Batteries – Our primary battery storage, providing ample capacity for day and night use.
- 100Ah 12.8V Marine Grade Lithium Battery – Additional power redundancy and backup storage.
Inverters: Running Multiple Appliances Simultaneously
One of our top priorities was the ability to run multiple large AC appliances at the same time. This meant we needed dual inverters to share the load.
- 2x Victron Energy Multiplus 3000VA Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Chargers (24V/70A) – Allows us to run air conditioning, an air fryer, and computers at the same time.
Solar Charge Controllers: Managing Power Efficiently
With a large solar array, we needed multiple charge controllers to optimize charging and prevent bottlenecks.
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100V 20A Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – Regulates power from our solar panels to the batteries.
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT Tr VE. Can 250V / 85A Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – Handles our high solar input, ensuring efficient battery charging.
Power Management & Monitoring
To keep an eye on our system, we installed advanced monitoring tools that let us track our power levels and energy usage in real-time.
- Victron Monitoring System Bundle – Includes Cerbo GX + Touch 70 for full system monitoring.
- Victron Energy SmartShunt Battery Monitor 500A – Provides detailed battery stats and energy consumption tracking.
- Victron Lynx Distributor (M10) – Organizes and distributes power safely.
Additional Components for Efficiency & Safety
- Starlink Magnetic Mount & Cable Management Accessories – Keeps our internet secured and functional anywhere.
- MicroAir EasyStart – Makes our air conditioner more power-efficient when running on batteries.
- Ventilation/Cooling Fan with Mesh Screen Cover – Prevents overheating in our electrical bay.
- Installer EZ-Mount On/Off Battery Switch (400A) – Provides quick battery disconnect for safety.
- 2x 400V 30A Disconnect for Solar Input – Ensures safe handling of high-voltage solar power.
- Marinco Main Disconnect Switch – Pro – Adds another layer of power system protection.
- 2x Wago Pluggable Connectors – Ensures secure wiring connections.
- 2x Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Chargers (24V to 12V, 20A, 240W) – Powers our 12V devices efficiently.
Why We Chose This Setup
During our planning conversations with Mobile Solar Consulting, we went back and forth on different system options. We knew that a single inverter system would require us to pick and choose which appliances to run, but we wanted the flexibility to run multiple large appliances at once, so we added a second inverter and an extra battery.
With this setup, we can:
✅ Run an air fryer and an air conditioner at the same time.
✅ Charge our batteries in one day and have enough for the next, even if it's cloudy.
✅ Stay off-grid longer without worrying about power limitations.
✅ Work remotely and stay connected via Starlink.
Need Help with Your Solar Setup?
If you're looking for expert guidance on planning your RV solar system—or if you’d rather have someone handle everything from planning to purchasing and installation—we highly recommend Mobile Solar Consulting.
🔹 DIY with Expert Planning: If you plan to buy and install everything yourself but want professional help designing your system, check out their Design Consultation Package. Use promo code NOMADSAMOR at checkout for 50% off!
🔹 Full-Service Installation: If you'd prefer a hands-off approach, like we did, Mobile Solar Consulting can take care of everything for you. Just give them a call to get started, and be sure to mention that you found them through us—you’ll receive a free Soft Starter, which allows you to run your AC on battery power!