I'm not expecting something that's cheap work wonders but I am new to solar setups and how they work. I've been wanting to install a solar setup in my van to run a game system and small monitor as well as charge various gadgets without relying on the battery I guess my question is what are the basic components needed for a setup like this?. I see stuff at harbor fright that leads me to believe all you need is a solar panel and battery bank while basically every YouTube video I see has a complex looking setup with various components in the system. I'm not installing a fridge AC or anything other than the gaming system and monitor any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks!!
What kind of gaming system? Is it like a steam deck or high end gaming pc?
Because that will affect a few things like energy needs or whether you need an inverter for example
xbox one s and a wii (they will not be in the van at the same time)
That runs on alternating current so youll need a bigger system than just some panels and a battery
Id just go on youtube and copy someone elses setup. It wont be hard because youre basically just running one outlet
You wont need fancy victron stuff either
ok thx
Simplest is probably a "power station" type setup. one unit with a built in inverter and lithium battery. Don't get a jackery they are overpriced for what they are, they sponsor every man and his dog for a reason. DJI is good, you may not need solar panel either, the Dc-dc alternator charger might be plenty to top it up as you drive .
Without doing the math on your usage. This is what I'd do.
Solar panels: buy used and test with multimeter in full (ideally summer) sun. Used should be about 30¢/watt. Check FB, CL, local electronics recycler. As much as you can fit on your roof. Maybe 2-3 panels, ~600-1000watts Batteries: Lithium Iron. I'd probably shoot for about 5000wh, so depending on if you choose 12v or 24v, roughly 400ah or 200ah Charge controller: buy quality. MPPT. Used is probably going to run about $500. Inverter: voltage determined by battery bank. I wouldn't go more than about 2000w on 12v. Several hundred for a quality used one, cheaper for a less quality one. Breakers, fuse box, wires, etc... several hundred $.
Also depending on your plans you can get away with less panel wattage. If you drive everyday, get a DC-DC charger and charge while driving.