Example calculation for your setup
Results based on a typical use case
| Appliance | Power | Usage/day | Wh/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression fridge | 45W | 24h | 1080 |
| LED lighting | 20W | 4h | 80 |
| Water pump | 30W | 0.5h | 15 |
| Phone charging | 15W | 2h | 30 |
| Daily consumption | 1205 Wh | ||
Adjust these values with the calculator below
YOUR ENERGY PROFILE.
This document contains the sizing of your future electrical installation, calculated based on your appliances.
Inventory:
Battery
To guarantee 0WH without damaging your bank (80% max discharge):
Solar
Minimum power required to recharge your consumption:
220V AC
Maximum power (with 25% safety margin).
12V Cable Sizing Guide
Use this professional reference table to select the correct gauge (mm²) for your cables. For 12V in a van, the maximum tolerated voltage drop is 3%. Always use multi-stranded flexible automotive wire.
| Current (A) | Round trip < 2m | Round trip 4m | Round trip 6m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5A (LEDs, USB) | 1.5 mm² | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² |
| 10A (Fridge, Pump) | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² | 6 mm² |
| 20A (Heater) | 4 mm² | 10 mm² | 10 mm² |
| 50A (DC/DC Booster) | 10 mm² | 16 mm² | 25 mm² |
| 100A (Inverter) | 25 mm² | 35 mm² | 50 mm² |
Fuse Sizing
The fuse protects the wire, not the appliance. Always place it as close to the power source as possible (battery or busbar).
- Wire 1.5 mm² → Max fuse 10A
- Wire 2.5 mm² → Max fuse 20A
- Wire 4 mm² → Max fuse 30A
- Wire 6 mm² → Max fuse 40A
- Wire 10 mm² → Max fuse 60A
SCHÉMA ÉLECTRIQUE
PANNEAUX SOLAIRES
0W
REGULATEUR MPPT
BATTERIE AUXILIAIRE
0 Ah
Lithium LiFePO4
BOÎTE À FUSIBLES 12V
Pompe, Leds, Frigo...
CONVERTISSEUR 220V
NON REQUI
SHOPPING LIST
Where to find this equipment? Here is the community-approved selection.
12V 6-way Fuse Box
Mandatory protection
Digital Multimeter
Test your connections
Heavy Duty Crimping Tool
For perfect lugs
Heat Shrink Tubing
Insulation and safety
Comparison table
| Component | Model | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 Battery | Redodo 300Ah | 300Ah, 12.8V, 200A BMS | ~€550 |
| Solar Panels | Renogy 4x100W Mono | 400W total, roof mount | ~€330 |
| MPPT Controller | Victron SmartSolar 100/30 | 30A, Bluetooth, 100V max | ~€150 |
| DC-DC Charger | Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30 | 30A, Bluetooth | ~€160 |
| Pure Sine Inverter | EDECOA 2000W | 2000W continuous, 4000W peak | ~€200 |
| Fuse Box | Blue Sea ST Blade 12 | 12 circuits | ~€45 |
| Battery Cables | 50mm² + lugs | Heavy-duty complete set | ~€45 |
| Solar Cables | MC4 + 6mm² | 15m, Y-connectors | ~€35 |
| Outlets + USB | USB-C PD 65W + 12V x4 | Direct laptop charging | ~€50 |
| LED Lighting | Dimmable spots + strip | Complete 10-point kit | ~€50 |
| Battery Monitor | Victron SmartShunt | 500A, Bluetooth, app | ~€75 |
| Miscellaneous | Lugs, ANL fuses, conduit, mounts | Pro wiring kit | ~€60 |
| **TOTAL** | **~€1,750** |
About this tool
The Digital Nomad Build: Zero Compromise on Productivity
Being a digital nomad in a van is the ultimate freedom. But that freedom has an energy price. A laptop draws 60-80Wh per hour of work, Starlink pulls 40-75W continuously, and you need full comfort (coffee, lighting, fridge) while working.
Power Consumption Breakdown
- Laptop (MacBook Pro or equivalent): 8h x 70W = 560Wh/day
- Starlink Mini: 12h x 50W = 600Wh/day
- External monitor (USB-C portable): 6h x 15W = 90Wh
- 50L fridge: 35Ah = 420Wh/day
- LED lighting: 60Wh
- Charging (phones, tablet, headset): 50Wh
- Ventilation (MaxxFan): 80Wh
- Nespresso machine: 2 coffees x 1200W x 2min = 80Wh
- Total: ~1,940Wh/day
Why 300Ah and Not 200Ah
With 1,940Wh daily consumption:
- 200Ah LiFePO4 = 2,400Wh → only 1.2 days autonomy without sun
- 300Ah LiFePO4 = 3,600Wh → 1.8 days autonomy without sun
The margin is crucial on rainy days. With 400W solar and a 30A MPPT, you produce 1,600-2,000Wh on sunny days in Southern Europe.
The 2000W Inverter
A 2000W pure sine inverter lets you run:
- Nespresso machine (1200W for 2 min)
- Hair dryer on cool (800W)
- Laptop + monitor + Starlink simultaneously
- Small vacuum occasionally
