Off-Grid School Bus Power: How I Designed My Dream System for My Conversion (with Renogy)

Say goodbye to traditional campgrounds and embrace the freedom of being wherever you want to be and still have all the power you need. Boondock, visit friends and family, or glamp at the music festival with ease. Meet "Fest Bus," the Skoolie, the school bus conversion project that we helped out with back in May, 2025. With over 3kWh of LiFePO4 Batteries, 640W of Solar Power, a 50A DC to DC Charger with MPPT that takes advantage of Engine power, and a 2000W Inverter Charger that can handle a shore power input, this bus has 3 ways to charge up their off-grid batteries. The flexibility built into this system makes moving around and charging easy. Let's get on the bus!

In this video not only will we cover how we installed these components, but also why we choose them based upon the initial load assessment (the total number of appliances and electronics that we want to run). Additionally, we'll cover that load assessment through using our free downloadable Excel Worksheet that can help you plan out your own solar powered system.

Use Coupon Code "CANLIFE" to save big at Renogy. See country links below:
USA: https://renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY
Canada: https://renogy.sjv.io/Vx03oO
United Kingdom: https://renogy.sjv.io/e1bPyO
Australia: https://renogy.sjv.io/gO4kyA
EU: https://renogy.sjv.io/19JzN6
Germany: https://renogy.sjv.io/Xm7EBy

Timestamps:
00:17 3-Ways to Charge
01:38 Installation Diagram
01:50 Why We Choose These Components
05:09 Installation
12:06 Testing The System
14:26 Load Assessment & Worksheet
27:04 Wrap Up

Resources:
Our Website: https://freedominacan.com/
Downloadable Solar System Sizing Worksheet: https://freedominacan.com/solar-sizin...
Our Solar Power Resource Page: https://freedominacan.com/solar-power...
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USA Products:
1. Renogy 100Ah Duo Heat Mini CORE LiFePO4 Battery - https://renogy.sjv.io/MAymVM
2. Renogy 50A DC to DC Battery Charger with MPPT - https://renogy.sjv.io/xkWr21
3. Renogy Battery Shunt 300 - https://renogy.sjv.io/1rLo3D
4. Renogy One CORE Monitor - https://renogy.sjv.io/DKbgDG
5. Renogy 320W Solar Panel - https://renogy.sjv.io/6yzgdq
6. Renogy 2000W Inverter Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/k0aA9z

Canada Products:
1. Renogy 100Ah Duo Heat Mini CORE LiFePO4 Battery - https://renogy.sjv.io/qzZ46g
2. Renogy 50A DC to DC Battery Charger with MPPT - https://renogy.sjv.io/3ebrdB
3. Renogy Battery Shunt 300 - https://renogy.sjv.io/9gvaEy
4. Renogy One CORE Monitor - https://renogy.sjv.io/aORD2R
5. Renogy 320W Solar Panel - https://renogy.sjv.io/XmEXWM
6. Renogy 2000W Inverter Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/nXV2ga

U.K. Products:
1. Renogy 100Ah Duo Heat Mini CORE LiFePO4 Battery - https://renogy.sjv.io/55Yg01
2. Renogy 50A DC to DC Battery Charger with MPPT - https://renogy.sjv.io/QyV3b3
3. Renogy Battery Shunt 300 - https://renogy.sjv.io/oqQZOm
4. Renogy One CORE Monitor - https://renogy.sjv.io/N9BE4V
5. Renogy 320W Solar Panel - https://renogy.sjv.io/jeaO5a
6. Renogy 2000W Inverter Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/AP5EAD

Australia Products:
1. Renogy 100Ah Duo Heat Mini CORE LiFePO4 Battery - COMING SOON
2. Renogy 50A DC to DC Battery Charger with MPPT - https://renogy.sjv.io/an3QYQ
3. Renogy Battery Shunt 300 - https://renogy.sjv.io/nLDJja
4. Renogy One CORE Monitor - https://renogy.sjv.io/zxgOnm
5. Renogy 320W Solar Panel - https://renogy.sjv.io/kORAXN
6. Renogy 2000W Inverter Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/dOr73y

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Disclaimer: Most of the videos we make include affiliate links and paid sponsorship, this helps keeps our information free.

This video is intended to help users plan, organize, calculate, and install a personal DIY solar powered electrical system. We, Shari & Hutch (Freedom in a Can, LLC), are neither professional electricians nor solar installers; we are educators who have learned to install our own system and to empower others to do the same. If you have questions, reach out in the comments section and we'll get back to you.

If you need further assistance beyond our advice, consult a solar professional or certified electrician. Electricity is dangerous, so do your homework, take it one step at a time, and good luck!