Solar Power for Your Shuttle Bus Conversion: 5 Pros and 5 Cons

When it comes to converting a shuttle bus into a mobile living space, one of the most important things to consider is how you're going to power everything. You'll need electricity for lighting, charging devices, cooking, and more. One of the most popular options for powering your shuttle bus conversion is with solar power. In this article, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of using solar power for your shuttle bus conversion.

Our Solar System Set Up

First - let’s cover what we use and why. We have six 200 watt 12v Rich Solar Panels on our roof, a 150V/85A Victron Solar Charge Controller, and 618ah of SOK Lithium Batteries. This is by most accounts an extraordinarily large and expensive system, and it was definitely our biggest cost while doing our build (and doesn’t even touch on our inverter or other electrical components). That said, I can 100% vouch for what we purchased; it has all held up beautifully and has worked incredibly well for our needs. But our needs and yours may not be the same! Let’s take a look at the biggest pros and cons.

Pros of Solar Power for Your Shuttle Bus Conversion

Environmentally friendly

One of the biggest advantages of solar power is that it's environmentally friendly. By using solar power, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the environment.

Saves money in the long run

While installing a solar power system for your shuttle bus conversion can be expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run. You won't have to pay for electricity at RV parks nor will you need a generator, which can add up quickly if you're living in your shuttle bus conversion full-time. (Ask us how we know!)

Quiet

Solar power is completely silent, which is a big advantage if you want to maintain a peaceful and quiet environment in your shuttle bus conversion. Nothing ruins the perfect camp spot in the middle of nowhere like the roar of a generator; it’s one of the reasons we elected to go with a very large solar system after upgrading from our van.

Reliable

As long as there's sunlight, your solar power system will generate electricity. This means you won't have to worry about running out of power or finding a place to plug in - as long as you pay close attention to your charge controller that is.

Versatile

Solar power can be used to power just about anything in your shuttle bus conversion, from your lights to your refrigerator. This will of course depend on your own individual power needs, but we use our solar system to power a 12v freezer, fridge, lights, laptops, outlets, phone chargers, and even a hair dryer and microwave on occasion.

Cons of Solar Power for Your Shuttle Bus Conversion

Expensive upfront costs

While solar power can save you money in the long run, the initial costs can be quite expensive. You'll need to purchase solar panels, a battery bank, an inverter, and other components to set up your system. And if you want it to power truly everything, this is NOT going to be a cheap endeavor.

Requires sunlight

Solar power systems require sunlight to generate electricity. If you're traveling to an area with limited sunlight, your system may not generate enough power to meet your needs. This can be the biggest challenge for those looking to do a lot of winter camping in colder climates or spend time in rainy areas like the Pacific Northwest.

Requires maintenance

Like any other system, solar power systems require maintenance. You'll need to clean your solar panels regularly and make sure all the components are working properly. Truthfully the maintenance is minimal so long as your system is correctly installed, but nothing in your bus is truly set-it-and-forget-it.

Limited power output

While solar power is versatile, it does have its limitations. If you have a large shuttle bus conversion or you're running a lot of high-powered appliances, your solar power system may not be able to keep up with your needs. You’ll also be limited by the size of your battery bank, and how may hours you spend in the sun per day.

Not always practical

Finally, solar power may not always be practical for your needs. If you're traveling to an area with limited sunlight, or if you're only using your shuttle bus conversion for short trips, a solar power system may not be the best option. Generators or traveling specifically to parks with RV hookups may be a better option for you in those situations.

Conclusion: Is Solar Right For Your Bus Build?

Overall, solar power is an excellent option for powering your shuttle bus conversion. It's environmentally friendly, saves money in the long run, and is quiet and reliable. However, it does come with some downsides, including the upfront costs, the need for sunlight, and the requirement for maintenance.

Before you decide whether to install a solar power system for your shuttle bus conversion, it's important to consider your needs and budget. If you're planning to live in your shuttle bus conversion full-time and you have the budget for an upfront investment, solar power may be the perfect option for you. However, if you're only using your shuttle bus conversion for short trips or you have limited funds, you may want to consider other options for powering your conversion.

Ultimately, the decision to install a solar power system for your shuttle bus conversion comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Take some time to research your options and consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision. With the right power system in place, you can enjoy all the benefits of shuttle bus living without sacrificing your comfort and convenience.