• Tech Tech

'Van life' traveler reveals which futuristic tech she uses to power her nomadic lifestyle: 'It fits behind my front seat'

"I was highly impressed."

Living in your van can certainly come with its own set of challenges. This includes being able to power your devices both affordably and efficiently.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Picking up your bags and living just about anywhere you want might sound like a pipe dream, but it is a reality for many of those who participate in the van life

Despite this, living in your van can certainly come with its own set of challenges. This includes being able to power your devices both affordably and efficiently. 

For one van life traveler, they turned to solar power to keep their dream alive. They shared their experience with the r/VanLife community.   

Living in your van can certainly come with its own set of challenges. This includes being able to power your devices both affordably and efficiently.
Photo Credit: Reddit
Living in your van can certainly come with its own set of challenges. This includes being able to power your devices both affordably and efficiently.
Photo Credit: Reddit

The installation of solar panels can be one of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient while also helping you bring your cost of energy down to near $0. You can check out TCD's Solar Explorer to connect with vetted installers and save up to $10,000 by curating competitive bids.


While utilizing solar in a van may seem like a tall task, the Redditor stood by their purchase of a 400-watt solar panel blanket, a portable and foldable mat that is equipped with embedded solar cells. It is designed for off-grid power, especially for those on the go. 

For the Redditor, they even went as far as claiming that the device changed their life. 

"10/10 would recommend for the electrically challenged like myself. It's lightweight, it's flexible in any situation, and it fits behind my front seat [with] my old 100 W panel," the original poster wrote

Even if your home is permanently fixed to the ground, the Solar Explorer has $0-down subscription options that can reduce your utility rates by up to 20%. This includes Palmetto's LightReach program, which lets users lock in low energy rates and enjoy all the benefits of solar power.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Save $10,000 on solar panels β€” or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation

Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save.

If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver.

LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs.

To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you.

If you'd rather purchase solar panels instead, another Solar Explorer partner, EnergySage, provides a wide selection of tools that can help you make the most of available incentives, find competitive bids, and even connect with local installers. 

Solar panels can even pair well with your home's HVAC system, increasing your savings. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find an affordable HVAC system that is the perfect fit for you and your budget. You can even score some $0-down subscription options as well.

What would you be willing to pay upfront for solar panels?

$5000 or more πŸ’°

$1000 to $5000 πŸ’΅

Less than $1000 🌞

I'd do it for $0 down 😎

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

By downloading the free Palmetto Home app, you can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades by completing easy energy-saving challenges. The app can also help you track and manage your home's energy usage, which can go a long way in increasing your energy efficiency.   

Down in the comments section of the original post, users couldn't help but admire the solar panel blanket setup. 

"Woah that's wild," noted one commenter.

"My buddy brought one to Seven Stars. I was highly impressed," wrote another user.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices β€” and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.


Cool Divider