Couple travels through 10 African countries in solar-powered motorhome with battery storage

A Brazilian couple took a trip through 10 African nations in a motorhome geared up with roof photovoltaic panels, 15.36 kWh of lithium battery storage, and generator charging. The system powers home devices and satellite web, allowing off-grid travel with very little dependence on external electrical power connections.

A motorhome that took a trip through 10 African nations required to link to the grid just about 3 times throughout a journey enduring around one year. This level of energy self-reliance made it possible for Brazilian couple Alessandro De Franceschi, called “Alê,” and Maria Eduarda Cardoso, referred to as “Duda,” to run 2 ac system, 2 fridges, an electrical range, and satellite web devices, even in remote locations without access to standard electrical energy facilities.

The couple, who record their journeys on social networks under the name Getoutsidebr, utilize a system integrating roof photovoltaic panels, lithium batteries, and charging from the automobile’s generator while driving. The system includes devices from Victron Energy, provided with the participation of Kamell Comércio Global, and highlights how incorporating solar generation, battery storage, and energy management can increase the autonomy of mobile power systems.

According to Alê, the African exploration started in August 2025. The couple took a trip through 10 nations in their motorhome and went to 4 others without the car. The mix of solar energy, battery storage, and generator charging enabled them to preserve their typical electrical energy intake without frequently counting on external power connections.

Solar power generation and charging on the relocation

The motorhome’s electrical system depends on 2 primary energy sources. The very first is solar energy, created by roof photovoltaic modules that provide electrical power to onboard devices and charge the batteries throughout the day.

The 2nd source is the car’s generator. While the motorhome is moving, a Victron Energy Orion DC-DC battery charger draws power from the lorry’s electrical system to charge the lithium batteries.

The mix makes it possible for the motorhome to run in areas without grid gain access to. The batteries keep electrical power for later usage, while keeping an eye on devices enables the couple to track the state of charge and power provided by the various sources.

The system powers a variety of devices beyond fundamental travel needs, consisting of an electrical range and oven, an air fryer, 2 fridges, 2 air conditioning system, a tv, lighting, and Starlink satellite web devices. Water can likewise be heated up electrically, although a diesel-powered choice is readily available.

“Today, we’re able to keep a day-to-day regular extremely comparable to that of a traditional home, even when we’re far from city facilities,” stated Alê.

Battery bank and energy management

Imagem: Divulgação

The motorhome’s electrical system consists of 3 Victron Energy lithium batteries, each ranked at 25.6 V and 200 Ah. Based upon their small specs, the batteries offer a combined storage capability of roughly 15.36 kWh, before representing discharge limitations and conversion losses.

Power conversion is managed by a 24 V, 5,000 VA MultiPlus-II inverter. The system likewise consists of a SmartSolar MPPT 100 V/50 A solar charge controller, Orion charging systems, a 500 A SmartShunt battery screen, a Cerbo GX interaction and control center, and a GX Touch 70 display screen.

The parts collaborate to handle solar generation, battery charging, DC-to-AC power conversion, and system tracking.

The motorhome’s energy autonomy depends not just on battery capability however likewise on solar generation, electrical power intake, and charging conditions. Running a/c unit, electrical cooking devices, and other devices all at once can considerably increase power need. The system’s efficiency for that reason depends upon the combination of energy sources, battery storage, and energy management instead of set up storage capability alone.

Remote tracking tracks solar generation

The system permits the couple to keep an eye on battery state of charge and track electrical power provided by the photovoltaic panels and the car’s generator. The details is offered through a display screen inside the motorhome and can likewise be accessed from another location by means of a mobile phone.

According to Alê, remote tracking has actually shown especially beneficial when the couple leaves the motorhome parked while taking a trip to other locations by airplane. It enables them to examine the system’s status from another location and determine variations in solar generation, consisting of those triggered by shading on the panels.

In off-grid applications, remote tracking can assist users determine modifications in electrical power generation and battery charge levels, allowing them to change usage and decrease the threat of power lacks.

Energy autonomy stays reliant on aspects such as solar irradiation, shading, parking period, and onboard electrical power need. Throughout durations of minimized solar generation or high usage, the quantity of energy readily available for usage might decrease.

From legal professions to life on the roadway

Alê, 41, from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and Duda, 33, from Espírito Santo, formerly resided in São Paulo and worked as attorneys before choosing to take a trip throughout the Americas. Their initial strategy was to drive from Brazil to Ushuaia, in southern Argentina, before continuing north to Alaska.

What started as a journey ultimately ended up being a lifestyle. The couple has actually been taking a trip for almost 7 years and quotes that they have actually gone to around 30 nations. They record their experiences through their Getoutsidebr social networks job, which has actually brought in roughly 500,000 fans.

Their experience highlights the capacity of solar energy and battery storage for mobile off-grid applications. By integrating onboard electrical power generation, energy storage, and battery charging while driving, the motorhome decreases its dependence on external power connections and offers higher versatility when taking a trip through remote locations.

The couple likewise revealed in September 2026 that they were anticipating their very first kid, Martin, marking a brand-new chapter in their life on the roadway. Preserving a trustworthy electrical energy supply and handling energy usage will stay crucial factors to consider as they prepare to take a trip as a household.

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