Markets
Mobile / Overland
Off-grid power for expedition vehicles and overland rigs.
Mobile / Overland power is the electrical infrastructure that lets a vehicle carry its own energy supply, charging from the alternator, solar and other sources to run lighting, refrigeration, communications and water treatment far from the grid.
An overland electrical system has to do more with less. Space and payload are constrained, the operating environment is hot, dusty and continuously vibrating, and there is rarely a way to top up at shore power. That puts a premium on energy density and integration: a compact lithium (LFP) battery storing usable capacity in a smaller, lighter package than lead-acid, paired with a charger or inverter-charger sized to the loads that actually matter on a long trip — typically a fridge or freezer, water and air systems, lighting and device charging.
Charging is the part that defines how long a rig can stay out. A DC-DC charger draws controlled current from the alternator while driving and conditions it correctly for a lithium bank, so a normal day's travel meaningfully replenishes the batteries. Solar, through an MPPT charge controller, carries the load while stationary in camp; in the right conditions a well-matched array can keep a system in balance for extended off-grid periods. Where days are short or the vehicle stays put, a compact wind generator can supplement the charge. The goal is a layered charging strategy, not reliance on any single source.
Beyond storage and charging, an overland build benefits from system-level monitoring and protection — knowing true state of charge, current draw and battery health, and protecting the bank against deep discharge, over-temperature and load faults. The components PowerSol distributes are chosen to work as an integrated, serviceable system suited to remote use, where reliability and the ability to diagnose a problem in the field matter as much as raw specification.
What to prioritise
- Start from your real loads and your longest realistic off-grid stretch, then size the lithium bank and charging to match — oversizing one without the other wastes payload and budget.
- Treat DC-DC charging as core, not optional: an alternator feeding a lithium bank needs a proper DC-DC charger to charge safely and to protect the vehicle's charging system.
- Match solar array, MPPT controller and battery as a set; a well-specified MPPT extracts meaningfully more from a given panel area, which matters when roof space is limited.
- Specify for the environment: components rated for heat, dust and vibration, with appropriate IP-rated enclosures and secure mounting, will outlast equipment intended for fixed installations.
- Plan for monitoring and protection from the outset — accurate state-of-charge data and battery protection are far easier to design in than to retrofit, and they are what let you trust the system in remote places.
Mobile / Overland — FAQs
Why choose lithium (LFP) over lead-acid for an overland build?
LFP stores more usable energy for a given weight and volume, tolerates frequent deep cycling, and accepts faster charging — all of which suit a payload-limited vehicle that needs to recharge in a day's drive or a few hours of sun. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost and the need for correct charging and protection, which is why DC-DC chargers, suitable solar controllers and battery monitoring are part of the same conversation.
Can I charge from the vehicle alternator while driving?
Yes, through a DC-DC charger. It draws controlled current from the alternator and delivers a charge profile suited to the lithium bank, rather than connecting the battery directly. This protects both the bank and the vehicle's charging system and means ordinary travel days contribute usefully to your stored energy.
How long can a properly built system stay off-grid?
It depends on your loads, battery capacity and how much you can recharge from solar and driving. The realistic answer is qualitative: a system whose storage and layered charging are matched to actual consumption can support extended off-grid use, while one charging source alone is rarely enough for weeks out. Sizing the system around your specific usage is the way to set a dependable figure.
Do you supply complete systems or individual components?
PowerSol distributes the technical components — lithium batteries, DC-DC and solar charging, monitoring, protection and related equipment — and supports boatbuilders, installers and dealers across Southern Africa in specifying them as an integrated system. The right combination depends on the vehicle, the loads and how far off-grid you intend to go.