Most people assume you need a generator to run air conditioning in a van or RV. You don't. Not anymore.
A DC split air conditioning system runs directly off your battery bank — charged by solar, shore power, or your alternator. No generator. No fuel. No exhaust inside or outside the vehicle. Just reliable cooling, on demand, in silence. Voltara Systems designs and installs DC split AC systems for vans, RVs, and specialty vehicles in Long Beach, CA.
Standard rooftop AC units found on most RVs run on 120V AC power. That means you either need shore power or a generator running to operate them. DC split systems run natively on 12V or 24V DC — the same voltage your battery bank outputs. No inverter needed, no conversion losses, no generator dependency.
The efficiency difference is real. A DC split system typically draws 30–50% less power than an equivalent-capacity standard AC unit run through an inverter. In Southern California summers, that efficiency translates directly into more run time from the same battery capacity.
Sized to your vehicle's interior volume, insulation quality, and usage patterns. Undersizing is the most common mistake — we don't make it.
Indoor unit positioned for maximum airflow. Outdoor condenser mounted on roof or rear. Refrigerant lines routed and connected correctly.
DC wiring correctly sized and fused from your battery bank. Full cooling performance test before handoff. You drive away knowing it works.
For energy efficiency standards on small space cooling, see energy efficiency standards for small space cooling systems from ASHRAE.
It depends on the unit's draw and how many hours per day you run it. A typical small DC split AC unit draws 400–800W. Running it 8 hours overnight off a 400Ah lithium bank is realistic with solar replenishment during the day. We calculate this for your specific situation before recommending a unit.
Yes — sized correctly. A unit rated for your interior volume and insulation level will maintain comfortable temperatures even in peak summer heat. Undersizing is the common mistake. We don't make it.
Yes. As long as your battery bank has charge, the AC runs regardless of whether you're parked or moving. Many customers run it while driving to pre-cool the space before parking.
Significantly quieter than a standard rooftop AC unit or a generator. The indoor air handler produces a low hum. Most people find it easy to sleep through — which is the whole point.
Let's size the system and install it right.
Voltara Systems · 161 West Victoria Street, Long Beach, CA · (562) 362-3527 WhatsApp