500 W Off-Grid System
Mikah travelled through all 400+ U.S. national parks on a 3-year road trip. In his double-world-record setting journey, he became both the youngest person to accomplish this feat, and the only person to do so in one trip. Using the expedition to advocate for greater youth and diversity involvement in the national parks, he was also honoring his father who passed from cancer at age 58 and who never got to take his retirement road trips. Mikah was living out of a cargo van for the journey and used Grape Solar to make sure he had power in every corner of the United States.
Where have you traveled and what is a brief background on your story?
Over the past 33 months I’ve driven 67,000 miles and explored all 56 U.S. states and territories as part of a nonstop, 3-year road trip to all 418 National Park Service sites. I started the journey to honor my father who passed from cancer at age 58–and wanting to share with my peers the lesson I learned from his early death: Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so go out there and chase your dreams now, before it’s too late. The project has evolved in so many amazing ways I never expected—and has also been more trying and stress-inducing than I ever imagined!—but overall has provided the goal I had when I set out on this journey. Because during my time on the road thus far, I’ve done over 1,500 media interviews equaling over $10 million in Advertising Value Equivalency. So have been able to use the attention of this “crazy road trip” to spread the carpe diem message I hoped this trip would allow.
How did you decide solar was the right option? What applications are you trying to run with solar and what Grape Solar products are you using?
To pull off this epic journey, I needed to live in a self-converted van. I didn’t have enough money to buy a professionally built RV, so diving into the #VanLife was the only option I had!
I knew I needed as much power as possible, so I have five 100-watt Grape Solar panels drilled into the roof of my 2014 Ram Promaster Cargo Van, “Vanny McVanface.” They provide enough juice for my two 200ah Vmax Tank batteries that, as long as I get a few hours of good sun per day, can run a high-efficiency 40-quart fridge 24-7, along with a roof fan, a table fan, and still charge my phone overnight!
Being able to get power anywhere (in the middle of Big Bend National Park’s desert, the Yukon territory on my drive to Alaska, or in the center of a city while visiting an urban park) is what made solar the best option. Not only did it provide power no matter where I was, knowing I’d be all over the map, without concern for electrical plug-ins at campsites, but it also provided renewal energy! That was really important for me on a trip that was all about nature and the parks. That I wouldn’t be using propane tanks along this 3-year journey.
What made you choose Grape Solar?
There are a number of companies that market mobile solar options, but what impressed me so much about Grape Solar was their Customer Service. They helped me design the layout of panels to maximize the space on my van roof, providing the needed amount of power for all my wants. Anytime I had an issue during installation, they would walk me through the process (as someone with no solar/electrical experience, this was especially caring). My system has done everything I expected from it—33 months running—which makes me feel like I made the right choice.
How was your experience with Grape Solar?
I knew absolutely NOTHING about solar power and connections and batteries when I started my build, which made the Grape Solar Customer Service so incredible. They literally drew me a map of my van and its dimensions and the panels/connectors/products I would need to make it possible. That custom help was integral as I designed this solar power system using only the knowledge my two music degrees provided.
Would you recommend Grape Solar to others?
With my journey ending in a few months, I’m actually hoping to live in a house and have a bit more stability than #VanLife provides. The whole experience makes me want solar panels for my home, and I would plan on using Grape Solar’s panels for that! Then I can continue to not feel guilty about using power like I currently do, and know I’m doing my part for the environment/to keep America’s National Parks as pristine as possible.
