A motorhome that traveled through 10 African countries needed to connect to the grid only about three times during a journey lasting approximately one year. This level of energy independence enabled Brazilian couple Alessandro De Franceschi, known as “Alê,” and Maria Eduarda Cardoso, known as “Duda,” to operate two air conditioners, two refrigerators, an electric stove, and satellite internet equipment, even in remote areas without access to conventional electricity infrastructure.

The couple, who document their travels on social media under the name Getoutsidebr, use a system combining rooftop solar panels, lithium batteries, and charging from the vehicle’s alternator while driving. The system features equipment from Victron Energy, supplied with the involvement of Kamell Comércio Global, and illustrates how integrating solar generation, battery storage, and energy management can increase the autonomy of mobile power systems.

According to Alê, the African expedition began in August 2025. The couple traveled through 10 countries in their motorhome and visited four others without the vehicle. The combination of solar power, battery storage, and alternator charging allowed them to maintain their usual electricity consumption without regularly relying on external power connections.

The motorhome’s electrical system relies on two main energy sources. The first is solar power, generated by rooftop photovoltaic modules that supply electricity to onboard appliances and recharge the batteries during the day.

The second source is the vehicle’s alternator. While the motorhome is moving, a Victron Energy Orion DC-DC charger draws power from the vehicle’s electrical system to recharge the lithium batteries.

The combination enables the motorhome to operate in locations without grid access.

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