Ren Peiqi is enough to live out himself.

"My van is actually a complete integrated off-grid system," said Page, whose journey can be seen on @ArenPage on Instagram.

“Basically it’s an apartment on wheels, it’s all solar. Everything comes from the solar panels on my roof, three 100-watt solar panels, which power my entire system. I have water filters, fans, LEDs Plug in the lamp, refrigerator-freezer combination and socket to charge."

As an engineer working remotely in California, Page was able to complete the van on his own using the website Appropedia and a do-it-yourself book called To Catch the Sun.

This book was co-authored by Joshua Pearce, a professor at Western University, who collaborated with Lonny Grafman.

"This is a book that teaches people how to create solar photovoltaic systems for themselves," said Pierce, a professor at the Ivey School of Business and the Western School of Engineering. Allen Page in California built a solar-powered van as a DIY project. (Source: Aren Page) Pearce said that in one afternoon, you can gain enough knowledge to build your own starting solar system.

"If you have never been exposed to electricity before, maybe you want to start with something very small, such as solar charging your iPhone," said Pierce, who estimates that this can be done in less than a few hundred dollars.

"After you understand it, you can start doing larger and larger projects, and eventually build buildings, houses, and farms."

Pearce said that solar prices are falling, and this is the best time to take action in decades.

"For example, a company might need 10 kilowatts," Pierce said. “The current price is about US$3 per watt, so the investment is US$30,000. Many small businesses don’t have that kind of capital, so this book shows you how to fundamentally reduce capital by installing systems in blocks, like Like small building blocks, you do a lot of work to eliminate more than half of the cost."

Using Kickstarter for this project, they managed to get 440 supporters, which doubled their fundraising goal.

US$20,376 enables them to provide a digital version on their website for free.

"You can have unlimited resources at your fingertips," Page said. "So if you don't have much money, you can start from there."

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