What does an MPPT controller actually do?

Converts the solar panel's voltage to the optimal charging voltage, adding 20–30% more power vs. PWM

Simply switches the solar panel on and off

Protects the battery from overcharging, but doesn't improve efficiency

Converts AC to DC for appliances

Why do you need a BMS in a LiFePO4 battery?

It balances cells and protects against overcharge, deep discharge, overheating and short circuit

Just to monitor state of charge

It's only needed for lead-acid batteries

What does an inverter do?

Converts DC 12V from the battery into AC 230V for household appliances

Charges the battery from solar panels

Hooks the van up to shore power

What does a battery monitor (e.g. Victron BMV) do?

Accurately measures State of Charge via a shunt and full charge/discharge history

What's the difference between a starter and a house (service) battery?

Starter delivers a short high-current pulse to crank the engine; house delivers long, steady discharge for living needs

No difference — they're the same thing

House batteries are only for solar systems

Starter batteries are always LiFePO4

Mains electricity from a campground hookup via a dedicated connector

Solar charging while parked near the sea

Power from the engine via the alternator

The main advantage of LiFePO4 over AGM?

2000+ deep-cycle uses (vs. 300–500 for AGM), 80–100% usable capacity, faster charging

When is PWM a better pick than MPPT?

In small systems (up to 100W) with a single panel whose voltage is close to the battery — the efficiency gap is minimal and PWM is cheaper

Never — MPPT is always better

What does a DC-DC charger do?

Charges the house battery from the alternator with a proper LiFePO4 profile (Euro 6 smart alternators give unstable voltage)

Connects two batteries in parallel

Why is cable gauge critical in a 12V system?

Low voltage means high currents; thin wire causes voltage drop and heat — up to 20% losses

How long does this quiz take?

10 questions, about 5 minutes. You'll see your result and answer review right after.

Do I need to sign up to take the quiz?

No. All quizzes on OpenVan.camp are free and require no registration.

What do I get at the end?

Your result (score or vanlifer type), a unique share image for social media, and a link to the glossary to dive deeper.

Can I share my result on social media?

Yes. After completing the quiz you'll see share buttons for Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Pinterest and more. Every result gets a unique OG image.

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Knowledge 10 questions ~5 min

Camper Electrics

MPPT, BMS, inverter, LiFePO4 — get your head around the heart of your van's off-grid system.

OpenVan.camp Editorial Published 18 May 2026

Take the quiz

About this quiz

10 questions about the key components of a camper electrical system. Useful both for beginners and for those already building their own van — refresh the basics and check whether you're mixing up MPPT with PWM.

Every term links to our glossary — after the quiz you can dive deeper into any of them.

Quiz topics

Here are the questions you'll face. Want to prepare? Follow the glossary links to dive in.

1

What does an MPPT controller actually do?
Learn in the glossary
2

Why do you need a BMS in a LiFePO4 battery?
Learn in the glossary
3

What does an inverter do?
Learn in the glossary
4

What does a battery monitor (e.g. Victron BMV) do?
Learn in the glossary
5

What's the difference between a starter and a house (service) battery?
Learn in the glossary
6

What is shore power?
Learn in the glossary
7

The main advantage of LiFePO4 over AGM?
Learn in the glossary
8

When is PWM a better pick than MPPT?
Learn in the glossary
9

What does a DC-DC charger do?
Learn in the glossary
10

Why is cable gauge critical in a 12V system?
Learn in the glossary

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