On-board power electronics for recreational vehicles and marine applications
Reliable power supply and intelligent control on board
From solar technology and battery management to chargers, inverters and digital control systems, AL-KO VT offers coordinated electronic solutions for recreational vehicles and marine applications. These solutions support a reliable power supply, efficient energy management and convenient control and monitoring of key on-board functions.
The foundation for a powerful on-board electrical system
Perfectly matched components for power supply, control and comfort
On-board power electronics are central to the electrical power supply in a motorhome. They ensure that generated energy is stored, distributed and used efficiently and that all electrical devices are reliably supplied with power. At the same time, they provide important control and monitoring functions that help enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency in the vehicle.
The AL-KO VT portfolio includes a comprehensive range of components for modern on-board electrical systems:
- Solar modules and solar charge controllers
- Batteries and chargers
- Inverters
- Digital control and monitoring systems
- Control panels and displays
- Switches and sockets
The components are available for different on-board system concepts and vehicle requirements. Which products can be combined depends on factors such as system voltage, battery type, power requirements, interfaces and the existing installation.
Whether for original equipment or retrofitting, the right components lay the foundation for a reliable power supply and efficient energy management, helping to provide greater independence and comfort on any journey.
How the on-board electrical system works in a motorhome
From power generation to electrical appliances: all components work together
The on-board electrical system in a motorhome ensures that electrical energy is reliably generated, stored, distributed and used. Each component has a clearly defined role, from generating power and charging the battery to supplying electrical devices and centrally controlling the entire system.
A solar system generates electrical power during the day and charges the service battery via a solar charge controller. The charge controller manages the energy provided by the solar module and adapts the charging process to the battery type. It protects the battery from overcharging. Additional protection against deep discharge, short circuits or reverse polarity depends on the model.
The service battery stores the generated energy and makes it available as required for lighting, the water pump, the fridge and other 12 V appliances.
An inverter is needed to operate 230 V appliances without a mains connection. It converts the battery's direct current into 230 V alternating current. Digital control and monitoring systems also track energy flow, battery status and other vehicle functions, allowing convenient operation directly inside the vehicle or, depending on the system, via an app.
Together, these components form a coordinated on-board power system that ensures a reliable energy supply and greater comfort in the motorhome.
ONDA
Connected on-board power electronics for more control and comfort
ONDA comprises two solutions for different requirements. The ONDA Smart System connects selected energy management components via Bluetooth and provides information on battery status, energy consumption and solar output in an app. ONDA Connectivity integrates compatible on-board devices and vehicle functions into a central system. Depending on the system configuration, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections are available, with cloud or SIM connectivity enabling remote access where supported.
Solar systems and solar charge controllers
Reliable energy for greater self-sufficiency on the road
With the solar systems and charge controllers from AL-KO VT, you can efficiently use solar energy to power your motorhome. The portfolio comprises solar modules in various designs, pre-configured solar kits, mounting systems and suitable installation accessories.
The product range also includes PWM and MPPT solar charge controllers that monitor the charging process, protect the on-board battery and optimise the energy yield from the solar system. Together, these components can form a coordinated system for a reliable and sustainable energy supply, whether you need individual components or a complete solution.
Complete kits
Batteries and chargers
Reliable energy – always available
A reliable power supply starts with the right combination of a battery, a charger and intelligent energy management. AL-KO VT offers high-performance battery chargers, DC-DC converters and battery management systems, as well as AGM and lithium batteries to meet a wide range of requirements in recreational vehicles.
These components support safe charging from the mains, an alternator or a solar system, help protect the battery and make efficient use of the available energy. When correctly matched, they support a reliable power supply and greater independence on the road.
Inverters
230-volt power on the go
Inverters enable the use of 230 V appliances independently of the mains by converting 12 V direct current (DC) from the on-board battery into 230 V alternating current (AC). AL-KO VT offers high-performance pure sine wave inverters for different power requirements, from charging electronic devices to running energy-intensive appliances.
Selected models feature mains priority switching (IVT), remote control options and comprehensive protective features for safe and reliable operation in recreational vehicles.
Control and display
Keep an eye on your on-board system at all times
Control and display systems form the central interface to the on-board power electronics, enabling convenient operation of key vehicle functions. AL-KO VT offers control panels, test panels and intelligent control solutions for monitoring battery status, tank fill levels, temperatures and other system information depending on the model.
Depending on the system, LED displays, graphic displays and modern touchscreens with additional connectivity functions are available, allowing intuitive operation and convenient monitoring of the on-board system in a motorhome.
Switches and sockets
Functionality and comfort down to the last detail
Switches, sockets and other installation accessories ensure safe and convenient use of the on-board electrical system in your motorhome. The AL-KO VT range includes switches, 12 V and 230 V sockets, USB charging solutions, TV and satellite connections, as well as matching frames and accessories.
Available in various versions and designs, these components can be integrated neatly into different vehicle concepts and adapted to individual requirements.
Accessories
For safe installation and reliable system integration
The right accessories help ensure that all components of the on-board power electronics work together safely and reliably. AL-KO VT offers a comprehensive range of mounting and installation materials, wiring, fuses, connection components and other accessories for professionally integrating and upgrading electrical systems in motorhomes.
These coordinated solutions help simplify installation and contribute to the reliable operation of the entire on-board electrical system.
Safe and efficient on-board power electronics: what to consider
Perfectly matched components ensure a reliable power supply
High-performance on-board power electronics consist of more than just individual components. The key is that the solar system, charge controller, battery, charger, inverter and other components are properly matched. This helps ensure that generated energy is used efficiently, the battery is charged reliably and the motorhome has a safe power supply.
Proper installation is just as important. Suitable cable cross-sections, correct fusing and coordinated components all contribute to a reliable and safe on-board system. With lithium batteries in particular, make sure that chargers and solar charge controllers support the correct charging profile. Correctly matched components work efficiently together and contribute to a long service life for the entire system.
Electronics expertise from AL-KO VT
Customised solutions, industrial applications and technical support
In addition to its product portfolio, AL-KO VT offers in-depth expertise in the development and integration of electronic systems. Discover customised electronic solutions for recreational vehicles, learn more about solutions for industrial applications or find the right support for technical questions.
Customised electronic solutions for recreational vehicles
Electronics tailored to the vehicle and application
AL-KO VT develops customised electronic solutions that are precisely tailored to the technical and functional requirements of recreational vehicles. Individual components and functions are combined into an appropriate overall solution. The resulting electronic systems can be integrated into different vehicle concepts and configured to meet individual project requirements.
Electronics for industrial applications
Electronic systems for different requirements
AL-KO VT offers electronic solutions for a wide range of industrial applications, from battery charging and energy systems to control and operator panels, power distribution, sensors and system communication.
The various components and functions can be combined to meet the technical requirements of each application and integrated into existing or new system architectures. This enables coordinated electronic solutions for a range of industrial sectors.
Electronics support for former Nordelettronica and Toptron products
Technical support for our electronic solutions
Do you have questions about an AL-KO VT electronics solution or need technical support? The Electronics Support section provides further information and contact options for all our electronic products and systems.
Whether your enquiry concerns an individual component or an existing system, you can find the appropriate contact for expert assistance.
Frequently asked questions about on-board power electronics
On-board power electronics comprise all the components responsible for generating, storing, distributing and using electrical energy in a motorhome. These include solar modules, solar charge controllers, batteries, chargers, DC-DC converters, inverters, control and display systems, as well as switches, sockets and other installation accessories.
A solar charge controller connects the solar module to the on-board battery and controls the charging process. It protects the battery from overcharging and ensures that the generated solar energy is used efficiently. MPPT charge controllers can further optimise the energy yield of the solar system.
An inverter is required if you want to operate 230 V appliances independently of the mains. It converts 12 V direct current (DC) from the on-board battery into 230 V alternating current (AC), enabling you to use many electrical appliances in your motorhome.
The right battery depends on your power requirements and intended use. AGM batteries offer a reliable energy supply for many applications, while lithium batteries stand out for their low weight, long cycle life and fast charging capabilities. It is important that all components of the on-board system are matched to the battery type used.
Many components, such as solar modules, chargers, inverters and selected ONDA solutions, can be retrofitted. Whether retrofitting is possible depends on the existing system voltage, battery type, available installation space, wiring and existing interfaces. Installation should be carried out by a qualified specialist workshop.
ONDA adds digital functions to selected components of the on-board electrical system. Depending on the solution, battery status, solar charging data and energy consumption can be conveniently monitored via an app. In addition, compatible systems allow software updates and other convenience functions.
Solar modules, solar charge controllers, batteries, chargers, DC-DC converters and inverters must all be technically matched. Crucial factors include voltage, power, maximum current, battery technology, charging profile, cable cross-sections and fusing.
For connected systems, the interfaces and communication protocols used must also be compatible.