Insulation: invest once, benefit all year round
| Material | R-value/cm | Thickness | Price/m2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheep's wool | 0,35 | 6-8 cm | 12-20 EUR |
| Expanded cork | 0,25 | 5-7 cm | 8-15 EUR |
| Sprayed PU foam | 0,40 | 4-6 cm | 30-50 EUR |
| Armaflex | 0,38 | 2-3 cm | 20-35 EUR |
| Thinsulate 3M | 0,48 | 4 cm | 25-40 EUR |
The 3 critical zones
Condensation: 2 people produce 2-4L of moisture per night. Solution no.1: roof fan in extraction mode 5-10 min before sleeping.
Choosing your heater for winter
| Model | Use/h | Price | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webasto Air Top 2000 | 0,14-0,24 L | 1 800-2 500 EUR | Excellent |
| Espar Airtronic D2 | 0,14-0,28 L | 1 500-2 000 EUR | Excellent |
| Planar 2D | 0,1-0,25 L | 400-600 EUR | Very good |
| Vevor/Hcalory | 0,1-0,6 L | 100-250 EUR | Hit or miss |
Never sleep with a catalytic gas heater in a closed van. The CO it produces can be fatal within a few hours. CO detector mandatory (15-30 EUR).
Solar power in winter: the numbers that change everything
For 200W of installed panel, output drops drastically in winter:
| Region | Summer | Winter | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACA/Corsica | ~200 Wh/d | ~80 Wh/d | 40% |
| Occitanie | ~170 Wh/d | ~60 Wh/d | 35% |
| Centre/Bourgogne | ~140 Wh/d | ~45 Wh/d | 32% |
| Bretagne/Normandie | ~110 Wh/d | ~30 Wh/d | 27% |
| Hauts-de-France | ~100 Wh/d | ~25 Wh/d | 25% |
Source data: PVGIS/JRC — the same data Azimut AI uses for the Nomad energy score.
5 compensation strategies
Protecting your water from freezing
Azimut AI winter energy score
The Nomad energy score factors in the seasonal parameter: the same département has a different score in summer and in winter. Monthly PVGIS data by postcode.
Estimate your energy-autonomy potential:
Score computed in 30 seconds · PVGIS, Météo-France, ADEME data
Key takeaways
- Insulation is the most cost-effective investment: target the 3 critical zones (uninsulated floor = -50% heating efficiency, side walls, doors which account for 30% of heat loss).
- Heating: favour a diesel parking heater (Webasto, Espar, Planar), consumption 1,2-2,5 L/night at -5°C. Never sleep with a catalytic gas heater in a closed van — CO detector mandatory.
- Winter solar: for 200 W installed, output drops to 25-35% of the summer level (25 Wh/day in Hauts-de-France vs 80 Wh/day in PACA). Plan for 400 W+ to stay self-sufficient.
- Offset the solar deficit: tiltable portable panel (+40-60% in winter), drive 2h (20-40 Ah via alternator), cut consumption and recharge at a campsite 1-2 nights/week.
- Condensation: 2 people produce 2-4 L of moisture per night — roof fan 5-10 min before sleeping, vapour barrier, never dry clothes inside.
- Water system protection: interior tank ideal, Armaflex insulation + 12V heat tape, drain during a long stop; if it freezes, warm up gradually with warm air, never with boiling water.
FAQ — Winter van life
Can you live in a van in winter in France?
Yes, with proper insulation, diesel heating, oversized solar (x2) and water freeze protection.
Which heater for a van in winter?
Diesel parking heater (Webasto, Espar, Planar). 1,2-2,5L/night at -5°C. No catalytic gas in a closed space.
How many panels in winter?
400W+ in the north. Output drops to 25-35 Wh/day for 200W.
How do you prevent condensation?
Roof fan 5-10 min/evening. Vapour barrier. Don't dry clothes inside.
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