About Solar Van Man

Solar Van Man provides RV Off-Grid solar, battery, inverter, and charging RV electrical and energy equipment installation services by appointment. Call us anytime at +1-224-310-9847. Solar Van Man was founded by Chicago native Tony Pivo, an inveterate RVer and power electronics specialist.

Why Solar Van Man Exists

RV electrical and energy systems are often misunderstood, oversold, or poorly matched to how people actually use their RVs. Solar Van Man was founded to help RV owners understand their real power needs and to design systems that are safe, serviceable, and appropriate for mobile use.
The goal is not to sell the largest system possible, but the right system for each RV and owner.

RV Experience That Goes Back a Lifetime

Tony’s exposure to RVing began early. As a child, extended family members arrived for a surprise visit, driving a GM bus conversion. A few years later, his father converted a Dodge Tradesman 300 into a Class B motorhome. RV travel became part of life early on.

As an adult, Tony has RVed extensively in a wide range of conditions, including long-distance travel, extended boondocking, and multi-week trips across the United States, New Zealand, and Europe. Today, his family travels in a Winnebago View 24P, their fourth RV.

That hands-on experience directly informs how Solar Van Man designs RV energy systems — with attention to real-world use rather than theoretical loads. 

Engineering and Systems Background

Before founding Solar Van Man, Tony spent more than 30 years selling and managing P&L for complex technical systems across multiple industries. His background includes documenting, planning, launching, and selling engineered solutions such as:

• Autonomous-driving radar and ADAS systems

• Electric vehicle platforms

• Nuclear power plant engineered repair services

• Industrial in-situ machining systems

• FDA-regulated medical testing technologies

This systems-level experience translates directly to RV electrical design: understanding constraints, managing risk, and ensuring that components work together safely and reliably.

Training and Certifications

Tony is an RV Technical Institute (RVTI)–certified Level II Technician and is currently enrolled and actively working toward RVTI Level III certification.

RVTI training emphasizes safe RV electrical practices, diagnostics, and service procedures aligned with modern RV construction and power systems.

How Solar Van Man Works

Solar Van Man designs and installs RV energy systems using an engineering-first approach. Services may include installation of inverter systems, converters, lithium battery systems, RV solar charging, alternator charging, and system monitoring.

All work is performed by appointment, with an emphasis on:

• Proper load analysis

• Safe electrical integration

• Serviceability and future expansion

• Clear explanation for the RV owner

Solar Van Man operates as a Service Area Business and serves customers throughout the Chicagoland region and surrounding areas.

A Personal Note

At this stage of his career, Tony has chosen to focus his work on an industry he genuinely enjoys. Solar Van Man represents the intersection of lifelong RV experience and decades of technical problem-solving — applied to helping people get out, stay powered, and enjoy their RVs with comfortable confidence.