1. Everything About Compost Toilets
  2. 02. How It All Works
  3. Tech & Electrical | OGO™ ORIGIN Compost Toilet System

How Do You Power the OGO™ ORIGIN Compost Toilet

Everything you need to know about power requirements, daily usage, batteries, solar, and what’s coming next.

If you're planning to live off-grid, hit the road in your van or RV, or install a compost toilet in a tiny home or boat, power compatibility is a big part of the decision. Good news: the OGO™ ORIGIN is built to run on simple, efficient 12V power—and it doesn’t take much.

In this guide, we’ll break down what kind of power the OGO™ ORIGIN needs, how much it uses per day, how to hook it up to a battery or solar setup, and what we're working on for even more flexibility.



What Kind of Power Does the OGO™ ORIGIN Use

The OGO™ ORIGIN runs on a 12V DC power system, which is compatible with:

  • Rechargeable lithium batteries

  • 12V fuse blocks in vans or RVs

  • Solar battery banks

  • Standard 110V wall outlets (with an adapter)

This low-voltage design makes it extremely versatile and easy to integrate into nearly any off-grid, mobile, or minimalist lifestyle setup.


How Much Power Does It Use

The OGO™ ORIGIN is extremely power-efficient. It has two components that draw electricity:

1. Ventilation Fan (Runs continuously)

  • Power draw: 0.02 Amps

  • Daily consumption: ~0.48Ah/day

  • Purpose: Maintains airflow, keeps compost dry, and supports healthy breakdown

2. Agitation Motor (Button activated)

  • Power draw during use: 1.5 – 5.5 Amps

  • Cycle time: 45 seconds per use

  • Daily consumption: ~0.3Ah/day (based on 4–5 uses)

Total daily usage:
➡️ Less than 1Ah/day

That’s ultra-low and ideal for solar and battery setups.


12V lithium (LiFePO4 preferred)

Can I Power It With a Lithium Battery

Yes—and it’s a popular option.

The OGO™ ORIGIN works perfectly with 12V lithium batteries like LiFePO4. This makes it ideal for van builds, boats, or remote cabins without grid power.

Recommended battery setup:

  • Battery type: 12V lithium (LiFePO4 preferred)

  • Capacity: 10Ah–15Ah for multiple days between charges

  • Protection: Inline 10A fuse or built-in battery management system (BMS)

  • Connection: Ensure polarity is correct (red = + / black = –)

Once connected, your OGO™ will operate independently and reliably with no external power source needed.


What If I Want to Use a Wall Outlet

You can also power the OGO™ ORIGIN from a standard wall outlet using an AC-to-DC power adapter.

Required specs:

  • 12V DC output

  • Up to 10A current

  • Center-positive polarity

  • 5.5mm x 2.5mm plug

We recommend and sell the ALITOVE 12V 10A Power Adapter, which is tested for compatibility and performance.

🛒 Buy the OGO™ Power Adapter »

Note: You don’t have to buy from us—but we only guarantee compatibility with adapters we’ve tested.

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Coming Soon: Internal Battery Option (Fall 2025)

We’re currently developing an integrated internal battery pack, coming Fall 2025. This will offer a fully self-contained, rechargeable power solution built directly into the unit.

  • Designed for tight spaces and minimalist installs

  • No external wiring needed

  • Rechargeable and replaceable

  • Compatible with solar charging

Stay tuned—this upgrade will make powering your OGO™ even more streamlined.


Final Word

The OGO™ ORIGIN is simple to power, whether you're using solar, a battery, or a wall outlet. With low daily energy usage and full 12V compatibility, it’s built for modern, mobile, and off-grid living.

One system. Minimal draw. Maximum flexibility.

Still have questions about your power setup? We’re here to help.