sonicsix
Jerry n' Cynthia
Senior Member
Joined: 10/11/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
http://rvroadtrip.us/library/solar_install.asp#inverter
Inverters change 12v DC into 120v AC. You connect the inverter as close to the batteries as reasonably possible with big wire. The inverter will have standard outlets on it. you can plug your item(s) into it directly or just use an extension cord (we do).
If you connect to shore power your camper will charge the batteries as will the solar panels if you have them. Multiple charging sources will work just fine together. I don't have a generator but I think if you had one you would plug your AC items into it and not your inverter. And if you have shore power, just use your regular outlets.
.
Full Time RVing Blog -- RV Mods and Upgrades -- http://RVnumber.com?1
2004 Gulf Stream 6236 24' Class C towing a 1999 Jeep Cherokee 4x4
|
pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 12/18/2004
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hi Smegolas,
Here is how I use my inverter:
1. turn off breaker for the converter
2. unplug from shore power
3. plug shore power cord into an outlet that is powered by the inverter
4. turn on the inverter.
Because I have a fair size battery bank, and a fair size inverter, my RV behaves as if it were plugged into shore power (with the exception of the converter).
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
|
bill h
coastal reconquista
Senior Member
Joined: 08/02/2001
View Profile
|
Smegolas wrote:i have a 22' travel trailer with 2 deep cycle batteries. Im thinking of a solar panel - what should I be looking for? We go camping for a couple weeks at a time, or shorter.
As far as size, you first need to do an energy audit. Easiest is is with a TriMetric, but a digital ammeter and a stop watch will work. Just add up all the amp hours for each bulb or fan or whatever over a typical day. Convert it to watts and add 10% for efficiency losses and you should be close. Depending on season, solar panels will give the equivalent of about 4-6 hours of full output per day, so multiply by that to get solar watt-hours to expect.
You could also buy a Kill a Watt and use it to keep your batteries charged while staying at a park with an elec hookup. At the end of the day, it will tell you how many watts you used. That is pretty accurate.
When buying solar panels, consider that you just might want more. If your first panel is a higher voltage one, that sets you up well to buy another one just like it and reap the benefits of a MPPT controller. They do their best work with matched, higher voltage panels.
Plan for expansion up on the roof, too.
You should look at LED lighting to cut batt usage.
Tilting solar panels can double your charging in winter.
ANY shade on a solar panel cuts its output drastically.
You also need to decide how low you are going to allow your batteries to get daily. Lower discharge equates to shorter life.
Rule of thumb without television, CPAP, furnace or computer: One 65-100 watt solar panel per golf cart battery.
NOTE: Any incorrect spelling is intentional to prevent those annoying popups.
84 Barth 30Tag powered by HT502/Thorley/Weiand etc, Gear Vendors OD.
Siamese Calvin and Airedale Hobbes, 4WD Toyota toad
|
|
|
|
