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Old 06-11-2021, 05:15 AM   #1
TheBigPig
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solar panels w/ inverter

I am picking up some solar panels and an inverter for when we have no electrical hookups. When using an inverter, do you plug the camper directly into it with a 30amp to 15amp adapter, or do you run extension cords from the inverter to whatever you want to use?

Main uses will be for fans, coffee maker, phone charging. If we have rain it would be nice to be able to put on a movie for the kids.

Thanks for the input.

The Pig
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:23 AM   #2
chuckster57
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Depends on the brand and size of inverter you get. I would get enough watts to power the coffee maker and tv at the same time. If you get an inverter with “auto pass through” and a remote switch you can mount the inverter near the batteries and simply run some Romex.

Solar again depends on brand and size panels.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:07 AM   #3
TheBigPig
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Chuck, thanks for the info. I am thinking a 2000/4000 inverter with 100W solar panels will meet our needs. Most of the time we camp we should have electrical hookups, so I'm not sure I want to get too in depth with it, I just want to make sure we have some electricity when we need it.

I'm just wondering if it'd be ok to plug the camper directly into the inverter and only use the outlets that I need, or if I should just plug whatever I want to use right into the inverter. Or if it doesn't make a difference.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:08 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBigPig View Post
I am picking up some solar panels and an inverter for when we have no electrical hookups. When using an inverter, do you plug the camper directly into it with a 30amp to 15amp adapter, or do you run extension cords from the inverter to whatever you want to use?

Main uses will be for fans, coffee maker, phone charging. If we have rain it would be nice to be able to put on a movie for the kids.

Thanks for the input.

The Pig
Don't forget the storage devices, your batteries. The solar panel will not be effective if only using one 12 v battery. You should consider two 6 v batteries in series and realize that if it's raining the solar panels will be useledd and you will be drawing power from thje batteries only.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:15 AM   #5
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"I'm just wondering if it'd be ok to plug the camper directly into the inverter and only use the outlets that I need, or if I should just plug whatever I want to use right into the inverter. Or if it doesn't make a difference."

The problem with that is that you will have to remember to turn off the breakers for the air-conditioned, the water heater 120 v heating element, the fridge 120 v heating element, and the converter. You cannot charge the battery by using an inverter to produce 120 v then feeding the converter to charge the same 12 v battery. It will discharge it quickly. If you forget and the a/c is on, or someone turns it on, then that inverter will most likel;y go up in smoke.
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Old 06-11-2021, 07:37 AM   #6
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I am installing 400 watt solar with a 2000 watt inverter this weekend. I bought an automatic transfer switch so I can wire the inverter straight to the trailer and it will cut off the converter(charger) for the battery when running the inverter.

You can plug the inverter to shore power but make sure to turn off the converter(charging System) before you do.
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Old 06-11-2021, 07:58 AM   #7
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hxckidd,

Is this as simple as shutting off the breaker to the converter charger before turning on the inverter? I have no problem doing this and cutting power to the AC, fridge, etc as well. Would be easier than running extension cords into the camper to keep a few fans on if needed.
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Old 06-11-2021, 08:08 AM   #8
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The cleanest install would be to install the inverter in the front compartment so the wires from the battery are short. The further away from the batteries, the larger the wire required to run the inverter. Then determine which breaker has the needed curcuit. Remove that wiring and run it to the AC in on the inverter. Then run Romex to the breaker from AC out. That way you don’t need to remember anything other than turn the inverter on/off.
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Old 06-11-2021, 08:31 AM   #9
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My understanding is yes. the ATS was only $150 and I am lazy so I went that route. I was actually more worried about having to explain to the wife and kid switching stuff on and off, so figured for a few bucks it would be easier.
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Old 06-11-2021, 08:39 AM   #10
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My understanding is yes. the ATS was only $150 and I am lazy so I went that route. I was actually more worried about having to explain to the wife and kid switching stuff on and off, so figured for a few bucks it would be easier.
A few bucks well spent.
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Old 06-11-2021, 08:46 AM   #11
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Great, thanks a lot guys. I think I have a few options to choose from. Probably go the quick route on my upcoming trip due to lack of time to install anything permanently. I'll consider a switch and/or hardwiring in the future when time permits for an install.
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Old 06-11-2021, 09:40 AM   #12
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The cleanest install would be to install the inverter in the front compartment so the wires from the battery are short. The further away from the batteries, the larger the wire required to run the inverter. Then determine which breaker has the needed curcuit. Remove that wiring and run it to the AC in on the inverter. Then run Romex to the breaker from AC out. That way you don’t need to remember anything other than turn the inverter on/off.
Chuck that is What I did with my solar with the exception of the relay that controls the different incoming power sources automatically.
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Old 06-11-2021, 12:15 PM   #13
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Here's the off grid solar bible, https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/
Read it and learn everything you need to know before jumping in to early.

For several years before I did my solar upgrade I used two "GoalZero" solar generators to power my tv and lap tops. It worked pretty well as a portable system for the short term. Another popular brand Will Prowse highlights on the web site is Bluetti.

Have fun with it and good luck.
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Old 06-11-2021, 08:09 PM   #14
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I’m not sure if the OP totally understands the connections.

The solar panels do not connect or provide power to the inverter. The panels connect to a solar controller/charger and then to the 12v batteries.

The inverter is a separate circuit connecting the batteries to the 110v system. Depending on what you have connected one or even two batteries won’t power high power items for very long.
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Old 06-14-2021, 07:54 AM   #15
TheBigPig
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GHen,

Thanks, but I think I do understand. I'll have solar panels running through the controller to the battery to keep it charged, then I'll have an inverter to convert from DC to AC power. I do not believe I'll have to use this often, as most campgrounds I plan on using will have electricity. That being the case, I do not plan on doing a permanent installation just yet. I will have the inverter and charge controller on a board that can be easily clamped to the frame under the camper to keep it out of any wet weather, and taken off when it's time to pack up.

When I do use the set up, I plan on turning off breakers to Rec/Con, A/C, HW and Micro. Then plugging the camper directly into the inverter. I think this should allow me to use the GFCI outlets, and the lights should still work on DC power. This is really all I need. My main concerns are fans for the hot nights and coffee in the morning. Maybe the TV/DVD player, which will require an extension cord from a GFCI outlet.

Please let me know if my thinking is correct above on how I plan on doing this. Thanks so far.
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Old 06-14-2021, 08:13 AM   #16
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If your trailer is 30A service, the inverter will not have a 30A RV plug. You’ll have to use an adapter and will most likely be very limited in available power. The inverter will have a chart showing minimum gauge wire from battery(s) to it depending on length. You might find your going to have to get some HUGE (IMO) cables. I don’t really get the “temporary” thing, I would either install or forget.
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Old 06-14-2021, 09:40 AM   #17
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yes you are going in the right direction. That should work fine.
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Old 06-16-2021, 01:45 PM   #18
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Agreed, you are on the right track.
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Old 06-16-2021, 03:17 PM   #19
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I’m using 500 W panels and 3000 amp inverter that’s over kill and 3 big AGM batteries. I freak out seeing the volt meter seriously Dropping using the toaster. Don’t be the guy that has extension cord with two plugs using one for the inverter and plugging into the house receptacle.
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Old 06-17-2021, 08:34 AM   #20
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A couple things: 1) The larger the inverter the more watts it will use when idle. Get only the size you need. Most are over rated. 1500/2000w peak inverters are often only 500w. 2) With one 100ah battery you will only be able to use 500-550 watts for an hour before risking damage to the battery. 3) A 100 watt panel will take 1 full day of direct sunlight to charge up your 1/2 depleted battery. Usually you won't have a full day of sunlight (5 hours of direct is max in most USA areas). Any shade reduces output dramatically. 4) Add up the watts of the things you want to use, multiply that by the hours used, and that will give you the watt hours you need. Use that math to figure batteries and panel wattage - Amps times volts equals watts. 5) You don't need 6v golf cart batteries. They also make 12v golf cart batteries. Batteries Plus has 200ah name brand ones for $280. That would give you 400ah if you had 2 in series. Many people find the 12v, although more expensive, are easier to place. 6) IMHO, most people need a minimum of 200w panels and would be happier with 400w+ on their camper since they often do not have direct sunlight. 7) Mppt controllers are a waste of money of you are using 12v panels with a 12v battery system. They are great if you use 24v+ panels on a 12v system.
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