Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBigPig
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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First item you should consider is the solar panel you intend to use. Keep in mind that whatever wattage you purchase, will only deliver 80% of it's rated capacity under ideal conditions. Second, the lower voltage output associated with a 100 watt solar panel means it it won't begin to produce enough voltage to begin charging as compared to a panel that produces 37 volts (like 300+ watt panels do). Third, a discussion hasn't taken place as to the storage battery you plan to draw current from, to supply the inverter. To produce 15 amps of 120 volts from the inverter, more than 100 amps is going to be drawn from the battery. Without giving forethought to the storage battery, you will likely find yourself with a dead battery before the day is half through. fourth, Lead acid and AGM batteries initially charge quickly but will slow down as the charge reaches 80%. The 100 amp panel planned, won't be able to fully recharge the battery before the sun goes down. fifth, Lead acid and AGM batteries will only deliver about 50% of their rated amp hours before reaching the cut off point. Here is one of the best links I've found that addresses storage batteries: