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Post by Brandi on Oct 21, 2018 7:40:35 GMT
I need just over 800 Watts for a bus/rv conversion. I am planning to purchase 3 of the 300 Watt Solar Panels. What other items do I need to make it so we can rely on solar when we're off-grid but have the option to plug in to on-grid shore power when we're parked at home or pay for a campground? I want to be able to switch from one to the other. Thank you for help!!
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Post by tattoo on Oct 21, 2018 14:49:09 GMT
So right now you have nothing right? Have you done any research?
So you say you use 800w in a day? If so you will need to make at least 1400w to keep the batteries fully charged...
How much room do you have for things like several batteries CC the larger systems take up a lot of room... Most of the solar system all but the panels need to be inside... Even the batteries if you going to be where it's gets cold.....
Many questions need to be answered before you start buying things...
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Post by bupkis on Oct 22, 2018 1:24:36 GMT
Hi Brandi, you'll need a MPPT charge controller, a rather large one for 900 watts of solar panels, mounting hardware, fusing, wire, terminations, etc. BTW, ya don't turn solar off, ya leave it on even when connected to AC power.
On a good day 900w might produce a couple hundred amp hrs of power, I assume you'd have at least 4 6v batteries wired for 12v.
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Post by tattoo on Oct 22, 2018 2:30:11 GMT
On a very good day you MIGHT make that much.... I've made 1.5 KWH in one day 3 times with 800w panels..... I wouldn't bank on it to happening very often... Average is about 1.1 KWH But it could happen...
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Post by swampmonster on Nov 5, 2018 6:20:59 GMT
No one answered your question about shore power and switching.
Install a standard 30 amp shore power plug on outside of your buss near the rear on drivers side....Inside, install a small residential style 120V/220V distribution panel with appropriate 120V breakers....no 220 breakers are required.
Feeding off the house panel 120V, connect a 120V to 12V converter charger, I prefer the ones made by Iota with IQ4. Connect your shore power input to a quality PSW inverter that contains an auto transfer switch and a smart battery charger built in....Or add separate transfer switch and the Iota with IQ4 if your invertor doesn't have them.
From your converter, AND your battery bank in parallel install a large 12V distribution panel...Try to select as many appliances and lighting as possible that operate off 12V, and run wiring for all 12V to the distribution panel...use led lighting whenever possible.
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