how to :RV Solar ?

[Shore2Shore]

I have read many blogs & websites regarding the setting up of a solar system in an RV,but have some basic questions that I can't seem to find.

Is the solar system tied into the existing coach wiring? As ours still has just its converter will it run with/use both converter and inverter systems? Or does the inverter do the job of both?

Probably really basic /silly questions just want to get a good idea before embarking on a possible solar system.

I know each system is down to individual needs and requirements but was wondering if there's any basic line diagrams showing a real basic system,just to give me the general idea of how and where the items would wire together.

I know you have the solar panels that via a charge controller keeps the battery bank charged. Then via an inverter powers the mains/120v appliances. Have read that someone installed an inverter and just a bigger battery bank that tapped into the main wiring,also that an inverter can feed a totally seperate set of circuits via a sub breaker panel.

Thanks in advance for any help/info plus mods if this is in the wrong section I'm sorry didn't know where else was best to post it.

[SUMDALUS]

Pauland Ro,

One of the best sites that I have found for Solar education is linked HERE.

Hope this helps.

[garym114]

Solar is connected into the 12v system where it will not be disconnected when the disconnect solenoid is opened. I had larger gauge wiring from the batteries to the 12v fuse panel where it could be connected in without being disconnected.. There was room to mount the controller there.
I have a 2000 watt inverter/ 100 amp charger combination in the system. The solar is connected all the time with no concerns. Just as you have loads on the 12v system, solar is an input to the system.
The inverter provides AC to the sub panel when there is no other AC source. The air conditioners and water heater are not powered from the sub panel. When AC is present it powers the main breaker box, to the inverter and AC is passed through to the sub panel.
The whole thing is a system. If you want more 12v storage you add more batteries to the system. If you want to power the microwave with the inverter you have to size the batteries and inverter accordingly.

[Shore2Shore]

Thankyou for the website and thanks a lot for the description of your system,gives me a much more detailed idea. Our 2 house batteries at the moment are under the hood but it won't be enough room for a bank of 4 that a lot of systems seem to require for the power needed.

So have a cubby perfect for a bank of four cells,this would be ok wouldn't it?

[garym114]

Just remember your added batteries will tie in where the existing ones tie in now with the cables sized for the distance of the run.

[Shore2Shore]

As our existing two house cells are 12 v ones in parallel (original from PO now 5 years old) will be getting 6 volt ones to replace these,however many we need for the intended solar setup.

Would the new cells connect to the existing cables under the hood with new cable hooked up from the new battery location? Or would it be a completely new cable run to I would imagine the 12v panel?

Sorry for the questions But really want to get this right.

Thankyou again for all the help & advice.

[Nuge]

Start HERE: Welcome to HandyBob Solar « HandyBob's Blog

He IS a bit passionate and goes on about how the industry isn't quite doing right by people, but he has no agenda or anything to sell; he just wants people to understand what they're buying and how it's supposed to work! He IS living off grid and just wants to help!!

[garym114]

Start by making decisions about
What do I want to run from the inverter, determines how many watts you need from it.
How will the batteries be charged when on AC, how many amps charging.
Those two things along with how long will the 12v cable run be determine the battery cable size.
The largest battery cables will run from the batteries to the inverter/charger. All battery and inverter cables will be new runs. Don't try to use the old batteries for anything. What good would it do to charge them with solar and provide nothing except gen for the inverter??