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Old 12-12-2017, 11:04 PM   #1
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Solar

Just bought a Thor 23u. Want to install 200watts solar, prefer mppt controller and 500 watts of inverter .
Any suggestions on kits?
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Old 12-13-2017, 01:28 AM   #2
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I would suggest getting a larger inverter, the overhead loss difference is minimal between a 500 and 1000 watt inverter.
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Old 12-13-2017, 02:36 AM   #3
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I would not do a kit as most kits don't include a high quality controller. A couple solar panels from Renogy, a Morningstar or Midnight Solar controller, and the needed cables and circuit breakers would be the way I would go.

As for the inverter also go with a good brand and PSW technology. Size adequate to your need with some headroom.
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Old 12-13-2017, 07:31 AM   #4
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Don't need much for the inverter, 600w about right, do need an auto cut off swith in case wife turns on generator. Just went thru this a couple years ago with my funmover for the life of me can't remember where I got the stuff.

I do remember getting an mppt controller. Plan here is two Trojan style 105 batteries in series, good for about 105 amp hrs at 50%. Most specs I see and memory if correct, says even with a pwm controller I should get 67 amp hrs on a mediocre day. More for sunny days. Heater will be biggest draw, and I highly doubt I'll be staying put more than a few days, so driving will bulk charge as will the converter and generator.

Will check Web sites
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Old 12-17-2017, 05:27 AM   #5
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Check out AM Solar’s kits. They come highly recommended. They also have videos on utube for install.

https://amsolar.com/rv-solar-panels-complete-kits
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Old 12-17-2017, 05:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cbigham View Post
Just bought a Thor 23u. Want to install 200watts solar, prefer mppt controller and 500 watts of inverter .

Any suggestions on kits?


To get benefits of a mppt controller the voltage output from the solar panels should be 24 volts or higher.....tough to do with only 200 watts total. This requires either high voltage panels (outputting either 24 volts or 36 or more) or 4 panels of 50 watts in a series/parallel configuration..... just something to be aware.
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Old 12-17-2017, 06:51 AM   #7
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Ditto on AM Solar - they have great on-line and phone resources and will work with you to custom-design what you want.
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Old 12-17-2017, 06:58 AM   #8
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Good day!! Sinces you are going small. Maybe look into the Bogart's battery monitor and their pwm charge controller.
No sense to go mppt... And parralel your panel it's better when they they shaded. That's the good when staying small...
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/...ging-puzzle-2/
Look a Ray's setup
https://youtu.be/2zNTbMoUqBE
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Old 12-17-2017, 07:29 AM   #9
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This is a good panel if you have a good mounting location

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Old 12-17-2017, 07:40 AM   #10
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1500 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger
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Old 12-17-2017, 07:41 AM   #11
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Or...

12 Volt Pure Sine Wave Inverters
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Old 12-20-2017, 12:48 PM   #12
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Thanks for the tips, yeah, I did the math and figure a mppt not needed and can save a few bux. A couple of hundred watts should be all I need, 60, 70 amp hrs restored per day.

I ordered a xantrex pro sine 600 watt inverter with auto transfer switch and likely get one of those am kits or regoney, some such.. Also will need to pick up a couple Trojan 105 6volt or the interstate equivalent. Strange such stuff isn't easy or cheap to find in Los Angeles county, where I'm at. Battery the came with the 23u is junk, probably bad when I picked it up. Couldn't last the night in the desert.
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Old 12-20-2017, 01:06 PM   #13
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A 100w panel produces about 5a in full sun. You'll get an average of 5 hrs of sun (not full sun) per day, so: 200w=10a x 5 hrs or 50ah/day. If clouds or haze, cut in half. YMMMV
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Old 12-20-2017, 01:22 PM   #14
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Just bought a Thor 23u. Want to install 200watts solar, prefer mppt controller and 500 watts of inverter .
Any suggestions on kits?

Most RV dealers sell a Zamp 160W, 2 12 volt battery set up. I paid 725, installed, for it when I bought my RV.

I'd say go with that and add another panel. Also I find this inverter is enough for me.
https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-300W-P...=300w+inverter

I plug in the Dish receiver when I boondock.
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