Amount of Solar Panels

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by JC 4018

We have 8 AGM and amp meter show 225 amps out when just the microwave is on.

Seem like a high draw, but still only 56 amps per pair of batteries, on a 800 AH bank.

[SteveJ.]

Originally Posted by dannonebr

It looks to me like the gopower kit (https://gopowersolar.com/products/so...tem-600-watts/) should include the cost of installation for $4000 w/o batteries!

$4000 for that system with a cheap %ss PWM controller is a huge ripoff.

A portable system is quite a bit more efficient and you don't have to park in the sun. Do get a chain and a couple of padlocks. I have a 50' cord attached directly to a panel along with a 23' extension cord if needed so I can park in the shade if it is to be found. Deployment time for two sets of panels is about 5 minutes, stowing is closer to 10.

Series wiring to get the voltage higher along with a decent MPPT controller(I really like hoe the Victron stuff works) makes a significant difference, especially under non prime solar conditions. My portables are 2S2P. Under good sun in bulk charge mode I'm showing mid 30's for panel voltage.

[paul65k]

The truth is the more solar/batteries you have the more you need (want). We are overkill at 3900W of solar and 1050Ah of LiFePO4 batteries.

We have seen as much as 190A of solar (@12V) from our roof array. We have a residential Refer, Wine Cooler, and a 3CF residential freezer as well as Satellite TV, Dish Hopper, Joey, and now Starlink, not to mention running one or both Rooftop AC units from time to time.

The bottom line is whatever you install you WILL figure out how to use it ALL and want more..... I am now thinking of doubling our battery bank

[LargeMarge]

Originally Posted by JC 4018

... amp meter show 225 amps out when just the microwave is on.

.
Yikes!
A mid-size professional welder-box can pull 225-amps.
Example (and this's with a couple hundred pounds of innerds):
.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...man-240-500574

[Newmar nut]

Originally Posted by mroach003

Hi,

I searched and couldn't find this topic (though its probably here somewhere). We have a 2022 Newmar Mountain Aire 4118. I am having solar panels installed. Leaning toward this package that was recommended to me that says 600 watts. (https://gopowersolar.com/products/so...tem-600-watts/).

Question, assuming we are in a close to full sun situation, is this sufficient to generate enough electricity to the batteries to offset basic usage - fridge, lights, TV. I have seen the usage estimation approaches, but I am an electric idiot, so hoping to really just cover basic/minimal usage so we don't have to run generator nonstop in a boondock type situation (tailgate for example). As well as, when we are parked without shore power getting maintenance or repairs, we at least have a chance to keep some power in the batteries.

Any help is appreciated.

Mickey
2022 Newmar Mountain Aire 4118

Why are you spending money on an inverter, your coach already has 1. I have a Ventana 4386 with a 1080 watt solar system. 8 batteries. In sunlight it keeps my fridge running. Camping with lights and TV on it might not be enough for me. 600 will be very iffy depending on what usage and what your batteries are.

[Newmar nut]

I did mine myself. 6 -180 w panels. Victron MPPT 75/150 controller. Kit came with cheap controller. 30' wire, 3-100 amp in line breakers. 30' wire ran from roof to controller and batteries. Had less than $3k in entire project. 2 days to install. $4k seems like a lot, I did mine while Covid had us shut down.

[Newmar nut]

I'm think that your roof AC will not work unless they are wired differently since there not wired off the inverter. I believe it can be done, but would need to be a huge system not 600w.

[richpatty]

Originally Posted by Newmar nut

I'm think that your roof AC will not work unless they are wired differently since there not wired off the inverter. I believe it can be done, but would need to be a huge system not 600w.

You are correct. I added a three way switch and a new breaker on the inverter side of the box to allow me to be able to run the front AC from shore power or inverter. I have a 2800 watt inverter.

[Newmar nut]

Originally Posted by richpatty

You are correct. I added a three way switch and a new breaker on the inverter side of the box to allow me to be able to run the front AC from shore power or inverter. I have a 2800 watt inverter.

Nice job Rich! I was thinking of wiring my front AC to run traveling instead having generator run. Wasn't quite sure how to wire for both. Does the switch work as a pass thru, depending on selection? I wasn't sure 1080w was enough to run 1 AC . You have me thinking again!

[richpatty]

Here is the switch I purchased. It allows for cutover of both hot and common wires since the circuits are different.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003A...b_b_asin_title

And I agree 1080w is not enough. Even 2000w might be tight.
Hope this helps
Rich