Solar Hard Wired vs Solar Generatir

[RAATravelHTX]

Is it possible to use the Portable Solar Panel Generatirs & have them wired or a plug in setup in your RV to charge batteries as the systems hard wired do?

[SafariBen]

I think of a "solar generator" as a power pack, Li battery with inverter and controls, that also includes connections to hook up smaller cheaper solar panels for slow charging. You could hook them to any panels that are within the voltage limits as long as you can figure out the connectors.

It looks like most "solar generators" will charge at a low amp rating.

A mounted and hardwired surplus/used commercial panel array would be much cheaper and less hassle than the portable ones, but only if you do it yourself.

[Isaac-1]

I too really hate the term solar generator, these are in reality Lithium battery packs with an integrated inverter and charger with solar input, some of these are sold in a kit with solar panels, however be aware most of these kits are sold with solar panels so undersized that they would take days to recharge the amount of power these packs could output in an hour.


Having said that the better, newer models now at least support the ability to connect higher voltage larger solar panels, something the designs from 5 years ago could not do.


Now having said all that, unless you need the portability, dollar for dollar you are better off installing individual components in an RV assuming you can do the work DIY.

[Persistent]

Portable solar panels with solar charge controller can be connected directly to the RV batteries. This is efficient. Portable panels can be "aimed" at the sun to harvest maximum output.

Roof mounted panels with solar charge controller are a little less efficient. They cannot usually be pointed directly at the sun.

A portable storage system like a Jackey is good if used to power 120 volt AC appliances directly from the device. Panels are portable and can be aimed at the sun.

The RV can be plugged into the Jackery device. 120 volt appliances can be run inside the RV in a similar way. Just plug in the shore power cord. However, charging the RV house battery bank is less efficient.

The Jackery uses an inverter to produce 120 volt power. The inverter looses 5 to 10% of the power. The RV charger converts the 120 volt power to 12 volt power. It also looses 5 to 10% of the power. Total lost power may be 15%.