searching without results

[HomeyClown]

I am redoing my Dutch star roof and want to put some solar panels up while I am up there. I can get 185 watt panels for 50 bucks each (used) which seems nice. I have a generator (7500watt) and an inverter (Heart Interface Freedom 20 inverter without solar) battery bank of 4 6volt batteries.

I cannot figure out how to tie solar into my existing system. The inverter charges the battery bank when hooked up to shore power or the generator is run.

I would like to get as many panels as will physically fit and possibly an additional 4 6v batteries.

any suggestions would be appreciated!

[bilb2765]

YouTube has many videos on this. Probably 5 different ways to put it together.
Love your RV is a good one.

Pippi Peterson did several a few years ago. Almost what you are doing.
RV with Tito DIY is another good one.


Enjoy your ventures..

[HomeyClown]

Originally Posted by bilb2765

YouTube has many videos on this. Probably 5 different ways to put it together.
Love your RV is a good one.

Pippi Peterson did several a few years ago. Almost what you are doing.
RV with Tito DIY is another good one.


Enjoy your ventures..

That was very helpful thanks!

[Rocketman3]

The solar will charge the batteries when needed and their is sun.

I have 1400w of solar on my RV and have seen RV’s with 2000w and even 3000w of solar. You will not want a prime number of panels. You will want to have the panels divisible by two or three. That way you can have a series parallel connection. Something like 3s3p (three in series and three in parallel) or 4s2p.

There are two ways to attach those panels. First, is each panel is attached by itself. (This is what I did). I have seen other people make a rack that way they can get more panels on the roof because it goes above all the “stuff” on the roof. (Maybe even the air conditioners).

Get high quality stuff. (I like Victron stuff). The Victron app is a goldmine of data about the system.

If you have questions YouTube Wil Prose has answered lots of questions. Also he created a website diysolarforum.com there are lots of people there that can help with technical details.

Good Luck with your project!

[dvspl]

Here's a good place to start your education: https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/th...ans-buses.html

This will show you the basic system layout, wiring, and components. Also has links back to diysolarforum.com where you can ask questions.

[HomeyClown]

I thank you for your information. For some reason I thought since I had an inverter I had to feed the inverter the solar output, I didnt know you could just attach the output of the solar controller to the bank where the inverter is tied. During this testing out of my existing system I have found that my fan does not work inside my inverter and will have to be addressed. I was looking for an inverter that took solar input but didnt locate one. Thats because thats not how you do it. I have after the videos linked figured out that you cannot just "toss some panels on the roof", the panels are the cheapest part of the game. Its the controllers and other parts that can eat your lunch. I was trying to figure out how long i need to charge my battery from the generator. I think I can charge the bank in an hour which maths out to 5 bucks vs a 300 dollar mppt controller and hardware to mount the panes. Still trying to figure it out since I cannot just on demand drain my bank. Thanks again!

[ewarnerusa]

Solar Charge Controller (SCC) is independent of the inverter, as you've mentioned. Like an inverter, the SCC should ideally be located as close to the batteries as possible to minimize wire length and use appropriate wire size for the expected current. You can connect the SCC charging lines right to the inverter's positive and negative battery connection terminals for convenience so they share the presumably large gauge wiring path to the batteries. But the SCC should have it's own circuit breaker so it can be isolated when needed.

EDIT: I just looked at the link provided by dvspl, good stuff.

[sibe]

Originally Posted by HomeyClown

I thank you for your information. For some reason I thought since I had an inverter I had to feed the inverter the solar output, I didnt know you could just attach the output of the solar controller to the bank where the inverter is tied. During this testing out of my existing system I have found that my fan does not work inside my inverter and will have to be addressed. I was looking for an inverter that took solar input but didnt locate one. Thats because thats not how you do it. I have after the videos linked figured out that you cannot just "toss some panels on the roof", the panels are the cheapest part of the game. Its the controllers and other parts that can eat your lunch. I was trying to figure out how long i need to charge my battery from the generator. I think I can charge the bank in an hour which maths out to 5 bucks vs a 300 dollar mppt controller and hardware to mount the panes. Still trying to figure it out since I cannot just on demand drain my bank. Thanks again!

Solar is not cheap ,, RV Solar can get pricey ... Alot depends on you needs..

I started with with 2 100 wat panels just to top off 2 batteries many when stored.. Then I added 2 more and then a 5th.. 500 watts that is all my entry 30A controller likes,, as I can pop 25-28A back in the batteries . 300Ahr with a 90-140 avg daily use.. I can get by on a sunny day... Still I have close to $1000 invested with panels, controller, wiring, mounts, sealer, fused, etc etc
etc...
I am on my 4th year with it and this will be the last for the 3 FLA batteries.. so time to invest .. they had a prior year without solar.