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Old 03-08-2014, 11:16 PM   #1
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Solar Power - Generator - Inverter Question

I have a Go Power Solar System (2 x 160w solar panels=320w total, 1500w pure sine inverter, transfer switch, and controller) installed on my motorhome. Being new to an RV solar system, I have a question.

If I want to start my generator, is it okay to leave the inverter on or do I have to turn it off before I start the generator? I obviously do not want to damage the inverter when I start the generator.

I am under the impression that it will not harm the inverter and the transfer switch will switch from solar to the generator for power (basically bypassing the inverter). Once I stop the generator, the solar system/inverter will kick back in and supply the power I need.

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Still trying to learn the whole process.

Thanks
John
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Old 03-09-2014, 06:20 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossi6998 View Post
I have a Go Power Solar System (2 x 160w solar panels=320w total, 1500w pure sine inverter, transfer switch, and controller) installed on my motorhome.
Were they all installed at the same as a system or did the transfer switch come with the coach and the solar/inverter system installed later? Is there more than one transfer switch? Normally in motorhomes with generators there is a transfer switch that allows automatic switching of the shore power source. You can get shore power from a power pole at a camp ground or the generator.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossi6998 View Post
If I want to start my generator, is it okay to leave the inverter on or do I have to turn it off before I start the generator? I obviously do not want to damage the inverter when I start the generator.

I am under the impression that it will not harm the inverter and the transfer switch will switch from solar to the generator for power (basically bypassing the inverter). Once I stop the generator, the solar system/inverter will kick back in and supply the power I need.
Did the installer give you this impression? What A/C devices have power when your on inverter? Is it just certain outlets?

The solar system provides DC power and can remain on at all times so should not be part of the equation.

Jeff
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Old 03-09-2014, 06:56 AM   #3
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This will be good info to follow. As I also know very little about solar hook up s.
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Old 03-09-2014, 10:53 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by unyalli View Post
Were they all installed at the same as a system or did the transfer switch come with the coach and the solar/inverter system installed later? Is there more than one transfer switch? Normally in motorhomes with generators there is a transfer switch that allows automatic switching of the shore power source. You can get shore power from a power pole at a camp ground or the generator.


Did the installer give you this impression? What A/C devices have power when your on inverter? Is it just certain outlets?

The solar system provides DC power and can remain on at all times so should not be part of the equation.

Jeff
Hi Jeff,

The Solar system was added about two months after I purchased the motorhome new. Part of the solar package was a pre-wired transfer switch that is connected to the inverter.

Regarding A/C devices with power, all outlets and devices can run on solar (battery), except the Air Conditioner because of the extreme power demand. The installer told me the Air Conditioner would not work, but I have never tried it.

Thanks
John
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:17 AM   #5
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It should work fine with the inverter on. I always turn on my inverter before the generator. Then when I start the generator to make coffee or run the microwave, the TV and satellite receiver don't go off and on. The transfer switch installed with the solar should switch as necessary. My solar transfer switch passes shore power or generator power in the default position and the solar power activates the contactor.
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:34 AM   #6
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I believe I see what you have now and if correct the answer is yes you can leave the inverter on while starting the generator or plugging into a camp ground.

I believe you have the Solar Elite Charging System (320 watts) which includes their custom GP-TS a prewired and circuit protected version of their TS-30, designed with special features to power your converter/charger only when shore power is available and disconnect your inverters output at the same time.
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Old 03-09-2014, 12:05 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unyalli View Post
I believe I see what you have now and if correct the answer is yes you can leave the inverter on while starting the generator or plugging into a camp ground.

I believe you have the Solar Elite Charging System (320 watts) which includes their custom GP-TS a prewired and circuit protected version of their TS-30, designed with special features to power your converter/charger only when shore power is available and disconnect your inverters output at the same time.
Hi,

I actually have the weekender package (very similar to the elite) and added the second solar panel (for a total of 320w) about two months later. Both packages have the same transfer switch.

Thanks for the input.

John
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Old 03-09-2014, 12:06 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by John Hilley View Post
It should work fine with the inverter on. I always turn on my inverter before the generator. Then when I start the generator to make coffee or run the microwave, the TV and satellite receiver don't go off and on. The transfer switch installed with the solar should switch as necessary. My solar transfer switch passes shore power or generator power in the default position and the solar power activates the contactor.
That is pretty much what I thought... Just wanted to make sure.

Thanks
John
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