Solar question

[Damthetrip]

Hi we have a 2024 pioneer and Israeli a 200w solar panel with is great to keep the lights on. We are aware of needing a converter in order to power the then regular outlets to watch tv or make a cup of coffee. How do we select the right converter? What is the install difficulty? And how do I get it done without breaking the bank? Also we are looking into Lithium batteries. Thanks in advance

 

[Bogie]

To select the right inverter, you will need to decide how much power you will require. You can calculate this by adding up the consumption (watts) of all the devices you will power at the same time. Then add a 20% to 30% to that as a safety factor. The cheapest inverters are modified sine wave inverters, but I would suggest you not purchase one of these. I would recommend a full sine wave inverter, especially if you are using electronic devices like a TV. Like most things, lower price can equate to lower quality/longevity.

Installation difficulty can range widely. It can be as simple as installing the inverter and using extension cords to power your devices to as complex as installing transfer switches to switch the power to the outlets between shore power and the inverter as necessary.

You might want to spend some time on Youtube to see what others have done. Though not specific to RV's "DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse" on Youtube can be very helpful. Some of Will's early videos were from when he was using solar when he was living in an RV. Later videos are more geared to large scale solar builds.

Hope that helps.

https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse

 

[david-steph2018]

Hi we have a 2024 pioneer and Israeli a 200w solar panel with is great to keep the lights on. We are aware of needing a converter in order to power the then regular outlets to watch tv or make a cup of coffee. How do we select the right converter? What is the install difficulty? And how do I get it done without breaking the bank? Also we are looking into Lithium batteries. Thanks in advance

Decide what you want to operate while on battery power first.
Batteries will be based on what you want to operate. How much battery power do you need? How long do you want to operate off the battery?
Do you plan on using a generator to help charge batteries or just off of solar?
Install can be accomplished by different methods.
One method is to install a second breaker panel and move the circuits you want to operate off of battery to that panel. The run the cables from the inverter to that panel.
Another method is to run the cables to the breaker panel from the inverter and be selected in what you operate.

Keep in mind these are rough general descriptions of how to do this install, not detailed.

On our solar setup, we stay 3-months at a time on battery power, like now. But our setup was one "that breaking the bank type", $25K.
Last winter and now we are staying in Key West on the Naval Air Station for 3 months.

Looking at the describe videos will give great advice.

 

[Damthetrip]

Thank you! This is helpful and helps me put the things in perspective.

To select the right inverter, you will need to decide how much power you will require. You can calculate this by adding up the consumption (watts) of all the devices you will power at the same time. Then add a 20% to 30% to that as a safety factor. The cheapest inverters are modified sine wave inverters, but I would suggest you not purchase one of these. I would recommend a full sine wave inverter, especially if you are using electronic devices like a TV. Like most things, lower price can equate to lower quality/longevity.

Installation difficulty can range widely. It can be as simple as installing the inverter and using extension cords to power your devices to as complex as installing transfer switches to switch the power to the outlets between shore power and the inverter as necessary.

You might want to spend some time on Youtube to see what others have done. Though not specific to RV's "DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse" on Youtube can be very helpful. Some of Will's early videos were from when he was using solar when he was living in an RV. Later videos are more geared to large scale solar builds.

Hope that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse

 

[Damthetrip]

Decide what you want to operate while on battery power first.
Batteries will be based on what you want to operate. How much battery power do you need? How long do you want to operate off the battery?
Do you plan on using a generator to help charge batteries or just off of solar?
Install can be accomplished by different methods.
One method is to install a second breaker panel and move the circuits you want to operate off of battery to that panel. The run the cables from the inverter to that panel.
Another method is to run the cables to the breaker panel from the inverter and be selected in what you operate.

Keep in mind these are rough general descriptions of how to do this install, not detailed.

On our solar setup, we stay 3-months at a time on battery power, like now. But our setup was one "that breaking the bank type", $25K.
Last winter and now we are staying in Key West on the Naval Air Station for 3 months.

Looking at the describe videos will give great advice.

Thank you. I had not considered adding another breaker panel. It seems I have some homework to do