I'm interested in buying a Sola Basic voltage regulator for our Class C 30 AMP RV, but have a question about the wiring. I'm looking for one I don't have to hard wire. I'm in Mexico (Sayulita) now. I've been through the various threads about this topic, and I've seen recommendations for the the Sola Basic 4000. But I still am not clear about whether this unit requires hard wiring? It is not clear from the images. Some have mentioned creating their own in/out plugs, but I'd like to avoid that.I'm hoping to find a portable unit that I can simply plug my surge protector into the IN port (I have a Progressive Industries portable) and then my 30AMP RV cable into the OUT port. The surge protector would then plug into the pedestal. I've browsed MercadoLibre and seen the 4000 there, and several other Sola Basic models available as well. Some model images show in/out ports to plug into, others (like the 4000) do not. So, any Sola Basic 4000 users out there who can advise? Is this unit portable in this way, or does it require hard wiring? Are there other Sola Basic units that are portable and would serve our 30AM needs?

Hi,The Sola Basic comes with a place for a #10 input wire. Everything else is up to you.Be aware that it is 4000 VA not 4000 watts.If offers three levels of boost at 110, 100, and 90 volts and one level of buck at 135 volts. I added a 30 amp female outlet. I added a 15 amp outlet to the input side to monitor input voltage and a 15 amp outlet to the output side to monitor output voltage.I plug a surge protector into the input of the Sola.I added a handle to make it easier to move around. It is not light weight.There is a unit that does maintain voltage better (possibly using a switched power supply) mentioned in a thread on rvnet, but I don't remember the name.If you can find the one that keeps voltage constant, I'd go with it. The reason I did not is because I did not know it existed.

Our Sola Basic keeps our voltage constant. It raises and lowers the incoming voltage beautifully. It's entertaining to watch the digital voltage meter we keep plugged in. First thing in the morning with nothing running, it will read 115. Turn on the electric water heater and watch it jump up to 120! Same with everything else. Love it!Lou, I sent you a private message.

Bought two this season for friends cost about $200. US each. Purchased in Hermosillo at electrical shop. called ahead and they had them there waiting. Have been using mine just like you want to hook up for two years. I have a built in protection by Progressive I hooked it up before it and also have a surge protector in front. Surge protector is over kill but had it from last RV. so far so good!Highly recommend it.

A little more information.When input voltage drops below 110 the Sola may boost it by 10% to about 121 voltsIf the incoming voltage drops to 105 the Sola still only boosts by 10% to about 115 volts.Below 100 volts input the Sola switches to 20% boost which ups voltage to about 120 volts.At 95 volts input boost remains at 20% which results in about 114 for the RV.On the buck side of 135 volts there is a 10% reduction in voltage to about 121.5 volts.The other device I was speaking of apparently stays "dead on" 120 volts for the boost. That is why I would choose it over the Sola.I have used my Sola with 97 volts (measured under load) on shore power at a rural Church.

Three of us bought these in Mazatlan and spliced them into our 30 amp extension cords. We also learned that here is a small single turn pot on the circuit board so we could adjust the switching points as ours seemed to switch about 108 rather than 110v. Otherwise , I can confirrn that when you add a heavy load at 115 v, the voltage drops for an instant and then boosts to 120. Highly recommend this for Mexican electrical systems.

ISB Sola Basic advice? | Good Sam Community

49 Replies

snarley
Explorer
Feb 13, 2018
This is the price and specs from Mazcomputacion.com.mx
Corrector de Voltaje SOLABASIC de 4000VA/3920 Watts, Gabinete de lamina, pintura a prueba de intemperie, cuenta con soporte para montaje en pared, tablilla de conexiones, indicadores luminosos. Provee voltaje adecuado para alimentar refrigeradores, lavadoras, alumbrado, equipo de bombeo, etc. CATALAGO 15-81-120-4000 Corriente máxima 30 A. 1 AÑO DE GARANTIA
$ 3,200 Mexican Pesos, (50% deposit is required, delivery time 3 days )
Descripción: Descripción: FIRMA ELECTRONICA JOSE
http://www.isbmex.com/productos/corrector-de-voltaje-8-y-4-kva
Talleyho69
Moderator
Feb 13, 2018
Their website lists where you can order one, but if you'd like, contact me for more information. Private Message.
Kidoo
Explorer
Feb 13, 2018
What type of store do you get those and at what price. I checked one and it was like 10,000 pesos?
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 12, 2018
Hi,

That's good to know about the pot. Is it the only one? I'd love to move mine up to boost at 111 or 112.
snarley
Explorer
Feb 12, 2018
Three of us bought these in Mazatlan and spliced them into our 30 amp extension cords. We also learned that here is a small single turn pot on the circuit board so we could adjust the switching points as ours seemed to switch about 108 rather than 110v. Otherwise , I can confirrn that when you add a heavy load at 115 v, the voltage drops for an instant and then boosts to 120. Highly recommend this for Mexican electrical systems.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 12, 2018
A little more information.

When input voltage drops below 110 the Sola may boost it by 10% to about 121 volts

If the incoming voltage drops to 105 the Sola still only boosts by 10% to about 115 volts.

Below 100 volts input the Sola switches to 20% boost which ups voltage to about 120 volts.

At 95 volts input boost remains at 20% which results in about 114 for the RV.

On the buck side of 135 volts there is a 10% reduction in voltage to about 121.5 volts.

The other device I was speaking of apparently stays "dead on" 120 volts for the boost. That is why I would choose it over the Sola.

I have used my Sola with 97 volts (measured under load) on shore power at a rural Church.
iguana07
Explorer II
Feb 12, 2018
Bought two this season for friends cost about $200. US each. Purchased in Hermosillo at electrical shop. called ahead and they had them there waiting.
Have been using mine just like you want to hook up for two years. I have a built in protection by Progressive I hooked it up before it and also have a surge protector in front. Surge protector is over kill but had it from last RV. so far so good!
Highly recommend it.
Talleyho69
Moderator
Feb 12, 2018
Our Sola Basic keeps our voltage constant. It raises and lowers the incoming voltage beautifully. It's entertaining to watch the digital voltage meter we keep plugged in. First thing in the morning with nothing running, it will read 115. Turn on the electric water heater and watch it jump up to 120! Same with everything else. Love it!

Lou, I sent you a private message.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 12, 2018
Hi,

The Sola Basic comes with a place for a #10 input wire. Everything else is up to you.

Be aware that it is 4000 VA not 4000 watts.

If offers three levels of boost at 110, 100, and 90 volts and one level of buck at 135 volts.

I added a 30 amp female outlet. I added a 15 amp outlet to the input side to monitor input voltage and a 15 amp outlet to the output side to monitor output voltage.

I plug a surge protector into the input of the Sola.

I added a handle to make it easier to move around. It is not light weight.

There is a unit that does maintain voltage better (possibly using a switched power supply) mentioned in a thread on rvnet, but I don't remember the name.

If you can find the one that keeps voltage constant, I'd go with it. The reason I did not is because I did not know it existed.

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ISB Sola Basic advice?

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