Solar System Feedback - Go Power Extreme

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Victron supposedly has an 'assist' inverter. Gonna cost ya.

I've had some experience with large loads on a 4kw inverter. I settled on 48vdc for that job. The amps draw at 24v, and worse at 12v present challenges to keep things from overheating.

Quick question. Is there a way to configure a system so I can combine the inverter output with the generator output to be able to run heavier loads like my AC units?

CA Traveler wrote:
But are you jumping in without really knowing your requirements? Also known as doing a energy audit for your 12V usage.

I thought he just posted that above.

And check out these installs. Click.

Very pricey. In 2014 my DYI costs for 3 panels and 750W and Morningstar MPPT 60 controller were $1500. Since then panel prices have dropped a lot. Plus with 12V panels like your post you can use a much cheaper PWM controller.

First and foremost do a lot of checking on prices. AM solar in OR is close to N CA so at least check them out.

But are you jumping in without really knowing your requirements? Also known as doing a energy audit for your 12V usage.

The most useful thing you can install is a $200 battery monitor. With this you can accurately determine exactly how much power is being used from the batteries as well as how much is being returned by the charger (and later solar). I have the Trimetric 2025 RV. Give serious consideration to the 2030 model and the SC 2030 solar controller, good reports about this setup.

Check panel prices of Solar Blvd in LA and get on their list and get on their mailing list. Be advised that due to panel size shipping is very expensive so if you find the panels locally you might be better off.

Sounds like you're well thought out. Yes, the 3kw inverter will be good for your use. You will more than likely be needing those 2 more batteries for heavy-duty uses like MW.

Yes, you can do this more cheaply, but hey, if you got the bucks, I don't have a problem with it. I'm trying to part with $5 grand for Li batteries. Eek!

Oh, and I'd suggest making panels tiltable. They will be on the roof, right?

That sounds about right for a proffesional install. Many who are quoting 1000 dollars won't be counting things like the charger etc and many won't have done a proper install to code uaing a transfer switch etc. Just an install kit for inverters is pricey with the thick cables etc.

Here is a list of what is in the kit.

160 watt solar charging kit + 2 x 160 watt expansion kits (GP-RV-160 + GP-RV-160E)
3000 watt pure sine wave inverter for AC power (GP-SW3000-12)
30 amp pulse width modulated digital solar controller (GP-PWM-30)
75 amp smart battery charger (GPC-75-MAX)
30 amp pre-wired automatic shore power/inverter AC switching kit (GP-TS)
DC inverter install kit (GP-DC-KIT5)
Inverter Remote on/off (GP-SWR-B)
50? of MC4 output cable (#10) and all mounting hardware (2 x GP-MH-2)

It is pretty much a full day just to do a proper install on the inverter. Anther full day to do everything else. At 100 bucks an hour thats pretty close to what you are seeing. Yes you can save some money doing it yourself but if you don't know what you are doing you can burn the coach down.

By the way, I routinely use Gopower for installs. Its pretty indestructible stuff.

Happy camping.

John

Thanks everyone for the inputs so far. Especially to StirCrazy, as my post was asking feedback from people that had the Go Power System.

To the folks that are providing other feedback, I appreciate that too. You're making me educate myself before taking the solar leap. Here is a little more info on my specific application:

I already have installed 4 Trojan T105 batteries. There's room for 2 more if I find that I need them. As far as size of the system components, I looked at how my rig is configured and how my wife and I want to be able to use it. We will "dry camping" approx 80-90% of the time. I want to be able to work while camping for up to 5 days straight. I need "always on" internet and be able to power laptop, cellular router and 4-5 IoT gadgets (1-5 amps each) up to 8 hrs a day. Add the TV's, microwave, coffee maker and the Wife's hair tools, I believe I need the 3000 watt inverter. I currently use a 3500 watt champion inverter/generator and it is handling our needs noisely well.

I was also thinking that having my dealer install the system is that they will help honor and support the mfg warranty. They also warranty the work they do during the install. To me there is considerable value there. This is a brand new rig that I just bought in November 2016.

To the folks discussing what the installed price entails, here is the quote:

Go Power Extreme System and Install Estimate

Extreme System = $3679.99
Install Labor Est = $1900.00 (includes misc hardware)
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sub $5579.99
8% sales tax $446.40
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TOTAL $6026.40

I will be able to get the 30% federal tax credit for 2017, so the final cost to me will eventually be: $4218.47

Probably nothing wrong with that set up if you are not a diy person. The controller will do an equalize charge and it does have temp compensation.

Over all it would depend on how you are using the rig and other factors. If you boondocking a lot and get colder temps with a good amount of furnace use along with television, 480 watts will be pretty good but not excessive.

If you are going to actually utilize that 3000 watt inverter for microwave, toaster, coffee and hair dryers, you will need a appropriate battery bank.

So again, there is nothing wrong with that system but depending on how you plan to use your rig it may be to much of some parts and to little of others. If you were to tell us you never use a microwave much and never watch tv and plan on a cat heater to save propane it would be a big waste.

If you size the solar system at about 100 to 150 watts of solar for each 100 watts of battery you are good for about 320 to 480 ah of battery. I don't believe it will work out well using wet batteries to invert heavily so you need good agm's.

First thing is how much power will you be using. It also gets into the generator issue. Some want the coverage to use a generator for Ac and cloudy days. I also use my remote start Honda 3000 for heavy 120 v use instead of inverting. I wouldn't let it sit there until I have the somewhat rare need need for Ac so I incorporated it in my plan instead of heavy inverting.

So....it also gets into future expansion which gets into component linking ability and or larger controller and parallel vs series wiring. Pwm vs mppt. So, I'd guesstimate that if you use the heavy inverting ability you would need 500 to 600 ah of AGM yet you'd be a about medium sized on solar.