Forum Discussion

moonlitsouls's avatar
moonlitsouls
Explorer
Jan 08, 2021

All in one solar / shore converter charger

Hope all is well

The stock shore power charger/converter in my RV is a Progressive Dynamics 45 amp converter. The model # is PD4045KA.

I will be upgrading to lithium and Progressive Dynamics advised me that i can actually modify this converter by pulling a "jumper" and it will be able to charge my upgraded lithium batteries

There is also a solar charge controller installed by the dealer for the first owner , its a gopower unit with a 190w panel, my plan is to add another 190w panel , upgrade the solar charge controller and eventually the stock converter as well (since its not really made for lithium)

my question is this

is there another converter/charger that can do it all?

it would be nice if i could find a charger converter that can control shore power, solar power, and that also has an automatic transfer switch to run the generator based on preprogramed settings

for example, if the batteries are run down below a certain percentage and there is no incoming solar, ideally the generator comes on automatically

im trying to figure out how to tie all this in together with the least amount of equipment bc im starting to see that i may be thinking i need to buy a lot more stuff than i actually need


would appreciate some guidance

thanks
adam
  • Billius's avatar
    Billius
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2021
    I am not sure that I can help you completely since I myself recently began to understand this topic and rather you can give me advice and guide me, but I can share with you the information about Home solar panels, which I found on the Internet for myself. Very useful information in fact. I advise you to read it.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2021
    Washoe Medical Center tried auto-management start-synchronize-parallel system in Reno Nevada.

    Result?

    A 12 cylinder Caterpillar engine and one megawatt KATO generator tore loose from its mounting, ripped its way through a cinder block wall and ended up on the curb on 4th Street in Reno, Nevada. Total loss for the whole assembly.
  • moonlitsouls's avatar
    moonlitsouls
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2021
    theoldwizard1 wrote:
    moonlitsouls wrote:
    I will be upgrading to lithium ...
    .
    .
    .
    it would be nice if I could find a charger converter that can control shore power, solar power, and that also has an automatic transfer switch to run the generator based on preprogramed settings

    Not exactly what you are asking for but I think it is a better solution.

    Get a new inverter/charger like a Samlex EVO-212 (it has charging profiles for flooded, AGM and LiFeSO4; other makes/models are also available) that has a built in transfer switch and automatic generator start.

    Remove your converter. Connect the DC fuse panel, the solar charger and the inverter/charger directly to the battery bank.

    You're done !



    thanks a lot , samlex seems to be putting out some quality stuff, i looked through their products on amazon to see how theyre being reviewed. the EVO line has a lot of what i need!
  • moonlitsouls's avatar
    moonlitsouls
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2021
    phemens wrote:
    I have the Samlex 3012, it does everything you're asking it to do, and it's built like a tank, solid components that IMO are less likely to fail than individual devices (charger, inverter, etc).



    **** that thing is a beast , i just read the manual for like 15 min and i must be becoming a dork bc it was fun lol
  • phemens's avatar
    phemens
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2021
    I have the Samlex 3012, it does everything you're asking it to do, and it's built like a tank, solid components that IMO are less likely to fail than individual devices (charger, inverter, etc).
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jan 09, 2021
    moonlitsouls wrote:
    I will be upgrading to lithium ...
    .
    .
    .
    it would be nice if I could find a charger converter that can control shore power, solar power, and that also has an automatic transfer switch to run the generator based on preprogramed settings

    Not exactly what you are asking for but I think it is a better solution.

    Get a new inverter/charger like a Samlex EVO-212 (it has charging profiles for flooded, AGM and LiFeSO4; other makes/models are also available) that has a built in transfer switch and automatic generator start.

    Remove your converter. Connect the DC fuse panel, the solar charger and the inverter/charger directly to the battery bank.

    You're done !
  • vermilye's avatar
    vermilye
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2021
    While I prefer to keep my solar controller & converter as separate devices, there are products that combine them. One example is the REDARC TVMSKIT05-NA RedVision & Manager30 Kit. This in now available in a 120V version for the US market, although at over $2000.00, far more expensive than separate devices.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 08, 2021
    I few thoughts:
    - A single all in one unit...if it fails, you have nothing. If you have separate battery charger systems, if one fails, you can limp along with the other.
    - The converter and solar charger provides 12v DC to the batteries. A generator transfer switch is used to select the source of 120v AC (either shore power or generator power)
    - Most portable generators do have a DC output but it's really only useful as an emergency backup. They are usually maxed at 6-8amps and unregulated. In a pinch, you can limp along but far better to run the generator plugged into the 30amp AC plug and let the converter charge at 40-60amps of regulated DC power.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jan 08, 2021
    BTW My RV has automatic gen start based on voltage.

    I've never used it.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jan 08, 2021
    When that one unit fails then what?

    for example, if the batteries are run down below a certain percentage and there is no incoming solar, ideally the generator comes on automatically


    Solar power varies considerably during the day. What constitues no solar? 1A charging? So do you want the gen on at cloudly 10:00am with the potential for significant sun the rest of the day?

    I don't know your plan. Mine is to get the batteries recharged by sunset. A flooded/AGM plan is to charge in the AM if conditions suggest and let solar finish the charging. With LI which can be charged at a high rate waiting might a good option. Boondocking charge when you want, CGs not so much.

    Are you aware that LI voltage remains high until they reach 10%+ SOC with minimum drop? You might want to look for gen start based on SOC.

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