I am Moving to Solar
Started to install my solar system today. I have a Morningstar TS45 PWM controller. It is installed and wired up. I have 3 Solar Cynergy 120 Watt panels. I did manage to get one installed late today. ...
Forum Discussion
I'm not sure which Solar Panel thread to pollute with my newbie questions, but this one seems to be as good as any.
I attended my 2nd NASCAR event a couple of weeks ago and it became apparent that I need an inverter to run small stuff. Running the 6,500 watt generator to power about 300 watts of stuff (LCD TV, DirecTV box, boombox) seemed kind of silly, noisy and wasteful.
So I got a cheap 2,000 watt inverter which I acknowledge is overkill for the use I just described, but I may want to fire up the Keurig occasionally. I also may want to run my RV fridge (standard issue gas absorbtion) while I'm on the road (I don't like using the propane while in motion) as it only draws 300W. I have 2 inexpensive 12V deep cycle batteries. Again, my goal isn't to go all-electric or anything like that. I just want to be able to reduce the generator run time for using smaller stuff, and for recharging the batteries after using said stuff.
I'm looking at 200-300 watt solar kits. My question is this: Since the rig already has 2 charging systems (engine alternator when the engine is running and the converter when I'm plugged in or the genny is running)., how does one introduce a 3rd (solar)? How do they all work together?
I read that people run their solar panel wiring through the roof and into the fridge compartment, which makes sense because my converter is under the fridge. I assume I can hook the charge controller to the terminals on the converter as they ultimately run to the batteries.
I'm currently in the planning stages so I'm open to any suggestions.
I attended my 2nd NASCAR event a couple of weeks ago and it became apparent that I need an inverter to run small stuff. Running the 6,500 watt generator to power about 300 watts of stuff (LCD TV, DirecTV box, boombox) seemed kind of silly, noisy and wasteful.
So I got a cheap 2,000 watt inverter which I acknowledge is overkill for the use I just described, but I may want to fire up the Keurig occasionally. I also may want to run my RV fridge (standard issue gas absorbtion) while I'm on the road (I don't like using the propane while in motion) as it only draws 300W. I have 2 inexpensive 12V deep cycle batteries. Again, my goal isn't to go all-electric or anything like that. I just want to be able to reduce the generator run time for using smaller stuff, and for recharging the batteries after using said stuff.
I'm looking at 200-300 watt solar kits. My question is this: Since the rig already has 2 charging systems (engine alternator when the engine is running and the converter when I'm plugged in or the genny is running)., how does one introduce a 3rd (solar)? How do they all work together?
I read that people run their solar panel wiring through the roof and into the fridge compartment, which makes sense because my converter is under the fridge. I assume I can hook the charge controller to the terminals on the converter as they ultimately run to the batteries.
I'm currently in the planning stages so I'm open to any suggestions.
