Ready to get my feet wet with Solar power

lc0338 wrote:
I didn't understand the "you need an lc (inverter/converter) to charge" comment.

It appeared from your OP you thought you needed a PSW inverter to double as a charger. Not the case. You need what's called an IC or, Inverter/charger (sorry, I said converter first). Those come in MSW versions too.

I hope I've read your post correctly.

You might be right about not being a good inverter. I have a couple of cheap ones that plug into the cigarette lighter (400a max) and use them periodically. They have lasted longer than I expected. Well, with a portable system there is alway's the possibility of theft / vandalism. This is my first attempt so I am kinda "prototyping" the system I need. If it looks ok for long term the next time I buy an inverter I may pick for better quality. Like car's the expensive ones get stolen so maybe they will just pass up my stuff.
As far as 12volt power - Of course each of these RV's have their own battery. The gooseneck has 2ea 12 volt batteries and the bumper pull has 1ea 12 volt battery. When I plug the extension cord in the "converters" on the RV's will keep the on-board batteries charged plus supply 12volts for the RV's. I didn't understand the "you need an lc (inverter/converter) to charge" comment.

lc0338 wrote:
1) Inverter - I live close to a harbor freight. They had one listed (with coupon) for $129.99 (normally $199.99). This is a cen-tech brand. I'm sure most of the time I won't need that big a unit but at that price why mess around.

4) 2oldman - I don't know if I understand .

At that price buy several. You may need them. That's a good price but not likely a good inverter.

Which comment did you not understand?

What are you doing for your 12v needs?

Thanks for the quick replies!!!

1) Inverter - I live close to a harbor freight. They had one listed (with coupon) for $129.99 (normally $199.99). This is a cen-tech brand. I'm sure most of the time I won't need that big a unit but at that price why mess around.

2) On Solar panels, I'm thinking 2 each. I have not priced them yet but Backwoods Solar has them up to 250 watt each. I am a little concerned about moving them around as they can get up to 50 some inches in length. I will probably transport them on the bed and then attach them to the top of the cart once I get to where I'm going.

3) I will be 57 years old this year. I like to ride horses. My wife will ride but it's not here passion like mine, hence the reason for 2 RV's. I also have harness horses so when I'm too old to climb into the saddle I'll crawl into my wagon or cart. We have discussed selling both and getting one with all the bells and whistles but my wife hates the bed over in the gooseneck. getting out is more difficult than getting in for her. Both of these are paid for and I am retired. My wife will work for a couple or 3 years more then she will retire and we plan on seeing the USA. I traveled for the company I retired for. I have traveled more outside the USA then inside it so now I just want to move from one horse camp to another and see the USA.
Everything I read about solar say's you need sunlight. Dah, Dah. Well, I like to set my RV in the shade and since most times boondocking I will not be able to run the generator on solar I don't want to park in the sun. Plus, with 2 RV's I need it more mobile. I have a truck with a bale bed which is used to handle large round bales of hay. With this I can load and unload heavy things and what I plan to use to load and unload this "solar cart".

4) 2oldman - I don't know if I understand your commment. I do plan on setting up a 24 volt system. basically, I with the cart will be the same a shore power. The panels (24 volt) will charge the 4ea T105 batteries through the controller and the inverter will run from the 4ea T105 batteries and I'll use just an extension cord to run to the RV. According to Backwoods Solar I could use a "true sinewave" inverter instead of a "modified wave" inverter and plug the generator into the sinewave inverter and continue to charge the batteries or run air conditioner which needs a lot of power.

5) As far as what our needs are when camping. Usually have a radio running, lights and fans, microwave, DVD player and monitor, computer, refrigerator-although it will run on propane as well. I like to dry camp so pumping water also.

6) Jimindenver - A lot of knowledge I have learned about solar is from "Handy Bob". http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
He pretty much laughs at people that have generators. I would love to be frugal enough to not need a generator but don't plan on getting rid of mine anytime soon. But one comment he say's is "keep the controller close to the batteries". I would encourage everyone to ready his blog. He has a lot of experience. Other thing he mentions is to use large enough wiring then go a little bigger. How did your last trip work with handling the panel?

Hopefully, I have answered most questions and I appreciate the input.

Tell more about how you camp and what you really need to run. I would be inclined to suggest two smaller systems permanently mounted.

I understand the appeal of the cart rolling into the sun and serving a dual purpose. But you may end up with a large unwieldy system that occupies a lot of time and effort to set up. Three or four big panels on a cart is prone to blowing away in a decent gust of wind. With the lower efficiency of the inverter on 24/7 powering the converter etc I am thinking 36 or 48 volt system with more battery.

Hi Mex,

Not with Xantrex selling a 2k psw unit for $355.00 It is a "no brainer" choice now.

I don't like to put the cart before the horse. Make a permanent installation. 300 watts will "do you".

Just curiosity...

Why a 2,000 watt inverter? If you're going to power a microwave oven, this leads directly to the MSW vs PSW quagmire.

This last trip we started carrying a 230w 24v panel on top of the truck. I used it portable on a set of 25ft cords to a 20a controller and it is so nice to be able to start tracking the sun as soon as it comes up.

Should I find the mounting it flat will be enough, I will start by leaving it on the truck and running the cords to the trailer. Otherwise it can travel/ be stored on the bed if needed.

I have always wanted to mount solar, batteries and inverter in the pickup itself. Pretty handy for camping and a lot more often too. It would be harder with a goose neck but not impossible.

Jim

lc0338 wrote:
looking for "portable power" that I can carry on my truck. At this point I am thinking of a 4 wheel cart I can push out into the sun and keep my RV's in the shade.

I understand if I use a true sinwave inverter I could plug a generator into the inverter to help charge the batteries

I'm not visualizing how you can carry enough solar on a cart on your truck. Assuming something like 3 or 4 panels, that gets big.

You need an Ic (inverter/converter) to charge. Not all PSW inverters are made that way.

I went to 24v and couldn't be more pleased.