Not sure if this has ever been covered in the Forum, but I couldn't find a similar thread, so am asking…I'm looking at installing a portable (to start) solar solutions with about 200W on the RV and would like to know if I can setup the solar to connect to the converter/charger installed in the RV.I upgraded my Magnetek 6345 last summer when the system had some issues. The NEW 6345 uses a 3 stage charger (much like those in a Solar Controller). Therefore, to save money on the initial configuration, I'd like to wire the solar panels into the converter/charger to charge the batteries vs running the generator.Additionally, I'd like to add an inverter (2000) so that I can run other AC appliances…but I'm not sure on the charging/configuration for this.Is this possible to use the converter/charger and then install an larger inverter for the DC to AC? And if so, how do you do it?Thanks

It can be done but if I understand what you want to do, You are looking a huge waste of power converting DC to AC to DC. The solar controller and the inverter should handle what you need without the use of the Magnetek."IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY"

Just hook the solar controller directly to the batteries wherever convenient.

MIRV,Are you planning to use the SOLAR and your AC to DC CONVERTER at the same time? The CONVERTER has many more amps than your solar panel, and will most likely over-ride the solar and do all the charging. However, if you are in the wilds and not plugged in, then the CONVERTER does nothing, and your solar will do all the charging. There isn't anything to worry about having the solar connected all the time, it just offers no benefit if you are plugged in to shore power.A 2000 watt INVERTER (if I understand you) is a lot of juice, you need a well designed 12-volt system to run such a beast. A 200 watt solar panel will cover the stand-by power on a big inverter as well the other parasitic loads on your system (DSI hot-water, DSI fridge, CO/LP detector, etc) ... maybe you will get some charging of the batteries during peak sun if all the variables align in your favor (by my educated guesstimating.) Look at adding more panels, or keep a generator handy :)

Not unless you are an engineer that can reverse engineer the Magnatek to determine the correct DC point of insertion in the circuit, if at all.But then you wouldn't have asked the question... :)

MiRVNot quite sure what you are askingIf you mean, skip the solar controller and connect the panels to the converter some how to have the converter control the charge....NOInput to the converter is 120 volts a.c.Solar output is D.C.Output from the solar controller can be connected at the batteries...Best wayOr it can be connected to the D.C. output of the converter , the converter will Not be controlling the charge, it will just be a wiring connection point.

Solar with RV Converter/Charger -- Can this be done???

21 Replies

NinerBikes
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Use the "Touch" model to memorize which is which

If you should touch a terminal that is the finished (OUTPUT) product of the device.

C
converter

C what did I tell you you didn't wouldn't get a shock

I
inverter
touch the output....

"I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I,"

It's a memory association exercise haha and not some kind of recommendation

Sounds like a Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne song?
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Use the "Touch" model to memorize which is which

If you should touch a terminal that is the finished (OUTPUT) product of the device.

C
converter

C what did I tell you you didn't wouldn't get a shock

I
inverter
touch the output....

"I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I,"

It's a memory association exercise haha and not some kind of recommendation
MrWizard
Moderator
Feb 26, 2014
As for the 3 stage 6345, this was an upgrade to my current inverter and the manual says it's a 3 stage…

No its not an inverter, its a Converter

converters charge batteries, inverters use battery to make 120vac
MiRV
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
According to BestConverters, the 6345 Replacement has a 3 stage charger with 100% DC filtering. (http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html#.Uw5Lb6UrduY)
MiRV
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Thanks to everyone for the responses. I guess I need to "educate" myself a little more on Solar…

I just thought that since the converter/charger was already installed (for charging batteries off shore power/generator) then I might be able to use that same charger from the solar input to charge the batteries as well. Just

As for the 3 stage 6345, this was an upgrade to my current inverter and the manual says it's a 3 stage…

Again…THANK YOU ALL for the invaluable information.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Feb 24, 2014
Running a 200W 12 volt panel charging system, for minimal expense, compared to the price of the panels, you can buy a $15 to $20 Charge controller and dedicate it to the panels.

A 20 amp 12v charge controller is all you need.

Mount it inside, as close to the batteries as possible without them getting vaporized by sulfuric acid fumes in a well vented area, and call it good.
BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2014
rexlion wrote:
My SG-4 controller is an indoor/outdoor type. Ok in rain, etc when kept right-side-up. Directions didn't say anything about keeping it out of sunshine, that I can recall. But I guess I could start putting it in the shade.

Some controllers have a built -in temp compensation so the voltage goes wonky if they are out in the sun.
rexlion
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
My SG-4 controller is an indoor/outdoor type. Ok in rain, etc when kept right-side-up. Directions didn't say anything about keeping it out of sunshine, that I can recall. But I guess I could start putting it in the shade.
BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2014
Using the 7-pin cord is a good way for the portable panel, but how do you keep the controller out of the weather and direct sunlight? It is easy with 5er (tuck it up in the kingpin) but not so easy with a TT?
rexlion
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
My portable panel and controller connect to the pigtail (the cord that normally goes to the tow vehicle). No impact on the converter, and the converter is no impact on the solar system. If I were plugged into shore power, both would charge simultaneously (but it would be overkill).