MiRV wrote:
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
First there is no such thing as a three-stage 6345, so what do you really have?
Yes you can join the solar controller's output that goes to the battery to the output of the converter so they are in parallel.
The trick is to find a way to connect the input of the controller to your array outside somewhere, such as to a panel propped up against a picnic table. The two wires from the panel run along the ground to the RV and now you have to get at the controller's input end to connect and disconnect.
So you might be restricted where the controller can go and so then be restricted how/where to connect the battery end wires too.
One example- last year for a while I had a portable panel outside with its wires going into the fridge vent at the side of the RV through the vents in the side panel. Meanwhile the converter is under the fridge inside the RV. so I drilled a hole in the wood platform the fridge sits on so I could pass wires from the back of the fridge down that hole. I connected two wires to the converter's output as a permanent connection. Back outside behind the fridge I now arranged to connect the controller's output wires to those two wires. The controller must stay there behind the fridge and be inside where that side vent is.. ( out of the weather, in a vented compartment, not in the sun to affect its temp comp built in)
So now on arrival set out the solar panel, take off the fridge vent , pass the solar panel wires through the vent holes in the side panel, and connect to the array end of the controller. Put the fridge vent back on and you are in business.
Too complicated? Put the controller close by the batteries and wire it to them, and now just pass the array wires in to there (slam the compartment door on the wires or add a cable hatch to that compartment door)
Yes you can have an inverter or three plus your converter all wired to the battery bank. The inverter and converter can even share their DC wires.
Fact is you can do almost anything and it will work. Here is the gold standard set-up you can use for an example :)
http://forums.trailerlife.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26237237.cfm
