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

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

moved from technology corner

Hi GordonThree,

My experience is that solar will "play well" with shore power, and both will contribute what they can to recharging the battery bank.

GordonThree wrote:
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.

Hi MiRV,

No, solar panels can not power the existing converter.

Yes, you can add an inverter to have 120 volt power available without shore power or a generator.

What size is the battery bank in amp-hours?

MiRV wrote:
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

I believe the ops question is if there is a problem wiring the output from the solar controller to the output of the converter. To use the converter as a buss and make use of the existing wire run. Clarification is needed.

Use an appropriate solar controller to charge the batteries from the solar panels. The converter is a three stage charger, but only charges the batteries by converting 120V AC derived from either shore power or the generator to 12 volts nominal. There is no efficient or effective way to connect your solar panels to it.

MiRV

Not quite sure what you are asking
If you mean, skip the solar controller and connect the panels to the converter some how to have the converter control the charge....NO

Input 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 way
Or 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.

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... :)

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 :)

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