Why add a new Inverter when adding Solar to your RV?

We upgraded our inverter once we had the solar so that we could run larger short term loads without starting the generator. The converter was shut off to make it easier for the generator to run the air, hopefully to never be needed again.

dlt123me wrote:
Why do some update their inverters in their RV's other than having Sinewave?

I'm lost.

..

I suspect a lot of people talking about inverters didn't have one to start with. So if they want to use 120V/AC equipment, they need an inverter to change the 12V/DC to 120V/AC (or they might have had a small one and want to run bigger loads)

There is also the possibility you have a combination charger/inverter that charges your batteries when plugged in but also has an inverter built in for when you are not plugged in.

Regardless, if you actualy have an inverter, it is not neccessary to replace it.

dlt123me wrote:
I can currently charge my tablet and cell phone in my MH when hooked up to land line connection, but I just realized this is AC and not DC.

I've not tried to charge them on just battery. I would suspect it would work right? I have a 1995 Jamboree Rallye. I suspect it has an inverter built in. I may have been thinking about this wrong. I may need to rethink this.

I haven't tried to run a TV on battery yet so will have to try this. Don't MH have a built in inverter?

Thanks

A 1995 Jamboree will not come from the factory with a inverter. Back in 95, a 150 watt inverter MSW was about $200. Now days you can get a 500 watt inverter from Costco for $40. I bought a 1500 watt inverter/charger for my new 97 Bounder in November 96 for $750, it was on sale, and the best one I could find for that much money. Now it barely gets used. I have a 400 watt solar charger, so I only need the battery charger from shore power for 3nights in January. Rest of the year, the solar keeps up and well ahead of my needs.

Yes you would need a inverter to run a laptop, or your TV, or anything 120 VAc without running the generator. Inverters take in 12 VDC and put out 120 VAC at 60 hz. Don't get a UK version, it would be 50Hz and 220 volts.

For the microwave or A/C unit, stick with the generator.

Changing to LED panel lights shure makes it a long tiem between times needed to recharge the batteries.


Happy Camping!

Fred.

solar has nothing to do with the inverter
NO reason to change your inverter

now if your think of your "inverter/charger"
there is still NO REASON to change the unit

the charge section and the solar will get along just find togethere..sharing the battery charging chore

moved from technology corner

smkettner wrote:
Do you mean converter? No you might even just switch it off.

You need an inverter if you want to have some 120vac power to charge small items like phones and laptops or run a tv.
Upgrade is usually to run bigger stuff like microwave, hair drier etc but then you are in 2000w and four batteries.

Here are some threads on solar:

Forum Members Solar Installations With Pics

Thanks, this is just what I wanted to read.

I can currently charge my tablet and cell phone in my MH when hooked up to land line connection, but I just realized this is AC and not DC.

I've not tried to charge them on just battery. I would suspect it would work right? I have a 1995 Jamboree Rallye. I suspect it has an inverter built in. I may have been thinking about this wrong. I may need to rethink this.

I haven't tried to run a TV on battery yet so will have to try this. Don't MH have a built in inverter?

Thanks

Hi,

If you are happy with your inverter, there is no need to upgrade it. My suggestion is to use a small inverter, say less than 500 watts, so that the inverter is energy efficient. My 1500 watt inverter while watching TV uses about 2 more amps (at 12 volts) than the 150 watt inverter.

But keep what you have if it is working for you!

Have you checked SunElec.com They sell more panels than what is listed on their website, call and ask about 12 volt panels.

I installed my solar system myself, it is pretty easy. I would recommend not using panels larger than 175 watts, they are just to large (width and length). Less than 100 watts means to many panels and holes in the roof..

You can click on my name, then 'view posts' then search 'solar' and get several pages of results, with a description of my system.

Fred.