Another SOLAR question!!!
We have been living in a TT full time for well over a year. Now its high time we start weaning ourselves off of grid power. We will be moving our camper onto land without shore power. So we plan to ge...
Forum Discussion
joem789 wrote:First, don't use the term "plug" anymore. It has multiple meanings and just confuses things.
I understand how the inverter hooks to the batteries. Let me rephrase things a little. Can I build a 200 watt solar system and plug it directly into the camper outlet and run it like usual. I realize that many things will have to be shut off inside the camper to avoid draining the batteries. I just want to know if it will technically WORK and if so, how is the efficiency of the solar system affected by running into the camper electrical system. Thanks.
You can connect your shore power cord directly into an inverter. It is as efficient as using a transfer switch but isn't automatic. To have automation with the solar power, you would need to install another transfer switch.
Read up here about the intricacies of solar installation. Here is a list of Forum member solar installations with pictures and descriptions.
You will need to do an energy audit of what you wish to power to arrive at the various amounts of panels, batteries, and inversion necessary to make it all work right. That needs to be done before an upgrade path is determined (if done in stages) and wire sizes are selected.
