Charging Batteries

Generally solar is used to charge the batteries. You then can use an inverter to power 120vac appliances from 12vdc.

One complicated power discussion is not enough for you ??
Sorry, make that TWO existing threads covering the same information.

I think this has been covered in your other threads:
You wire the solar DIRECTLY to your batteries.

You put a switch on the converter so you can shut it OFF when the solar is active if you must but I don't think that is a good idea as it is just another thing you need to remember to do that really is unnecessary.

The power drawn from the AC source will automatically go down some when the solar is active anyway.....so I think you should NOT worry about this.
It is likely to cause you more trouble than it is worth.

Obviously didn't take in the 12 Volt Side of Life as suggested in the other thread.

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm

WOW, back off just a tad EsoxLucius

Rodwha
I have a Xantrex freedom inverter, it has two circuits that it inverts power to. Microwave is on the 20 amp circuit and the entertainment system and three other outlets on the 30 amp circuit.
When shore power or generator is supplying power the Xantrex simply passes thru the power. So, if connected to shore power I could just simply flip the breaker off to the Xantrex and it will supply inverted power to those two circuits.
Apologise for some of the nasty posts above! Some, not all of us long time members can get rather crankey. I learned it shortly after joining years ago.
Welcome to the forum!

rodwha wrote:
If I chose to, which I eventually do want, have 200-400 watts of solar is there a way to wire it in so that it trumps shore/generator power, thereby reducing my power needs?

Yes it can be done safely.