solar vs inverter generator
Hi, As some of you know my Yamaha 3000 iSEB was stolen. I find myself back to considering a massive upgrade on the solar system (jumping to 2000 watts), or replacing the generator. Going to 2...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
No one has noted that 2000 watts of solar is overkill for a 556 amp-hour battery bank. The reason I want that is so even on a lousy day I'd get enough charging to keep the bank up (obviously no air needed at -30).
My opinion is you can never have too much solar even with a small bank if you have something to do with it. Besides just being able to get decent power in bad conditions, which even overpaneling a controller is fine because of this.
I have a Magnum 3000 hybrid like you with just 2 Lifeline GPL-4CT's for 220ah and 320w of solar and I want more solar, much more. Will be going to 640w before long and maybe 960w after that.
With the Magnum hybrid it will "Load Support VDC" once the batteries are charged pulling them down to the Magnums float voltage and inverting the excess power from solar. I get usually an extra 1 amp at 120v lowering my shore/generator draw accordingly. Watching the shore/generator draw go down makes me want lots of panels. It actually pulls about 80 amps from alternator when driving and roof air on while generator provides the rest. Not sure If a like that or not on a 175 amp alternator, might do a disconnect.
I did a Micro-Air easy start on my Coleman Mach 15 to it starts no problem on the Magnum (70+ starting amps down in the 20's after). The Micro air would allow a small generator like a Honda 2000 to start it as well. Just easier on everything when the AC starts up now.
I can run my AC off the two batteries for 30-45 minutes no problem, not worth it, but with 2kw solar it might be feasible, either way I can lower gen fuel usage significantly.
