Solar research

[SimonB]

I want to add a solar system to my camp and was looking for some information. I am still in the process of doing my research but I am stuck on a few items that I cant seem to find any information.

I plan on having all my setup (inverter/charger, mppt, batteries, etc.) in our small shed close to the camp and the solar panels mounted on a stand on our lot. Currently we have two power sources. 12v battery that is charged with a all in on small solar panel and we connect a generator to our shore line from the RV. Of course the small all in one solar panel and 12v would be removed.

First question, i would like to have the solar setup and generator on a automatic transfer switch. I would like to install my transfer switch with the entire setup in the shed and be able to connect my shore line to a plug on the transfer switch. Is this something that can be done? I see allot of people cut their wires and modify the RV breaker panel but I would like to not touch anything on the RV and just use the existing shore line plug.

Second, most inverters/chargers I've looked at have standard plugs (2 to 4) as their outputs. How would I connect this type to the transfer switch to get the full amperage or is this possible. My knowledge is that plugs are either 15a standard plugs or 20a (plug with one prong sideways) so getting the full inverter amperage is not possible unless it has output connections for wire. Is this correct?

[Lwiddis]

Start with your average daily power use...times 1.5 or 2. What is it?

[theoldwizard1]

If you plan to put all of your solar gear, plus the generator and inverter charger in the shed, you will need batteries in the shed and a converter and battery in the RV (which you likely already have).

Samlex makes an inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch that has "hard wire" outputs. Their 1200W unit has one input,



while their >2000W units have two inputs, line and generator.



The two input version can start the generator if there is no line voltage and the batteries are low.

[2oldman]

Higher power inverters have hard-wire lugs. Post should be in Tech.

[wing_zealot]

First Question - yes, you can have the output from the transfer switch be a RV plug.

Second question - Your output from the inverter can be hard wired into the transfer switch. No plug needed.

You really know what you are getting into with an automatic transfer swich? Once you start figuring out everything you need for an automatic transfer switch and the money it will cost - not to mention the cost of the solar - you could buy a generator and a lifetime supply of gasoline three times over.

A manual transfer switch would cut the cost in half±.