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Topic: Solar Installation Project (Read 1987 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #25 –
I had AM solar install 1400 amps of lithiums batteries. Replaced my 8 lifelines and saved 832 lbs of weight. Added on panel. I can run my front AC for 7 to 8 hours. A year later and it is the best upgrade I have done! With the solar credit, minus the price of 8 new lifelines  (that was my other choice) and the weight savings it was a no brainer.

The lithiums go to full charge very quickly via gen vs the lifelines that would never go to full charge using gen.
'07 Phenix Double slide, Bunk beds, 42'
'14 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Darrell LeBeau –
I had AM solar install 1400 watts of lithiums batteries. Replaced my 8 lifelines and saved 832 lbs of weight. Added on panel. I can run my front AC for 7 to 8 hours. A year later and it is the best upgrade I have done! With the solar credit, minus the price of 8 new lifelines  (that was my other choice) and the weight savings it was a no brainer.

The lithiums go to full charge very quickly via gen vs the lifelines that would never go to full charge using gen.
Wow, that sounds awesome!  What inverter do you have that can handle the startup load of the AC?  And where did you decide to install the lithiums?  I understand that they need to be stored in climate controlled environment.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #27 –
Quote from: tothetrail –
Wow, that sounds awesome!  What inverter do you have that can handle the startup load of the AC?  And where did you decide to install the lithiums?  I understand that they need to be stored in climate controlled environment.

Not sure who told you about climate controlled, never seen that requirement (neither has AM solar). When we designed our coach we went all electric with the 8 lifelines. They were mounted in 3rd basement compartment on pass side. That was the only thing in that compartment.

We had to switch to a Magnum 2812 to handle the lithiums. One of the options when we built was to have a dedicated inverter to run the front AC. We can run the AC going down the road without running the dash AC. It is a modified sine Xantrex. I can get the model if you want.
'07 Phenix Double slide, Bunk beds, 42'
'14 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Darrell LeBeau –
We can run the (front) AC going down the road...
When you are running in this mode, are your batteries being charged by the alternator, or the solar, or both?

If the alternator, did you upgrade to a heavier duty unit?

When they did our PV system install, I had AM Solar tie the front AC circuit into my MS2812 inverter sub-panel.  I told them I wanted to be able to experiment with running the AC off the inverter, but ONLY when going down the road at highway speed.  Their Tech said the inverter could handle it, but he was concerned that my battery bank and alternator would be over-loaded by the draw.  I have nowhere near the battery reserve that you enjoy - only two AGM8Ds.  My alternator is a newer Leece-Neville 130 amp, so nothing special.  I haven't had the balls to try this experiment yet - due to nagging worry that I might fry something and let the smoke out.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
When you are running in this mode, are your batteries being charged by the alternator, or the solar, or both?

If the alternator, did you upgrade to a heavier duty unit?

When they did our PV system install, I had AM Solar tie the front AC circuit into my MS2812 inverter sub-panel.  I told them I wanted to be able to experiment with running the AC off the inverter, but ONLY when going down the road at highway speed.  Their Tech said the inverter could handle it, but he was concerned that my battery bank and alternator would be over-loaded by the draw.  I have nowhere near the battery reserve that you enjoy - only two AGM8Ds.  My alternator is a newer Leece-Neville 130 amp, so nothing special.  I haven't had the balls to try this experiment yet - due to nagging worry that I might fry something and let the smoke out.

Sorry I misread your post about the alternator. I do think the tech at AM is right you would overload the alternator trying to charge the batteries.
No on the alternator. The dedicated inverter runs the AC which gets power from the batteries. The alternator charges the batteries along with the solar panels but very little amps from solar panels considering the amps the AC draws. I can run the front AC all day long while running and the batteries stay fully charged.
Your 2812 can not handle the start up amps to start the AC. I can dry camp and start the front AC just off batteries.
'07 Phenix Double slide, Bunk beds, 42'
'14 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #30 –
OK, Darrell, thanks for the reply.  I thought it was kind of a long shot, at best.  I'll stick to running AC off the generator.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #31 –
Quote from: Darrell LeBeau –
I had AM solar install 1400 watts of lithiums batteries. Replaced my 8 lifelines and saved 832 lbs of weight. Added on panel. I can run my front AC for 7 to 8 hours. A year later and it is the best upgrade I have done! With the solar credit, minus the price of 8 new lifelines  (that was my other choice) and the weight savings it was a no brainer.

The lithiums go to full charge very quickly via gen vs the lifelines that would never go to full charge using gen.


Do you mean 1400 amps?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Solar Installation Project

Reply #32 –
Yes.
'07 Phenix Double slide, Bunk beds, 42'
'14 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon