RV Solar System Tutorial: What I use, and how to build a powerful system
About | Information | History | Online | Facts | Discovery
To learn more about what I use, check out my rv solar website here: http://www.vehicledwelling.com/solar-systems.html
Comments
-
Check Inplix if you'd like to build it yourself :)
-
If you can get most of the RV's lights & appliances to be 12v dc then it'll be a bit more efficient since they can be ran straight off the battery bank & you won't have to leave a power inverter on running all the time, which uses power itself to convert the dc to ac voltage, also will save wear and tear not constantly running the inverter.... Sadly 12v dc fridge/freezers are a rip off (very expensive), I did see a 3.1 cu ft energy star fridge/freezer AC 120v that only uses 63 actual watts when running, for $180. A 300w-700w peak start up PSW power inverter can be bought for $50 which could be left on 24/7 solely for the fridge.(much cheaper than buying tiny 12v dc fridge for $600) Then have another larger psw inverter to run temporary items like microwave, power tools, etc.. It'd be nice to have an RV where u can watch a 12v dc led TV, have fans, led lights all running straight off the battery bank without the need of a large inverter constantly running drawing power. I believe u can buy dc power adapters for laptops, so ur not going from dc solar to ac power then back to dc to run the laptop. Sadly midwest RV living takes more power due to hot humid summers and arctic tundra winters.
-
Are you able to keep the xbox and pc running all day? I was worried the xbox might drain the power faster than the solar panels could keep them charged.
I've been searching for a while for some info on this, the video was awesome thanks for sharing your experience! -
I only have room for my batteries inside my RV. Is there any specific way they should be stored? I can weld a metal container for them if need be. Or can I, essentially, just have them sitting on my carpet floor?
-
I just bought everything you have from Amazon. We have similar RVs and use the same things (TV, Game Consols, Comp, Power Tools) so I think I should be okay - with energy to spare. Thanks again. This video and your website were EXTREMELY helpful.
-
great info! Thanks for posting
-
you ever thought about using super-capacitors to catch extra power caught from the solar panels?
-
You mentioned air-flow under the panels. What is your thoughts on those bendable panels that most people attach with no airflow ? I saw this guy with flexible panels and it made his vehicle look very stealth.
-
You should go to MIT.
-
You are awesome. Keep up the great work.
-
My wife and I have been watching your videos over the last couple of days. You are extremely entertaining! We loved hearing your story and especially when you flip out about hippies and hobo kids! Keep it up you rock!
-
So, when/if I get my van, will you help me with my solar set-up? :)
-
I like your videos. Nice clear audio and video and you get straight to the point and go into detail.
-
You really did a great job on this video. Again, Great Job.
-
Drawing down your AGM batteries 80% comes at the expense of battery life. Generally, you can double the expected lifespan of the batteries by drawing them down to 50% (12.06v). Of course, that depends on if this amount is within your daily needs and charging ability. Many people end up adding a couple more batteries so that 50% discharge still meeting their daily AH needs. Also, it's best to keep your cable runs short from the solar charge controller to the batteries, as well as the batteries to the inverter. On the solar controller, you can increase your cable size to account for the voltage drop. Harder to do on the inverter as they can draw high amps and using cable larger than 4/0 is problematic.
-
great job this is probably the best solar system setup I have ever seen. you actually know the difference in the batteries and the discharge rates. great advice also. people should also note when buying a mppt controller a ton of them are completely fake from China. but there are guys on YouTube that take them apart and show you this that they are not true mppt.
-
You mad a Very good and informative video..What kind of Toyota van do you have, & what year?
-
+William Prowse just going through this video mate and I can see you have a little electronic and electrical knowledge so would like to make a little suggestion that could help save your battery life.
I started in 1980 when I was 12 then went to do a trade in Technical Electronic Servicing in 1986.
First I`d just like to know what level of training you have done ?
My method lessons the need for high voltage power converters/inverters which cause extra losses.
CHEERS -
At 1.20 the word you are looking for is "loss of Continuity ". Basically if you have a connection that requires 20amps but the connection has resistance, heat will be generated, voltage will drop in proportion to the voltage/resistance/current on that joint.
This creates inefficiencies. With everything I do for myself I ALWAYS over rate the cables.
If a circuit requires a particular gauge with respect to current and length then I`ll go up 1 or 2 sizes thicker.
NEVER USE AUMINIUM FOIL AS A FUSE - I've seen this happen and the man lost a $25,000 car and $20,000 in stereo equipment.
I knew something was up when I put my head in and smelt charred polyvinylchloride ( PVC - insulation ).
He called me to look at the car and when I found wires burnt behind his dash I backed away and said " DON`T turn on the ignition ".
Then told him what his issue was and walked away without getting a tool or meter out of my tool box.
2 days later he did just that and lost the lot in his garage ( Which was full of paints/thinners/solvents and a stack of other things that blew up - He nearly lost the entire house as well ) -
The batteries, charge controller and solar panels.About how much would a system like yours cost?
17m 51sLenght
168Rating