Solar install

[VicRider1]

My 5th wheel was prepped for solar and prepped for an onboard generator. When installing an inverter, can I run the inverter into the transfer switch where the generator would go (don’t have an onboard generator just prepped)? I understand the 12v side for solar install just want to run everything on battery when boondocking (knowing that I can’t run everything due to battery bank size).

 

[Rich W.]

Yes. I ran power from a 3kw Victron inverter to my transfer switch as well as generator power on a two different RVs. One was a 2001 Four Winds Class C didnt come with a transfer switch and I installed an after-market unit. The next was a 2010 Bay Star (same inverter) with a factory transfer switch. Both worked the same. The Bay Star came with a nearly useless 600w inverter. But it’s just a 120v input; the transfer switch doesn't know what its coming from.

First two pics are from the Four Winds - under the dinette seat (ignore the blue arrow). Second two are from the Bay Star:

 

[VicRider1]

Thank you, when I turn on the Inverter I will need to shut off the Converter correct?

 

[Rich W.]

I’m not sure about that - the converter will take the 120v your inverter is supplying and convert it to 12v to supply your 12v stuff AND charge your batteries. But your MPPT controller will already be doing that with power from your solar.

So theoretically yes, and at a minimum it is not needed and it’s probably inefficient. My house batteries were 24v (actually a 32.8v lithium bank) and my inverter was 24v (actually 28v) not 12v, so I always ran the converter off inverter power like any other 120v appliance/equipment to supply 12v, because I didnt have 12v house batteries. The systems were separate.

Since your solar and house systems will both be 12v, this is something to sort out with someone who has 12v solar experience. My guess is that you wont need your converter but it wont hurt anything leaving it on, and when there is no demand on it because your batteries are charged from solar, it will sit idle. But it might waste power, and it will certainly be unnecessary, so your instincts to shut it off are probably correct.