Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Friendliest RV Community on the web
  • Modern site for PC's, Phones, Tablets - no 3rd party apps required
  • Ask questions, help others, review campgrounds
  • Get the most out of the RV Lifestyle
  • Invite everyone to RVForums.com and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome

solar/inverter/autoswitch set up.

Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Modern secure site, no 3rd party apps required
  • Invite your friends and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome
  • Friendliest RV community on the web

Bankshot1993

RVF Newbee
Joined
Jul 5, 2021
Messages
1
So I have a fifth wheel that has a built in generator, had it installed at the dealer when it was new. I want to put in a solar set up with an inverter and auto switch so I don't have to run the generator as much when dry camping. Because of the built in generator there is already an auto switch in there for when the generator is on, my question is when I put in solar and invertor, do I need a second auto switch or do they all need to be run off the same switch. if I need a second switch does it need to be wired before or after the generator switch?
 
Wow...

I wouldn't use a stepped transfer switch. The reason being...if you have a 8000w generator...are you going to want to install an 8000w Inverter too? And like 2000w of solar? and 16 deep cycle batteries?

It is best to divide and conquer. Our 50A Precision Circuits panel is designed to have high amp items like rooftop air, induction cooktop, engine block heater, electric water heater elements on the Main AC distribution rail. It can also distribute AC power to the Magnum MS3012 Inverter/Charger. The Inverter then passes that along, or if not running on AC supplied from the transfer switch (ie...Shore of Generator)...it will inverter battery power and power the Invert Sub Rail. The sub rail runs a subset of AC components like satellite dish, entertainment system, tvs, outlets, microwave. And the DC system is like it always was. By using an advanced remote for the inverter with ME-BMK and ME-AGS-N...we can tell the generator to run based on voltage, doc, time of day...etc. That was you can manage the generator. The solar just does what it does based on sunlight. No further switching or intervention. It is primarily a DC power provider. SO, there is no need to cascade transfer switches.

You may also look into Hybrid Inverter/Chargers. They can accept more than one AC power source and you can program them to join the inputs to make a larger output.

Not trying to disuade you. I just think you might consider other ways to design the system you want to give you more flexibility and less reliance on users input. It's nice to automate as much as you can, so you can enjoy without constant monitoring and adjustments.
 

Latest resources

Back
Top