Solar Issue

[Sambo]

Hi All. I’m having the hardest time getting up and going with our new Solar and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong?!?

We have 3 100 w panels and 2 12 v batteries. We’re running through a 1500 w inverter. Extension cord runs to 15 Amp to 30 Amp dog bog that our trailer is plugged into.

We’re hardly getting anything power wise inside. Seems like we drain the batteries faster than I can figure out the problem?

What am I doing wrong? Do I need more batteries or panels? Is it the 15 amp to 30 amp connector that isn’t giving me enough?

I’m lost.

 

[Scotttkd2]

Are you saying you are on a 15 amp shore power through your 30amp cord via an adapter?

 

[Scotttkd2]

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[Sambo]

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Thank you! <3

 

[Sambo]

Are you saying you are on a 15 amp shore power through your 30amp cord via an adapter?

Extension cord from inverter to 15 amp/30 amp adapter. Then the 30 amp cord into the trailer.

 

[Richpatty]

So many questions….

Are the panels connected to a solar controller?

And what makes you think you are not getting any power? How are you measuring it?

And as aside, the solar is just a battery charger and really has little to do with the shore power.

 

[Scotttkd2]

Sorry, I saw the 30 amp cord involved and assumed shore power. So you're running all electrical load in the trailer from the 1500W inverter? If so that doesn't sound like a lot of wattage to power all potential loads. If your trailer has a battery charger/inverter of its own working off of the 30 amp shore power cord, it would also be trying to run off of your inverter to 30 amp cord as well as any 12v items and 120v outlets in the coach. For instance a 30 amp power cord input would equal 3600 watts of capacity to the coach on shore power With an internal inverter charger handling charging the batteries while on shore power, and inverting battery power to 120v to power your outlets when unplugged from shore. Can you verify if there is an inverter/charger elsewhere in the trailer? Did the trailer come with the 2 battery or has that been added by you?? A make and model number of your trailer in your profile could help some like model owners to chime in and help you sort this out.

 

[Sambo]

So many questions….

Are the panels connected to a solar controller?

And what makes you think you are not getting any power? How are you measuring it?

And as aside, the solar is just a battery charger and really has little to do with the shore power.

I do have a solar controller yes.

Inside my camper I have the sensor that shows levels including water/battery. The light is 1/4 and my inverted also screams at me if the voltage drops.

 

[Sambo]

Sorry, I saw the 30 amp cord involved and assumed shore power. So you're running all electrical load in the trailer from the 1500W inverter? If so that doesn't sound like a lot of wattage to power all potential loads. If your trailer has a battery charger/inverter of its own working off of the 30 amp shore power cord, it would also be trying to run off of your inverter to 30 amp cord as well as any 12v items and 120v outlets in the coach. For instance a 30 amp power cord input would equal 3600 watts of capacity to the coach on shore power With an internal inverter charger handling charging the batteries while on shore power, and inverting battery power to 120v to power your outlets when unplugged from shore. Can you verify if there is an inverter/charger elsewhere in the trailer? Did the trailer come with the 2 battery or has that been added by you?? A make and model number of your trailer in your profile could help some like model owners to chime in and help you sort this out.

You’re fine. Appreciate the help. Everything is coming through the 1500 w inverter. Have 2010 tango travel trailer. No internal inverter? Just plug and go.

 

[B52Bombardier1]

300 watts of solar input to your batteries is tiny - not much power. Manage your expectations here and think much, much smaller on power consumption inside your RV.

It would take an impractically large number of solar panels and batteries. For me, they charge up my single battery and keep the refrigerator and the heater blower fan running longer at night until the sun comes up the next day. Also, lighting (all LED lamps, no incandescents) at night runs brighter and longer. I can also pump water at night. All small things, not big consumers of electrical power.

Think small here unless you want to set out a LOT of solar panels and buy a lot of expensive Lithium Iron Phosphate or standard lithium batteries to support what you want.

Remember - volts x amps = watts. Add up the consumption wattage of all of your things and you will quickly see that your equation is seriously out of balance.

Rick