Solar Panel Question

[Bob Denman]

'Nuther question...
When I hook up the "Real" battery disconnect switch ( the one that physically disconnects the House Batteries' ground to the rig): would hooking the solar charging to the batteries then allow for simultaneous charging of the House and chassis batteries?

[jpmihalk]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

'Nuther question...
When I hook up the "Real" battery disconnect switch ( the one that physically disconnects the House Batteries' ground to the rig): would hooking the solar charging to the batteries then allow for simultaneous charging of the House and chassis batteries?

No, as the disconnect switch is wired upstream (via the buss in the house battery compartment) and does not take into account direct connections to the house batteries.

[motorhd]

We just picked up our 2018 compass. The build sheet says it is pre wired for solar. Where on the roof did you find the wires. Thanks, Jim

[Laco]

Word of warning, a constant trickle charge on a fully charged battery, will slowly kill it. You need a smart regulator that will float the battery once its charged.

[jpmihalk]

Originally Posted by Laco

Word of warning, a constant trickle charge on a fully charged battery, will slowly kill it. You need a smart regulator that will float the battery once its charged.

That is correct and that is why you need a controller that will manage the charge cycle.

[Bob Denman]

(This is getting serious...)
I keep seeing 400 watt kits that come with all of the stuff that I'd figure to need... but with the inclusion of an 1800 watt inverter (My rig has a 1000 watt setup in it now...)
If I do end up getting one of these kits: is there an advantage to using the higher capacity inverter?
(Or is it an absolute requirement?)

[Peterrrr]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

(This is getting serious...)
I keep seeing 400 watt kits that come with all of the stuff that I'd figure to need... but with the inclusion of an 1800 watt inverter (My rig has a 1000 watt setup in it now...)
If I do end up getting one of these kits: is there an advantage to using the higher capacity inverter?
(Or is it an absolute requirement?)

There are different types of inverters. There are inverters with transfer switches built in, as well as with chargers built in with automatic power pass through. The AC output of inverters also differ. Your current 1000 watt inverter was advertised as an Entertainment inverter, thus I am going to assume that they wired it in to run the TVs and is more than enough to run them. Your probably looking at one 15 amp(AC) circuit. Without using the inverter and without re plugging the TVs in, using shore power or the generator you can still use the TVs thus, there is an automatic transfer switch involved.
The 1800 watt inverter may not have the build in capabilities that you currently have. You would need to know what you currently have and what the kits inverter offers. I would guarantee you the quality of your current inverter is probably superior to the one that is advertised with the kit.
I do think you would have any advantage on the purchase of a kit. The kit is forcing you to make use of items which do not meet your requirements. Again it comes down to requirements.. Hope it helps.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks; it ALL helps a bunch!

The Missus and I aren't hurrying into this project... We'll (I'll!) gather up info, and learn what we can about it first!