Quote:
Originally Posted by dkoldman
Ah a thinking man I see... I like these virtual problems as they are lot more fun than having to experience them when you are on the road 
Okay let me start by saying I have no solar. I think it is great, but I have never seen the financial benefit. If I ever wanted solar, I think I would want a lot more than 1000watt and build it ground up.
As far as your scenario goes, in my case; when I have any shore power (15-20amps or more) the battery charger is on; so while inverter is on (remote button in RV), the batteries are being replenished. I have yet to see the output from Inverter be such that it had negative drain on house batteries when charger was on? It certainly does not have negative impact when running off the engine alternator; which I do all the time on every trip.
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Because of converter, battery, and inverter energy inefficiencies (none are 100% efficient), it takes more energy to feed the converter than what the inverter makes. Without outside help from solar, generator, or alternator, you'll use more energy than you save in the long run, or in steady-state operation.
If you turn off converter or limit how much it charges batteries, then the inverter can use previously-stored energy in batteries to produce 120V power, but that’s only possible on a temporary (short-term or transient) basis.
Anyway, you’re correct that running some items powered by inverter will give you more “total” power while connected to limited shore capacity, but only if you limit battery charging during that time.
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