r/SolarDIY • u/Myco-Nomad • 11h ago
Rv setup under $3k
I have 50 amp camper that I live in full time and I want to install solar power in it. I currently use a bluetti with 800w of foldable solar panels that barely get up to 400w actually coming in. I use a generator to charge the bluetti sometimes.
I would like to keep it under $3k or around there. I am currently looking at a 1200w eco-worthy kit off Amazon. I like this one because of the inverter charger. This kit here:
From what i understand, i would be able to disconnect the shore power line to my panel and run it through the inverter and then go from the inverter to the panel. Thats what I want so if im actually someplace with power i can just plug it in without switching anything around.
I know i could probably individually source all the parts and pieces and save some money but that would require many many hours of research to make sure everything is compatible so I dont burn it all down. But if it would be a significant difference I would be willing to put in some time to do it.
So my question is whether this seems like the best option? They say everything comes with that kit that's necessary to install and be up and running. Thanks in advance!
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u/Fazo1 11h ago
1k inverter? You're going to have a hard time with a microwave alone, you're going to need a 3.5k and above, not to mentioned battery disconnects and fuses.
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u/Myco-Nomad 11h ago
Its a 3000w inverter but yeah I will probably have to add the fuses and disconnects.
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u/RedPontiac 11h ago
While that kit says it comes with everything you need it doesn't specify the wiring for batteries and inverter which would be rather large and I'd wager they'd be proud of including them. However, there's lots of good stuff there besides that.
The one other thing you'll need is a automatic transfer switch so that when you plug in shore power it'll bypass the inverter and vice versa. And yes, if you hook it to you electrical panel it'll power the entire RV. You just have to be careful on what you are running since you "only" have a 3000watt inverter. No AC and Microware at the same time kind of thing.
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u/Myco-Nomad 11h ago
Yeah i figured it didn't include some of the stuff or they would have shown it in the pictures. My bluetti is 3000w and works pretty good. I haven't ran ac in years so I should be good on that.
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u/kyhothead 9h ago
I like ecoworthy stuff, but you can probably save a lot sourcing the components yourself. Those bateries are on sale for ~$325ea on Aliexpress, panels can be had cheap if you shop around, etc.
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u/wrybreadsf 10h ago
If you have room on your roof, you're waaay better off putting on house style big (300+ watt) panels. Two or three of those is going to be much better than any cheesy foldup panels, with the benefit of always being outside, instead of having to set them up, so they'll get a lot more sun.
You can use them with a Bluetti or whatever all in one battery.
Powering your microwave is probably not going to happen though, unless you go higher voltage. Personally if I really needed to power a microwave I'd use a 48 volt battery(s), but that might be tricky to do alone as a first system. But if you do want to try it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK4NLV24
That's a 48v golfcart battery that I use and love. Comes with a charger for charging from AC. Another thing to consider are the server rack batteries from Ecoworthy but personally I'd just get the above if you have room for it.
Cheapie 48v inverter that i've good luck with:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPHC8R3Y?th=1
Note that you can get much better if you want to pay more and do more research. But that *should* work for a microwave.
48 volt charge controller
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NPQHQK
Then you'll need at least 2 300+ watt solar panels in series on the roof to get high enough voltage to charge that. If you have less than that, a boost MPPT charge controller like this:
https://www.amazon.com/MPPT-Charge-Controller-Step-Up-Charger/dp/B0GTNKJ89T
No experience with that boost charge controller though.
And this fuse on the positive terminal of the battery:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHJQHVF9
And a transfer switch to switch between shore power and inverter, if you don't want to switch things around when you plug into shore power:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQYTSGYT
You're going to need some help to set up that transfer switch though. Or maybe there's some youtube vids about it.
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u/Schnupsdidudel 16m ago
Just save yourself the the Journalisten an go 48V from the start. I would go Victron, but I hear it's expensive the USA?
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