Wondering if I can get some solar/generator/shore power double check on my system here

[RC000E]

Building an E350 Van and about to begin the power system wiring. Here's what I have:

Windy Nation 200w (2 panels)
P20L charge controller (PWM)
Intend to buy 200ah approx

Generator is a Briggs/Stratton 2200w

Shore power outlet on the van

Basic scheme I am thinking is






Questions I have:

1. Generator doesn't have a hardwired AC output, just two plugs that are 20amps each. The A/C runs fine on the one, but how do I run both to the transfer switch? A/C is the soft start very efficient fridgidaire but...figured I'd spread loads to the other plug that is 20a.

2. Is 2 6v 200a batteries in series better than 2 12v 100a batteries in parallel? I intend to wire the panels in parallel.

3. Any suggestions or am I jackin this whole deal up?

 

[RC000E]

Briggs Straton 2200w inverter. 110 only, dual 20a plugs. I considered pluging the a/c directly to the gen outside (hitch carrier gen mounted and rear door A/C, so not far apart), then supplying the other plug to the transfer as 20a power, for distribution to simplify.

So, yeah, to do the plugging, I suppose I could go from the load center to a "chord connection" that either plugs to the gen 20a plug, or adapts for 30a shore input. That'd eliminate one transfer switch and make the a/c side simpler. I'm with you on the circuit slot as the main.

Gonna have to google and get back on that other thing.

 

[john61ct]

Windy Nation 200w (2 panels)
P20L charge controller (PWM)
Intend to buy 200ah approx

Likely better with more panels to reduce genny runtime to just when you need aircon running.

> Is 2 6v 200a batteries in series better than 2 12v 100a batteries in parallel? I intend to wire the panels in parallel.

How panels are wired is irrelevant to composition of the 12V bank.

The best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club

99.99% of 12V batts are not suitable for deep cycling, no matter what the label says, good ones harder to find, usually less capable and more expensive.

Better to locate higher-voltage panels and go MPPT, Victron SmartSolar is a great line.

 

[RC000E]

Definitely looking to go MPPT and figure out a higher voltage solution later. I got this system with the van when we purchased it (panels, inverter, charge control, etc) so figured I'd put it to use for now. Generator is only for air and high demand things my gf may use like flat iron, etc. Otherwise, we'd run solar all other times (fans/lights/etc). Only want solar>ac as a backup, as most of what I want the solar to do, will be DC to avoid the inverter.

Unfortunately, I waited a bit on the battery thing and only have 8 build days left, so I ordered the universal 100ah batteries on amazon with a lot of reviews. I'll keep that duracel in mind for next though...I saw them, just couldn't find any search info on them to validate. I'll definitely consider that up ahead. I may indeed package the entire solar system in the future as a "used kit" and re-do the entire solar, panels, batteries, charge controller, etc for more efficiency and more output/storage.

 

[john61ct]

Only want solar>ac as a backup

Please clarify what you think you mean by this?

 

[luthj]

Watch for shipping damage on those batteries.

The GC2 bats can be had from sams club, or several other retailers which may be local to you. Great price and value, very durable. Make certain your charge controller is configured for your batteries specific needs (not a general setting, but actually check the voltages, and absorb time).

AGM batteries will need full charges as often as possible. They cannot be equalized like flooded to restore capacity from partial charge abuse.

 

[RC000E]

Please clarify what you think you mean by this?

Meant my only real need for solar inverted to ac power is solely for use as a backup. I have no needs for ac power aside from air con and my gf's flat iron/etc (she works in a super pricey salon and needs to look the part). We aren't using "van living" as a run from society/f money ideology, but instead to position ourselves to purchase a large commercial property next year.

 

[RC000E]

Watch for shipping damage on those batteries.

The GC2 bats can be had from sams club, or several other retailers which may be local to you. Great price and value, very durable. Make certain your charge controller is configured for your batteries specific needs (not a general setting, but actually check the voltages, and absorb time).

AGM batteries will need full charges as often as possible. They cannot be equalized like flooded to restore capacity from partial charge abuse.

Goin a little over my head with this one but...check for shipping damage, I'd assume is anything obvious, which I definitely will do. I have an Optima battery charger, which is specifically to charge AGM's. I tried to recharge the ones we have, and while they'd get back to full charge, they don't hold and certainly don't hold a load.

I'll receive the new ones, put them on the optima, be sure all is well. As far as my charge controller, that thing is like 35.00...I'm not sure it has the features you're describing.

 

[luthj]

There is a large variance in suggested voltages AGM depending on mfg. Double check.

 

[john61ct]

Meant my only real need for solar inverted to ac power is solely for use as a backup. I have no needs for ac power aside from air con and my gf's flat iron/etc (she works in a super pricey salon and needs to look the part).

But those are very high-current needs.

If solar is "just backup" to me that means you have another energy source available with much greater capacity, that you use as your primary.

What is that source?