5000 BTU AC Off Batteries And Solar - What You Need - Cost Breakdown

How To Run a 5000 BTU A/C off Batteries and Solar Power
Running an air conditioner with battery power is no easy feat! But with the right equipment and knowledge, you can use batteries and solar power to operate many different sizes of A/C. In this video, we will be covering all the necessary equipment and expenditures required to run a 5000 BTU air conditioning unit.
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Equipment Summary
To run a 5000 BTU air conditioning unit, a good starting point is 600 watts of solar power (preferably tiltable), a 40 amp MPPT charge controller, a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter, and 400 amp hours of lithium ion batteries or 800 amp hours of lead acid batteries. That setup will run the A/C for about eight hours. The next day your batteries will be dead so you will need 600 watts of solar to keep up with the power drain.
Cost Overview
Including wiring and mounting hardware, a rough estimate of total cost would be as follows: a lithium ion battery package would cost you $6500 for six years of use. You could probably get a system of Trojan 12 volt batteries going for about $3000, but after six years you will probably replace them twice, so you would end up spending around $5600 in a six year span.
How did I come up with this information?
We really want to run this A/C off battery and solar power, despite the fact that it makes more sense to run it with a generator. But, we are determined to make this work, so this is where I would start.
A 5000 BTU air conditioner will run at about 500 watts. Occasionally, when the compressor kicks in, it will have a surge of about 1000 watts. We need to maintain 500 watts of power for eight hours for the purposes of this test.
To get a 5000 BTU A/C to last eight hours using 500 watts, you need about 400 amp hours of battery power. Last week I did a real world test on my 15000 BTU air conditioner which runs on 1500 watts, or an hour and half on 200 amp hours of lithium ion batteries. That takes three times the power of the 5000 BTU unit we are discussing, and it maintained power for 1.5 hours. If we were running a 5000 BTU A/C, it would have made it three times as long because it is a the third of the power. Instead of 1.5 hours, we would have been at 4.5 hours. Since we want 8 hours, double that to end up with 400 amp hours of battery bank.
Lithium Ion Batteries
When choosing the battery, lithium ion is the way to go. It is designed for this set up. Each battery only weighs twenty pounds as opposed to sixty or eighty with a lead acid battery, saving you hundreds of pounds of weight in the long run. I went with greenlife batteries, four of them, 100 amp hours a piece. That’s 400 amp hours.
Lead Acid Batteries
If you want to do this with lead acid I recommend Trojan 12 volt batteries with 150 amp hours a piece. You would need six of these with 900 amp hours because you can only use 50 percent of lead acid batteries before you have to recharge them. Cut 900 in half, we wind up with 450 amp hours of usable battery power from that battery bank.
Solar and Accessories
If your batteries make it eight hours, congratulations! Now you have to recharge those batteries for the next day. Get as much solar as you can, a bare minimum 600 watts. The A/C uses around 500 watts and you will need more than that to keep up with the A/C in the long run. If it gets cloudy or it’s not the right angle of sun you may run into problems. Look for tilting solar panels so you can maximize sun intake.
You will need a charge controller to run a 600 watt solar array, so I recommend a 40 amp MPPT charge controller. While a 30 amp system would probably be fine, I recommend getting a 40 amp charge controller because if you want to add some panels, you can do it without buying another charge controller.
You will need an inverter. I recommend a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter. I like Xantrex as they have been working well for me. If you run anything other than your A/C, you will want to go with a 3000 watt inverter.
Now you just need wiring and mounting hardware. Those will depend on the length and size of your vehicle so you will need to make your purchases accordingly.
You will need to build on to this setup depending on your personal needs, but I hope it will give you a good place to start. Thanks for watching and as always, Happy Camping!
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[@Wunderkeks88]

*I love the Input/Output wattage function along with the % of charge remaining. solar **Generater.Systems** Well done.*

[@africancommunity8907]

Finally an honest depiction of what it takes to run an AC on solar in a real world scenario... I'm tired of seeing people turn it on for 5 mins and calling it success...

[@aunttriciaattic]

I don't think it's honest. When you choose the highest price items for this setup that's not right because I have seen other people on KZbin set this 5,000 BTU air conditioner up and it didn't cost that much and it cost a third of the price

[@africancommunity8907]

​​@@aunttriciaatticWell I run a 5000BTU AC with my system and his calculations are precisely what it requires...

[@112330059daniel]

I was able to run my 5k btu window a/c approx 7 hours during the day with only a $1600 build and still have energy to spare. I used 3 320w solar panels, 60/150 mppt, 1000W xantrex prowatt inverter and 4 trojan T105.

[@reaj2010]

@S G I'd say so with him saying lead acid batteries only have 500 cycles and last a year and a half lol. If you are only using them 50% they will last 3-4 years

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

Stop bragging lucky dog

[@dannyhyde2617]

O of

[@ObamaoZedong]

That's incredible. My 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter trips when trying to start the compressor of my 5,000 btu a/c.

[@stefanocerna6504]

​@@ObamaoZedongthe batteria is low piombo no good for 1500watt the lifepo4 is ok redodo 100amper 12.8volt lifepo4 230euro per 4batterie 400ah dipende da quanto consuma il condizionatore 5000btu the watt is...

[@locusts_and_wildhoney]

Finally a basic no nonsense straight to the point explanation. Thank you.

[@2phalanges]

you do the best reviews on solar and watts and generators. straight to the point.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Thank you. I am glad you find them useful. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@nunyabusiness1499]

Updating to current prices on lithium batts from $1200 each to $1200 for all four.

[@MobileMountain]

Love your channel, I've restored a 1989 S & S truck camper and your channel has been a fantastic source for RV maintenance, upgrades etc.... Always look forward to your new videos...

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

MobileMountain Thank you very much. I'm glad you like the channel. Good luck on the camper! Jim

[@THE-PROTECTOR]

The only non bs video for off grid camping. Thank you so much. I'm in the process of building a 500ah lithium using 18650 batteries.

[@timking3082]

After about 20 videos THANK YOU! For actually having the info in a basic and easy way to understand!

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Very kind of you to say. I love that I can help. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@limberthutahaean7364]

You explained just what I really to know. After searching on KZbin found this great man. Thanks dude.

[@shawnr771]

Glad you put the overview up front. Better than the rambling on most people do.

[@fredc8618]

dude you're good! glad you're doing your own thing

[@darrellbeard2799]

You just gained another subscriber. You answered all my question in a nutshell and broke it down to where even I could understand it. Thank you and good job.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Glad I could help. Take care and thank you for becoming a subscriber.

[@baneverything5580]

@@fullmoonadventureclub I`ve watched this video a few times, and gave it a like each time, but when I return KZbin has removed my like. They do NOT like it when someone helps someone and they ALWAYS delete my comments right before hurricanes talking about simple solar powered USB fans for keeping cool. I bought solar power stations with my stimulus checks because I`ll be living in a camper trailer soon. Wanted to ensure I had basic needs covered simply and easily and am not sure about year-round sun coverage there. I went ahead and bought 500 watts in rigid panels so far anyway and and several folding portable panels. I was able to get two Bluetti EB70 700 watt power stations with lifepo4 2500 charge cycle batteries for 500 each and considering the battery type, included charge controllers, inverters, 100 watt USB ports, and various 12 volt ports and portability plus fast charging I figured it was a good bargain. I can power a half size freezer and a dorm fridge and save my food if a hurricane comes through the area again. We have frequent power outages in the area, many unexplained ones lasting half a day, wind storms, ice storms, tornadoes, and log trucks smashing electric poles, so it`s great to be prepared. I bought two smaller 300 watt units to do simple 12 volt cooking and to run WIFI. I use USB power banks for USB lights and fans that I can easily charge with my folding solar panels. I also use USB chargers for my radio and flashlight batteries and have rigged up some 6 volt glass panels to directly power my portable radios that require four D cell batteries just in case I ever need to. We live in crazy times. I also bought an electric lawnmower that can be solar charged. LOL! Gotta love this modern technology. I was born in the 1960s and truly appreciate the amazing things we have now.

[@josephcarson8787]

I like your presentation. No bullshit,straight to the points.👍

[@marka7519]

Excellent. I think practically speaking, I would want to factor in a super high efficiency refrigerator/freezer. All the other stuff is either minimal, or can be running when the a/c compressor is not.

[@nomadrvmontreal2733]

God i like the way you get right to the point, precise, simple , THANKS

[@stickersteve9343]

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for putting together a well-organized, thoroughly researched, and nearly flawlessly explained video on the concept of powering an air conditioner using solar powered batteries. The world needs more people like you in it.

[@kenbarnett9415]

He over shot everything, lithium is not cheap or economical today, he did not do any real research or even try it himself. Solar creates current that the ac will use off the top of the battery, you could easily run an ac all day in the sun with one battery! Power is never a problem when the sun is out, it is when the sun goes down that you will need the batteries.

[@ilenepersaud421]

Gks

[@ilenepersaud421]

@@kenbarnett9415 ipgi

[@kneedeepinbluebells5538]

If EVER a video DESERVES Thumbs Up ... Pertinent Info Up Front - Bravo full moon adventure club !

[@commodore428]

Keywords "pertinent info." Seriously. I was getting so effing sick of people posting videos titled "Solar powered window ac, pros and cons" and then spending 10 minutes talking about their dog or something and then refusing to answer questions about cost, wattage, battery life and such. Great video.

[@panchothemonkey]

Thanks for this video. It was informative and interesting. You broke things down and explained them well.

[@Judberries]

THIS!! I have been wanting to know this for a future build of boondocking. Thank you!

[@vu5344]

Thank you for this, I really appreciate the knowledge.

[@russasher6962]

Thanks for the Clear info This should get more people to try out and enjoy plugging in for free.. Have two Renogy 200amp hour gel 12v and their controller and 400 Watts of solar.. very happy with the batteries.. we are at almost 4k foot and it snows never dries out all winter and we've had 116 in the summer.. rather extreme

[@hotrodmercury3941]

Finally someone who tells me the straight facts!! No bullshit numbers or run arounds. What about generator and trickle charge solar when generator is not in use?

[@msbettyduke]

Thanks very much for all your help on the solar/which batt/inverter//air/con/blah/blah.....It was very helpful..There has only been a a few people that really get to the point of basics on what is needed..how much..and that it can be done......A person may have to have a small generator, and also charge of maybe 2nd alternator for power for the downtime, but you said it to the point....Been so tired of people saying it can't be done...Yes it can...I saw it...takes soon patience, but it is doable....thank goodness.... Appreciative Your wanting to help and inform

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

happy to help. Thanks for the comment and happy camping. Jim

[@wanderingquestions7501]

Keep in mind Xantrex recommends you build a sub-panel to accept output from their inverter (I have a Xantrex 2000XC). I moved 4 circuits from my RV electrical service and located those 4 circuits in the sub-panel powered by the xantrex (all my AC outlets are live w/ inverter power) I used a spare 20A (for optional,bedroom AC) circuit in my 50A service to provide power to the Xantrex since it auto-senses whether you are on shore/generator. One may like to use a 30A circuit to power the inverter but in my 2017 5th wheel, the factory fuse box will NOT support a 30A breaker,; 20A is max

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

TheDesert IsPatient Sounds like a solid install. I was lucky enough to have a box with 30 amp circuits for my xantrex freedom X. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@chasethewind1222]

The best info I found right here👌🏾great stuff

[@mavirek]

Insanely helpful but depressing. We escaped to Florida from up North; and first thing we encountered was blackouts during thunderstorms. The hardest thing to weather (pun intended) was the lack of A/C. We ran fans off my WattFun320 (peak 640w), but eventually it was like fanning flames. So my great plan was to get a portable A/C (or not-so portable) and run it off a better LiFeP04 power station, like better than my WattFun320. But as far as I can glean from your analysis, this isn't cheap or simple. I had false hope seeing so many videos about "run RV AC on Solar"; but I started realizing it had to be a combo battery + panel. And now, thanks to you, I think my hope for a home solution to get us through the night is extinguished. ☹

[@RONMAYS71]

Very nice info, this info could be made into a small booklet that would sell well it seems. This is the Best video and most informative info that I have heard after talking and watching dozens of videos and speaking with dozens of associates in stores selling solar. Seems the window AC is the highest priority to me when the power goes out and gas generators can cost a small fortune to power these days and after hurricanes, at times getting fuel is difficult. Perhaps a few setups / invertors can run a 5,000 BTU ac and a chest freezer and lights Thanks Very Much

[@Sauersinger]

Thank you for clear and to the point and pics of what is needed why are all these other solar people BSing this?

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Great information and very well done. Thank you.

[@Sjrick]

Best description of a solar setup I have ever seen. Great job !!!

[@bigmikestan]

Thks for the awesome video breaks it down nicely

[@rogerthornton4068]

I was thinking about solar on my van to run an ac. Not anymore. It is generator time. Thanks for the valuable information.

[@LM-ek2hb]

Good stuff! You did the math and calculated the solar offset, but I didn't see you factor the offset back into the total time you would get. Then you factored 100% duty cycle on the A/C unit. It would be great to test a 10 or 20 degree temperature differential and see what the required duty cycle is.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Maybe I will try that this summer. Thank you for the suggestion. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@jeffjefferey7205]

dude your great thanks for being who you are

[@markr394]

Just watched this today and was hearing the prices not realizing the vid was 5yrs old. Man oh man did things get a lot more reasonable

[@six-stringsteve7261]

Great info. Thanks!

[@blueskies00]

Wow You are one smart guy Thanks for the great info.

[@victorbermudez31]

Blessing 🙏 thank you so much any problem with the gel battery bank.?......

[@mmodnao]

I have a small Honda EU2000 generator that I converted to propane. It can run my small 5000btu AC non stop for 26 hours on a 20lbs propane tank. Environmentally friendly, inexpensive, quiet, reliable. For the rest of my setup (lights, water pump, a 200W personal heater, I use my 200w solar system hooked to 2X Kirkland Deep cycle batteries.

[@goranvuletic8873]

Excuse me, but how is 20lbs of propane per day inexpensive? Let's say you need it only for 12h a day, and the propane price per liter is eur 0.6. That's 7 eur a day ie. eur 200+ per month. How is this inexpensive?

[@DistrustHumanz]

I would love to see some experiments of smaller, efficient air conditioners when using solar in conjunction with smaller campers/vans. I have seen several use "pet air conditioners" (compressor air conditioners for dog houses) effectively for small teardrop campers or vans (2000btu/250 watts).

[@joelpichette]

are u a pet in a dog house?

[@visamedic]

This has probably been the most helpful video on the subject I’ve seen. Thank you. Now you said that a 40w charge controller would allow for expansion. I’m wanting to do 3000w on a 12v system with a 4-5k inverter. Is that possible? And if so would one charge controller work or should I split it to two? With all that will 12v work or should I go to 24 or 48v?

[@JoshuaCarvalho1]

AMAZING video! Thanks!

[@marka7519]

Finally, a video that thoroughly and adequately answers the question on solar powered a/c.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Glad you liked it. Thank you for the comment and happy camping. Jim

[@jab376]

NO B.S quick review earned a subscriber.

[@whitenas]

I'm happy to see im not the only nut trying to run ac on batteries

[@glamptribe]

This is amazing. Thank you!

[@nachito650731]

I loved it. Thanks a lot.

[@stoneyrunva]

Depends on what type of rv you have. If a trailer or fiver then yeah. This makes sense. If a class b or c or custom van lifer check out the viper programmable remote start. It can start your vehicle at certain temps and heat or cool using your vehicles existing system saving thousands of dollars. It can be set to run for desired intervals keeping you comfortable by only running 15 minutes or so every two ro three hours. A well insulated rv can stay comfortable with about 3 - 15 minutes runs in 90 degree overnight heat.

[@Lookatthosechimkens]

I just want to say thank you so very much for this comment! This is literally the best option period for a van! I will be buying one for sure but I just had a couple questions if you have a sec to spare! I saw a video of the configuration options in the app, will smart start only start the car once the temperature sensor by the obd port exceeds your setting, and then after 12 minutes, not start for another (2-3 hours if set for that) even if the temperature exceeds your set high temperature threshold before those 2 or 3 hours go by? Again thank you so much !

[@stimulatemyexistence5669]

Thankfully you exist!

[@johnalex174]

Great overview, Jim. I just finished a 400 watt solar system with two Costco golf cart batteries wired in series system with 3000 watt inverter, Bogart charge controller & monitor for around $2000. Not for A/C only, just the TV,s, frig and hot water. Good enough for my needs. I do have a 4850 generator for the A/C too. Southern California area, so plenty of sun in the high desert.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

John Alex sounds nice. Thanks for sharing that with us. I would be intrested to know how much power that hot water heater pulls in electric mode. Thanks for the comment and happy camping. Jim

[@gregoutdoors7]

I ran my 5000 btu a/c unit for 2 hours before my 100 ah lead acid battery dropped to 50%. 1500 watt continuous modified sine wave inverter. 50% of time compressor running, 50% of time only fan (on low speed) was running. It's on my channel. Just a fun experiment. Your video is interesting, thanks :)

[@12vLife]

I ran a similar test with 115AH@20 hour deep cycle battery on my channel too. What we need in this world is a 100 Watt AC that can cool a 100SQ foot van. If we had that a 100AH deep cycle could keep a van cool for about 8 hours.

[@edwardshomestead9074]

@@12vLife You are right. I always wondered why the air conditioning industry stopped at 5000 btu ac and not down to a 1000 btu ac

[@DistrustHumanz]

About the closest thing out there to this is a "pet air conditioner" (compressor a/c designed for dog house); goes down to about 2000 btu / 250 watts, but cheaply made. Have seen them used effectively for small campers like teardrops.

[@SalmanSalman-iy3os]

Very helpful video thank you👍

[@SlackersIndustry]

Nice vid, prices have really come down from 5 years ago

[@fin_jan]

Stellar video. Thanks

[@crx4xharder]

This can be done much cheaper with used parts, and agm batteries. I have 2 Enersys PowerSafe SBS-170 batteries in my f150 charging on the factory alternator. After 2 hours of driving, they power a 5000 BTU window unit for 6 hours. I have the 90 amp rated alternator, so naturally it is around 60ish at idle, but could be upgraded if i wanted to charge them faster. They power a 2000 watt Thor power inverter that was actually given to me but i bought one a while back for $150. The batteries were $150 each used, cables, 100 amp breaker, cut off switch ETC. ETC. were around $250, window unit was $75 used. So altogether it was less than $1000. And if i am somewhere i can plug in, i use a 600 watt power inverter to power a gaming monitor and ps4. Granted i am using gas to charge the batteries. But its a HUGE decrease in startup cost vs. $1000 batteries and a full solar setup, which doesnt really work on a pickup truck cap (I considered solar an option until i saw the size of 200 plus watt panels).

[@willmann30]

Thank you so much for this info. I'm contemplating putting a mini split on my semi truck for the summer because I didn't wanna spend $5k on a used Tripac ($12kish if new) or a gas generator (another fuel source and noise). So I was thinking of getting (2) 200ah Lipo4 batteries and DC to DC charger to monitor and charge they batteries as I drive. Based off this vid and your comment I now have confidence in it working out for me. I want to contact a plumber and a solar install tech to help me install it.

[@iamwhoiam9529]

I’m a small rv you could run it on low cool and once it’s cool you could even tun the temp level down. Idk I have a 550-650 square foot apartment and I rarely ever put it in high cool even when it’s 85+ degrees out.

[@ivexXturbo]

Thanks Jim, I’ll hold on to my 400w system to run my RVs outlets and just and kick on the generator every now and then for just the AC unit up top, I think that’s as realistic as it gets, thank you for sharing this information. 🤙

[@kenbarnett9415]

That is the best way to use an AC!

[@ivexXturbo]

Ken Barnett Yeppers! 👌

[@kashmirdhillon7768]

Very good job 👍

[@baneverything5580]

All I was able to get is a 300 ah LiFep04 battery (3.8 kwh), 60 amp MPPT, 2000 watt inverter, and 490 w of solar panels so far, but by next Summer I hope to at least have daytime and evening power for my tiny window AC in my parked camper. I bought a 20 amp plug in charger so I have some emergency power now. At night my air conditioner compressor cycles off a lot and it`s blowing right on me on my couch and the inverter handles it fine so far. It`s a manual Frigidaire 5000 BTU. I need more parts like breakers/fuses/combiner box etc and more panels and have to figure out where I`ll put them and how. We have hurricanes that knock down trees here in central Louisiana and I desperately need cool air when that happens. Plus I hope to cut my power bill to be able to afford more/better food and more preps.

[@BackatTheRanchSTX]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@tonireyhonrado4952]

Thank you very nice explanation.

[@oscarmike4596]

Thanks for this

[@bingolio]

Excellent, best video!

[@charlesruffing5606]

I would do Lithium Ion set up but have it only as a backup system to my Predator 3500 Generator being out of gas.

[@alexzanderarmstrong]

Thx great video

[@Me-kh5rq]

Thank you made my day

[@CashAndCoinsYT]

Could you please do an update on this video? Everything has changed since 2018. Thank you

[@thehulkster2707]

Thank you clear info

[@bilalazhar9979]

You are awesome man!

[@davidmoolekampcpa3370]

Great info thank you for putting this together. Do you do consulting?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I'm glad you found it useful. I can't say that I have ever done any consulting, no.

[@msgt1942]

Jim its not for camping its me wanting to put a small ac in a 12x20 shed that I want to use to store food and other stuff on my property I live in az very sunny all year round I would only need to run ac in daytime nights are cool enough for the storage shed here were I live thank you for your help

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

That sounds like a cool project. With a stationary building where your panels are stationary and in optimal sun it will be more consistant power. I think that set up will have a real good chance of keeping up with 500 watts. However, you need to take into account you will not get direct sun all day but in Arizona during the summer you can expect over 7 hours of good energy production using a 30 degree tilt fixed solar array. You can always add if you need to but I think that system will do well. Use MPPT charge controllers and do the math and research before hand. That sounds right around where I would start. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. :) Jim

[@kenbarnett8189]

You ought to go with a Swamp cooler if it's just to keep food cool, that is how Dole and all of the big growers keep produce in Yuma, Az. You can buy one from Home depot or you could make one that will work better off grid with a 12vdc bilge pump and a window fan inside of a standard swamp cooler housing, park it on the roof and enjoy! All it will cost is the water and the power for a fan, plus 20 watts @ 12v for the bilge pump (you can find a small bilge pump anywhere they sell boats or boat parts) For the water to spread across the pads you will need some 1/4" vinyl hose (medical oxygen supply hose) and a screw to cap the ends, poke the hose to distribute water or buy a swamp cooler manifold and you will need a way to control water coming in from a hose, swamp coolers use a toilet ball float valve to shut off the water when the bottom/tank is full. For cooling down food storage cover everything in plastic, it will work in humidity, but it will also be super swampy! (My description above is not instructions, you will need to figure it out)

[@endeavour420]

Great inf0, thnaks

[@Whyuperpatratin]

I personally went with 4 tesla battrey cells from a tesla car rated at 233 ah each for a total of 932 ah . Costs was 1150.00 each battery. 4 2500 watt sinewave inverters. I figured I was better off to have 4 inverters instead of just a big monster inverter because if one dies it costs less to replace it. I also decided to go with a 100 amp charge controller that has proven AWESOME I bought from Amazon for 500.00. It is blue in color and is an MPPT controller which is the only type of controller you would ever want to use with lithium cells. I also went with 2 60 amp connector boxes bought on ebay that were 169.00 each. I have to say that my solar panels were a smoking good deal because I got 340 watt panels each for 79.00 a piece and they are the ultra high efficiency panels that work fantastically. I have 12 panels total and I am running a fridge, inverter LG washing machine, freezer, velop router, 4 LED TV's and a pressure cooker, 2 5000 BTU AC units and it will all hold the charge over night without troubles. It has a threshold of 20 - 24 volts to operate in because the inverter only allows for 20 volts before it shuts down and the battery charge controller will take the batteries to 25.2 volts before shutting them down. I have a total output from my panels that equal 100 amps and I get about 6 to 8 hours a day at about 30 amps total during that time and it fully takes the battery bank to its full charge. So I am very happy with it. If anyone wants to know what I bought I will be happy to share the info if you want to ask here. Oh yeah one more thing I forgot to mention, I went with a 24 volt configuration instead of 12 volt because it is far more efficient than 12 volt. Great video BTW Jim....

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

That sounds like a very cool system. Thanks for sharing it with us all here. I may reference it when I do the next video on this topic. You must have some significant storage on your rig to fit all that gear. How big is your coach? Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@Whyuperpatratin]

@@fullmoonadventureclub Sorry it's not in a coach I'm doing this from home here in Tennessee. I just stumbled across your video and thought I'd comment on it. I am in the process of uploading a video right now of some of my setup so far.

[@Whyuperpatratin]

Sorry kinda new to posting on yt. I am not sure if posting a link is not proper please feel free to remove the link. I'm not trying to steal your traffic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqWi5xni9SHirM

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

@@Whyuperpatratin that makes a lot more sense. I was wondering how big your RV was to hold all of that gear. :) I have seen RV setups that have that much capacity but they're kind of rare . Thanks for clarifying. Jim

[@Whyuperpatratin]

daddyrichten well if I were you I would upgrade my batteries and inverters. I would definitely stear you towards lithium batteries. The trouble I have found with an alternator is that it doesn't pulse the voltage as lithium requires and by not pulsing the voltage you will shorten the lifespan of your batteries considerably. If running an ac unit you will need far more than a single battery and trying to do it on a 12 volt system will prove to be extremely costly. You have a lot of obstacles in front of you to try and do what you are wanting to do.

[@laurencegoldman4639]

In planning: Desert boondocking. Cools off at night rapidly. So possible to run AC 3-4 PM to 8 PM, then switch to MaxAir, then button up tight early with reflectix? So with this scenario (plus there are 450W units) would this allow me to use a more minimal solar system? Must include at least running 12V fridge 24/7 into the mix? I would think anything less than 600W panels on the roof is a waste of time. But can I do with less batteries? Thanks.

[@BSB100022]

Thanks for the terrific video, Jim - very informative! Subbed! Would really appreciate your thoughts on a similar setup we’re contemplating for our 1997 Roadtrek 190 Popular: 300 to 400 amps of Battle Born lithium, 2000w Xantrex XC, etc. But instead of a big solar array, our primary charging source would be a Sterling BBW12120 battery-to-battery charger (120amp), along with 200 watts of solar we already have on the roof. An upgraded high-output alternator would be a must, I’m assuming. We usually drive about 2 hours per day, so I’m thinking the Sterling unit should produce 200+ amps just in the normal course of our daily driving routine. Add whatever the 200w of solar makes and, if necessary, extra charging by idling the engine. Not sure you have any first-hand experience with Sterling battery-to-battery chargers, but does this proposal sound feasible for running a 5000 btu AC unit in the Roadtrek? Thanks once again and please keep these videos coming!

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Thank you for the question. I would be very interested to see how well the battery to battery charger works charging up your lithium battery bank. I do not have experience with them but they look interesting. You may want to buy two dual output alternators and keep one as a spare. Charging at full voltage all the time will shorten the alternators life span a bit but you should be fine. It sounds like a very cool system but I can not say for sure how well it will keep up with the AC unit. You may need to drive or idle more than two hours a day even with your solar. Please let us all know how the system works. It sounds like an interesting setup. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@joshuaabbott7498]

Thank you

[@bobmizoski9669]

Check your local junkyards, interstate sells refurbished battrerys to them to resell, i picked up a year old 1125AH battery for 60$ that was "reconditionded" might not last 6 years... but 60$...

[@marklloyd6219]

Thanks I got it.

[@jloronlavoie245]

Check out the EBL Power Supply, So I can run an 8,000 BTU from this 330W EBL. The EBL produces 120 volts ac by itself, I tried to run a normal window AC and it was able to produce 223 watts for a couple seconds and died, but that was great because that AC is 4 o 5 times what I need. But the 8Kbtu air conditioner will run well and cool my Honda Odyssey. Youre talking about a big RV but a fan and a small outlet will help quite a bit. Heat rises but alot of times I see people forget because its invisible. Those hot pockets in the space should not necessarily be fanned throughout and filtered by the AC but IDK. what do you think?

[@stevesmith-ny8jb]

My 5000 btu window unit is in my cab of my semi. So solar is out. Since the semi will be running the entire time, what ah would I need to power my 3000 watt inverter?

[@hawaiidogs9277]

Ty

[@jarednewburyvlog9973]

Could adding more solar panels help the load? Instead of 600 watts. What happens if you jumped it to 1200? What would that do to your system?

[@hawkdaddy64]

So my question to you is if instead of spending so much on batteries and you maximize your solar panel usage, taking it right almost to the max for your charge controller can you reduce the battery bank size and increase the solar panel size to reduce the amount needed to produce the power

[@garym51124]

Does this take into consideration the ac being set on a thermometer? Like using the ac at night in a camper(small camper) it wouldn't run the entire time. Solar stuff is confusing

[@josephgraham1065]

thanks for the info I was considering trying to do a 5000 btu ac in my garage by solar but maybe not now after seeing how much it takes. I already have solar for the house so I dont think it will up my bill too much just to plug it in.

[@josephgraham1065]

currently have 18 255 watt solar panels with 215 micro inverters with grid also through a net meter. dont have any battery backup so I wanted to do the ac with battery and seperate solar since that would not violate my net metering agreement. But it will be too many additional panels to make it reasonable.

[@anthonybiancone3780]

awesome info

[@poppaluv]

we're 3 years later. Have the prices gone down? Anything out there to recommend today? Thanks.

[@mohamedfiraz7041]

How do u connect the solar panels together?plus to plus minus to minus?

[@lasttrain5033]

hi was just looking at the renogy 260 amp hour agm batteries only 300 dollars each

[@marcaudi989]

Inverter is 2000 watts at 12V or 24V? 4 batteries @100 amps lithium in series? Or parallel?

[@TravelingAndrew]

Hello! Why do need only 40 amps charge controller? 600 watts 12V solar generates 50 amps, (600/12=50), so I think you would need at least a 50 amps charge controller. Or am I wrong?

[@mikeswildoutdoors7279]

My solar generator I'm using 4 battleborn 100 AH lithium ion batteries, a outback flex 80 charge controller and an Aims 3,000 to 6,000 pure sine wave inverter with built in soft start and 6 100 watt 5.56 amp hr panels with sun power cells, think that may work?

[@zayvier69]

My 19 ft class b chinook van is 12.5 feet long in the living space by 7 ft wide inside. It came with a brand new ceiling mounted 15000BTU AIR CONDITIONER. If I want to run it on solar- I have 3 questions Even though it’s 15000 btu - can I run it on low and use it like a 5000 btu less energy hog air con? Or it will always be a bigger hog at any setting because it’s 15000 btu Also- to save space and cost on solar system to operAte a air con- to be able to purchase less batteries - should I just change the air con to a 5000 btu air con-

[@nathansire6623]

I don't mind the extra weight of lead acid batteries since I can recondition them.

[@dinosanchez8528]

What do you think about the Renogy 3000w pure sine? Its only $370

[@RedRider1600]

Could you do a comparison with AGM Deep Cycle batteries?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I would like to but they are pricey considering I don't need them currently. If I can talk a company into giving me some sample batteries I will definitely do it. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@rhakes23]

Can you run your RV with the shore power plug to your extra batteries that are charged by solar panels with 3000w inverter for short periods of time? Hope this question isn't to dumb. Don't want to change the wiring for the RV but do want to use the 110 plugs in the rv some while boondocking.

[@Tumbleweed5150]

Yes. I have my shore power cord plugged directly into my inverter. Thing is, you wanna make sure that you don't pull too many Watts at one time. The size of inverter and amount of solar input to how many batteries will work will depend on how much power (in Watts) you need to pull at one time, as well as how long a time period each thing will be running. Finding this out, when plugged into real shore power is easy if you use a Watt meter like this: www.amazon.com/Electricity-Monitor-Voltage-Overload-Protection/dp/B07DPJ3RGB/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Watt+meter&qid=1555384229&s=gateway&sr=8-5 Find out how many Watts or Watt hours, (Wh) you use over a 24 hour period, then plan for a system twice as large to take you through at least one cloudy day. I'm sure that if you need more information on this someone else will chime in. :)

[@josephryan3831]

todays battery prices you can get 100 ah lithium $350 you can find panels much lower. lot of good used now available . and new 400 watt running 200 a panel .and just coming on market inverter style window units higher price but dont have high surge draws

[@tankdeezel76]

After reading many reviews and watching a lot of videos, I chose this option for my first backup power station. kzbin.infoUgkxHypYDKHAN93Lp2RQpfvU_ksc70wJ00pt I was between this and a larger option that could power a wider range of items, but the price/size/capacity blend seemed right for this unit. Hasn't gotten a ton of use yet, but the build quality is solid and it charges fine via the Rockpals solar panel I purchased to pair with it. One thing to note is that the screen is optimized for a top down viewing angle, which makes sense, but this means it washes out at other angles - especially low angles. Not a huge deal, but perhaps a better option for the display could be used to provide wider viewing angles.