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

[@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...

[@Wunderkeks88]

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

[@murkinit]

Just because of your badass intro I watched the whole thing 🤘 great video

[@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.

[@Randomadventuresebike]

@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.

[@THE-KING-COBRA416]

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.

[@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

[@shawnr771]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@limberthutahaean7364]

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

[@CROWOLF87]

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

[@fredc8618]

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

[@ChannelSRL1]

Well done! Thanks for getting to the main points right away, much appreciated!

[@leeinwis]

I fainted

[@nomadrvmontreal2733]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nunyabusiness1499]

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

[@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

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Very true. I need to remake this video.

[@nonplayablecharacter4815]

Emmmmmmm I was wondering why so expensive

[@OGWhinnyBaby29]

This is was incredibly helpful. Thank you.

[@leeinwis]

I can't afford it

[@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

[@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. ☹

[@Sauersinger]

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

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I'm glad you liked the video. Just be aware it is five years old and prices on everything have come down dramatically. :)

[@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.

[@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)

[@CashAndCoinsYT]

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

[@panchothemonkey]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@victorbermudez31]

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

[@rogerthornton4068]

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

[@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.

[@Sjrick]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@nonplayablecharacter4815]

Let’s say I run my ac for 4 hours a day I will need to refill my tank once a week that’s about $25 a week. I don’t think this beats normal electricity

[@Judberries]

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

[@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?

[@whitenas]

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

[@sannajo6742]

A little off topic But you can buy the sportsman 1000 watt inverter generator on sale for $120.00 like I did and it’s running air conditioner for 3 years now. I wonder which is actually better for the environment?

[@fngonuts]

i like that idea....

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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 !

[@you166mhz]

actually if you upgrade you voltage to 24v - you can use the lithium twice as long -- more likely after 8 hrs of use you would still have voltage left in the batteries ... plus you can use smaller grade of battery cables and you can still use the same 40w charger .... the system would operate more efficient running under the 24v setup ....

[@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

[@poppaluv]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@SlackersIndustry]

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

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

I have almost this exact same set up. I was hoping you would give a recommendation on series versus parallel or series and parallel.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

What type of batteries are you using?

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

@@fullmoonadventureclub 1 Renogy 170ah lithium. Thinking about getting a second .

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

@@fullmoonadventureclub I have 6 100 W panels on the roof of my truck camper now. I have them wired but not mounted yet. Still not sure on the configuration to get the most out of it.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

@@alaska-bornfloridaman you got to love lithium batteries. If you get another one you'll definitely be hooking up the lithium in parallel. And as for your solar panels it would probably be a good idea to go in series with an mppt charge controller just to get maximum charging. Especially since lithium batteries can definitely handle a faster charge time. Jim

[@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$...

[@gavincline209]

What % of the ac run time was with the compressor going? Running it’s like 3.9-4.0 amps but with just fan running it’s probably 1 or so. That’s a big difference in kWh needed overall.

[@Randomadventuresebike]

Yes so if you have a well insulated small building it might only run the compressor 30-40 mins a hour in the summer

[@Randomadventuresebike]

Just the fan probably uses 50 watts if that

[@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

[@jeffjefferey7205]

dude your great thanks for being who you are

[@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.

[@roach1405]

so look into the capacitor type battery's new stuff coming up

[@kenbarnett9415]

NO! Capacitors are not new and they are not batteries, they will store a charge fast, but they dump the load fast too! You can't run a tv or radio with a capacitor for very long, maybe 10 minutes or so, with a huge capacitor bank you might get an hour, but you cant run an inverter or fridge with capacitors. All fridges have a large capacitor as it's starting voltage, you basically re-charge it after the fridge kicks on and depletes the cap, it might take 1 minute to charge and provides the high current to start the motor, then it needs to be recharged. You can start a car with caps, and run your radio and electronics on the alternator, the problem is the the caps can drain fast if the car has an alarm, the led can drain the caps in an hr or less, plus modern vehicles have to have power supplied to the computer 24/7 to operate properly, so caps are interesting, but they are not batteries.

[@roach1405]

@@kenbarnett9415 check out maxwell technology they using them in a battery. Form 1million cycles it can work

[@roach1405]

@@kenbarnett9415 check out maxwell technology you willl see batterys for cars and solar power one million cycles to it

[@Nckolas20]

This is great since my intention is to ensure I can run the AC at night off the batteries and charge in the day.

[@jab376]

NO B.S quick review earned a subscriber.

[@bigmikestan]

Thks for the awesome video breaks it down nicely

[@1IRONROGUE]

Can you connect the vehicles alternator to charge the batteries and use the ac when driving?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

You would burn out your alternator pretty quick. They are not designed for large appliances. Jim

[@shawnr771]

I agree with the fullmoonadventureclubs response. I have an 1500 watt inverter attached to the battery of my work truck to run small hand tools and appliances short term. For larger jobs I would bring a generator. But for one cut etc it works just fine. It will run all of my power tools well at idle except for my 15 amp circular saw. Which draws significantly on the system actually makes the truck idle change. During the winter I used one of those small 1500 watt heaters to help defrost my windows. Even driving at full speed the 1500 watt heater pulled enough power over and above what my alternator was putting out that the low battery warning alarm would sound on the inverter and the truck almost stopped running. If you were to attempt this I would recommend installing the largest capacity alternator for you vehicle and a good voltage gauge to make sure you are not drawing too much power. Which could have deterimenal effects on the rest of your power system.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

@@shawnr771 thanks for sharing all that with us. Good to hear different people's experiences. Thanks for the comment and happy camping. Jim

[@1IRONROGUE]

I have a school bus

[@shawnr771]

@@1IRONROGUE You might have a big enough alternator. Or you might consider mounting an additional alternator to handle your AC and off grid battery charging. This might take a bit of ingenuity on your part.

[@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.

[@six-stringsteve7261]

Great info. Thanks!

[@vu5344]

Thank you for this, I really appreciate the knowledge.

[@jameshancock1515]

liked it but the solar Mimi split is the best chooic if you spending that much money. No inverter need no charge controller needed. built in with solar panels and connects to land line for additional power needed during night. Down side cant connect to a battery system for night time use however a small 12 volt battery system could power it at the Land connection slot. this would require the controller and inverter and batteries. I have them and am waiting to setup solar mini split this way to test .

[@kashmirdhillon7768]

Very good job 👍

[@Markks100]

Please why 40 Amps charge controller, when your device is drawing above that (50 Amps). Also, why is the surge just 2 times the normal power? I thought they say it is 6-10 times in school? Or is it because it is a DC compressor? Since the solar panel is not producing up to 1000 W (surge power) wouldn't the compressor fail to start or the battery be destroyed? Again, I converted BTU/hr to W, and it shows 5000 BTU/hr=1465 W and not the 500 W you quoted. Why?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I only need a 40 amp charge controller because that is more than the power coming in from the solar panels charging the battery. The 5000 BTU air conditioner was tested on a watt meter and that was what it showed for power draw. My 15000 BTU air conditioner draws around 1400 watts of power and most 5000 BTU air conditioners draw around 500 watts. Most air conditioners require double the running wattage for start up with the compressor. All the air conditioners are run off of AC power even if you convert your 12 volt battery power to AC power. I hope that helps. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@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

[@Christ-is-King-]

Can lead acid batteries be installed inside a home? Lithium? Thanks

[@macmcleod1188]

Wow. This is amazing. Today this costs about $1300. Roughly an 80% drop in price. That's for 600 watts panels and 1000kW battery pack and extended warranty. That will run it all day and 2 hours at night. In 2 more years, it's projected to cost $800.

[@Johnman9000]

I have 600w panels on my roof they produce about 1.5Kwh per day on average. According to my victron charge controller. I have a smart electrical meter on a window unit and it consumes about 3.8 KW hours per day. On average some really hot days as much as 8 KW. You really need about 2,000 w for some kind of redundancy.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Very true.

[@dinosanchez8528]

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

[@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?

[@blueskies00]

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

[@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.

[@marcaudi989]

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

[@chasethewind1222]

The best info I found right here👌🏾great stuff

[@lasttrain5033]

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

[@timmyloocofield2220]

do you think that a tesla car battery or a battery from a prius or a chevy volt would be a better choice to run a 5000 btu air conditioner and induction cook top 1800 watts single burner and basic electronics like laptop and cell phone and a dometic top load dc refrigerator (also considering a dorm refer) and a few led lights i am researching for a future build and where i live in alabama ac is a must have

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

It is very possible. I have no experience with Tesla batteries but I have seen a lot of people building and re-purposing them for power sources. It looks like a interesting project. Just make sure to install the proper safety equipment to avoid thermal runaway, over charging, ect. I wish I could be more help but I have yet to play around with that project yet. Take care and happy camping. Jim

[@superiorcarpetpaintllc4351]

Yes, those batteries if you can find them are the best! But, if you buy one new, your throwing away money for weight.

[@superiorcarpetpaintllc4351]

You can use an induction stove at 220 degrees to boil water and it uses about 300 watts per hour, you dont need to cook at 450 degrees f. or full power with induction and power is only rated by the hour, I can boil a qt of water for coffee in 5 minutes at 220 f. Then pour it into my electric coffee maker, saves time/energy and makes better coffee!

[@superiorcarpetpaintllc4351]

A 3.2 cu ft dorm fridge uses 85 watts per hr nominal some will be listed .8 amps, either way its 120 vac plus the current your inverter and charge controller use, I have had a dorm style fridge running in my camper for yrs with two frozen bottles of water in the freezer, I have ran it with 1 315 watt panel and with 3, the batteries are always full and the fridge is always cold!

[@bingolio]

Excellent, best video!

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

What if you just double the battery capacity and the same 600 was of solar? Will that let you use the air conditioner longer?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Yes. About twice as long. Jim

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

@@fullmoonadventureclub thank you

[@Randomadventuresebike]

That's if you can get the batteries fully charged with 600w solar. Some days you might only get 3-4 good sun in certain places. You might need 1000-1500w to get double the batteries charged depending on sun

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

@@Randomadventuresebike got ya. As long as I can get them back up to 100 percent.

[@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

[@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?

[@JoshuaCarvalho1]

AMAZING video! Thanks!

[@glamptribe]

This is amazing. Thank you!

[@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

[@nathansire6623]

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

[@valorv2665]

Are you still a proponent of zamp solar. I don't hear you mention them much anymore when you talk solar. I have a zamp solar system one of the reasons was your positive reviews. Did some information come to you that changed your mind?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Valo rv Not at all. I still love my Zamp solar 120 kit. I use it all the time but they have not sent me any more panels to review so I havent mentioned them by name in while. Mine is working great so no worries. :) Thanks for the question and happy camping. Jim

[@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?

[@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

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Great information and very well done. Thank you.

[@popatop75]

thank you .. can you guessimate how long a 2000k honda generator would last say operate 5 hours a day (1 year 2) i don't know much about this stuff thank you i want to run a small AC maybe 5000 btu will this work or do they make smaller btu ACs and how many btus is 2000ks anyway

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

One of those generators should usually last you more than 2 years. A 5000 BTU air conditioner takes around 500 watts to run. The 2000 I Honda generator puts out 2000 Watts. Its Important to keep in mind that air conditioners have a surge when the compressor kicks on that's usually double what their wattage running is. So you can probably use a 2000 watt Honda generator to run a 5000 BTU air conditioner. However, if you're going to be using a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner you would need a minimum of 3000 Watts worth of generator. I have a video on my channel discussing running small air conditioners off little inverters and generators. I hope that helps take care and happy camping. Jim

[@mohamedfiraz7041]

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

[@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! 👌

[@christopherhorton821]

Talk about overkill. I ran a 5000 but ac on low for 6 hours at a time with 400 watts of solar and a cheap 30 amp charger controller and 2 cheap lead acid duel cycle batteries on a 1500 watt pure sign wave dc to ac inverter. my whole setup ran me around $1,100 give or take a few bucks.

[@javalearner4227]

I have installed solar panels about 1000Watts, inverter about 2000Watts (max not sure), I am planning to buy 5000Btu AC. Hopefully it will workout.

[@christopherhorton821]

@@javalearner4227 Give me a few days and I will do a meter test on my 10,000 btu ac and on a old 5,000 btu ac that is in my camper, and let you know how much power that they both take to run. I used to run a old 5000 btu ac on low between 4 and 6 hours a day in the summer on my large 2500 watt to 5000 watt inverter, but it pulled my batteries down pretty good since I only have 2 wally world duel cycle batteries, and at the time I only had 400 watts of solar. One problem that you might run in to is your inverter. If it only puts out 2000 watts max then consider half of that for running things. I have a 1100 watt inverter that maxes out at 2200 watts and it would not run my old 5000 btu AC, but it will run my 10,000 btu haier AC. Different brands pull different amounts of power. My 1500 watt pure sign wave inverter will run either one of my air conditioners.

[@christopherhorton821]

@@javalearner4227 I did a power test on both of our air conditioners for you. One is a piece of trash haire 10,000 btu and the other is a 6,000 btu comfort air. Both are window units. I am running them off of our 400 watt solar setup, and a 1500 watt pure sign wave inverter. My hands are not very steady and the video is not the best, but it should give you some idea of the power usage that a 5,000 btu ac should use. It should use about the same as my 6,000 btu ac depending on the brand. What I test is the watts and amps and volts for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGaroJKnfNatmJI&ab_channel=ChristopherHorton

[@bilalazhar9979]

You are awesome man!