Can it run A/C? How much solar power we really get?

[@doughinkle2947]

I'm not sure if this helps or not, but I'll say it. I set my Multiplus 2x120 (12 volt single) to a 9.3 amp input when plugged in (the lowest a single will go). Then, set the charger on the multi to zero amps, forcing the solar charge controllers to handle the DC loads, assist with AC loads if needed (with the assist function of the multi) and, of course, charge the batteries. I did this after depleting my batteries low enough to make some headroom for solar. This helped me gauge what was possible with a system that's a lot smaller than what you've got. Good content here. Please keep it coming. I subscribed. 13:30

[@saltytrips]

@@doughinkle2947 instead of setting charge to zero amps you can just put it in “Sustain” mode and it turns off inverter charging unless batteries hit a set low voltage threshold 👍

[@SuperSushidog]

Great job. If you are thinking about adding even more solar, another option to consider is a liftable array on the side of your RV. We built one on the side of our motorhome and it has proven to be very useful. It also makes a nice bedroom window awning, practically lifting itself with a couple gas struts, and it's easy to clean, standing safely on the ground. It's only 620 watts but performs more like a 750-800-watt horizontal roof array, especially in winter when the sun is lower in the sky. Unlike a portable, folding array which must be put up when you travel, it still produces quite a bit of power when traveling down the road and it's secured vertically to the side of our motorhome. We use this smaller array to charge our 560ah 12v battery, while our large, 4,400w rooftop array we have racked on our roof charges our 320ah 48v battery. This big array runs all of our 120v ac appliances just like we were plugged into a power pedestal at an RV Park, including both air conditioners, a residential fridge, etc. We've been living FT off-grid for 19 months now and we haven't had to run our generator even once, as we now have more solar power than we need. Hope your new, more powerful array suits your needs.

[@saltytrips]

@@SuperSushidog i was considering some folding side panels that I mentioned in our last solar video but we are getting pretty tight on weight.

[@MarkWitzel]

Great details. Channel should be called Salty Solar Addict ;-)

[@saltytrips]

@@MarkWitzel 🤣😂 I like it 👍

[@PhilMarshall-b4k]

Love your content 😅

[@SEANRMZ]

getting some great power with your add on.

[@saltytrips]

@@SEANRMZ so far pretty happy with it.

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Install 2 window ac units one in front one in the back with temperature controlled outlets so they turn off and on at set temperatures

[@saltytrips]

@@supremeautomotive6749 if our rear A/C ever gives out , we’ll be installing a Mini-split. Definitely not installing window units

[@mileshiles1287]

👍

[@markratliff7991]

Can you comment on how many and what size/configuration your Solar Charge controllers are? I currently have A total Victron system using a Victron 12V Multiplus II 2X 120 inverter with 1200W (6-200W panels) with a single 150/80 controller charging a 412 aH battery bank (2 -206 aH SOK batteries) I have plenty more space on the roof of my 44' toyhauler fifth wheel for more panels but have used all the lugs on my Linx Distributor to add another charge controller and no space to add another Linx. Any thoughts on how to add another charge controller for a second array of panels with my situation. Love your channel and definately have "Solar Envy" ❤

[@saltytrips]

@@markratliff7991 thats one of the benefits for 24v system, the same charge controller from a 12v system can handle double the watts on a 24v system. All controller details and configuration are explained in both install videos linked in the description area 👍

[@kennethcollins148]

how would you power a 100w .85 amp chest freezer with solar? Im at a loss on what i need. Full sun for 5hrs a day.

[@saltytrips]

@@kennethcollins148 if its uses 100 watts and hour, thats 2400 watts a day, you have 5 hours of sun so that 480 watts over 5 hours to get 2400 watts. I would double that to 960 watts of solar to account for how much you’d actually get.

[@kennethcollins148]

@@saltytrips Thank you for your reply, just blows my mind this little 5 cu ft freezer needs that much. thank you. maybe i put it on a timer and turns off every 12 hours overnight....

[@kennethcollins148]

??

[@kennethcollins148]

wait, does it charge the battery during the day while running off of solar at the same time?

[@saltytrips]

@@kennethcollins148 have you done a power audit on it or just going by the sticker, good chance it doesn’t actually use that much power in a 24 hour per.