Determining the Correct Solar Panel Kit for Off-Grid Use

Question:

Can I add a generator to this configuration and do I need another transfer switch not included in the panel kit? Why might I need an MPPT controller added to this set up if I wanted to be in colder environments? One response suggests one lithium battery is sufficient for this configuration. Another says two. Your description says four to six. Are we talking batteries or amp hours per battery to determine the proper battery set up for this configuration? Note: Im a novice and you should assume Im ignorant, because I am.

asked by: Mike R

Expert Reply:

The correct Solar package for you is going to depend on what your goals are and how much power you are using. I have included a help article that digs into calculating how much power you are using and what system is right for your wants/needs. I have also included a help article that goes over installing a solar panel system so you can have a better understanding of that process. With you mentioning being off-grid, the Go Power Solar Extreme Charging System # 34282185 is going to be a great system because it is going to provide you with a significant amount of power charging a battery bank of 4-6 100 amp hour batteries. If you calculate your energy needs and that system isn't going to cut it we do have the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit # 34282182 to add additional panels. I highly recommend adding the Adjustable Mount Kit for Go Power Rigid Solar Panels # 34244034 which will allow you to adjust the angle of your solar panels to maximize sun exposure (each kit is for 1 panel, so you would need one for each panel you have).

If you calculate your usage and need further assistance or have other questions about this, please feel free to reach back out to me and I would be happy to help you further.

expert reply by: Scott S

Mike

12/15/2021

Scott S.

12/15/2021

You can add a generator to this set-up. But it sounds like you are starting from not having any electrical present in the shuttle bus. Regardless of having a generator or not, to power the system correctly you are going to need a Panel like the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center # PD4575K18LS8 which the solar panel controller, batteries and generator would run through. For the generator you would also need to add a power plug like the Furrion Marine Power Inlet - 30Amp # F30ITSBS which would be wired back to the panel. The reason you could potentially want a MPPT controller like the Go Power MPPT Solar Charge Controller # GP54FR actually has less to do with the colder temperature and more to do with the fact that in colder environments you are often dealing with shorter days or less sunlight. The MPPT controller allows you to optimize solar panel output to provide maximum amperage to your RV batteries. The discrepancy in the batteries is coming from different types of batteries. The help article I attached mentions 4-6 batteries for the Go Power Solar Extreme Charging System # 34282185. The batteries they are referencing are 100 amp hour lead acid batteries which can not be discharged past 50%. Using Lithium batteries is going to change that dynamic. With the lead acid you are essentially getting 50 amp hours out of each battery so 200-300 amp hours out of the whole bank. You could use one lithium battery like the Go Power Lithium RV Battery # 34282740 which is designed to maximize solar charging and can be run down 80-90% providing you comparable amp hour rating with only using one battery instead of 4-6. I have included some videos and an additional help article about RV wiring but if this is not something you are extremely familiar with, I would strongly recommend having a professional do the installations because it is not DIY friendly.