Go Power Solar Elite Charging System - 400 Watt Solar Panels - 2,000 Watt Inverter Charger

Go Power RV Solar Panels - 34282184

Going off-grid? This RV solar charging system is perfect for a week of dry camping. The 400-watt solar panels provide DC power to charge your RV's batteries, and the 2,000-watt inverter charger provides AC power to run appliances and electronics.

Features:

• Solar charging system lets you run appliances and electronics in your RV while you're off the grid
• 400-Watt monocrystalline solar panel uses sunlight to charge your RV batteries
  • Made from weatherproof and impact-resistant materials to stand up to the elements
• 30-Amp PWM solar controller adjusts solar panel output for a quick, consistent charge
  • Automatic multistage smart charging system helps extend battery life
  • Digital display monitors amperage, voltage, and battery capacity
• 2,000-Watt pure sine wave inverter charger combines 3 functions: inverter, converter charger, and transfer switch
  • Inverter provides AC power for electronics and appliances
  • Converter charger changes AC shore power to DC power to quickly charge your RV batteries
  • Transfer switch automatically changes from inverter to shore power when you hook up at the campground
• Fixed-mount remote lets you control and monitor the inverter charger
• Adjustable mount kit (sold separately) allows you to angle your solar panel for maximum sun exposure
• Kit includes 2 solar panels, inverter charger, solar controller, MC4 cables, and installation hardware
  • Solar panel expansion (sold separately) increases solar power output
  • Adjustable mount kit (sold separately) lets you angle the solar panel for maximum sunlight exposure

Specs:

• Application: 12V battery systems
• Number of solar panels: 2
• Solar panel wattage: 400 watts
  • 200 Watts per panel
• Inverter charger wattage:
  • Running (rated) output: 2,000 watts
  • Starting (surge) output: 3,400 watts

If you are an energy-conscious RV owner, the Go Power Solar Elite charging system provides clean, renewable power and independence from the grid. This kit comes with everything you need to charge your RV batteries with sunlight and use that power for the AC-powered devices and appliances in your RV, like your microwave, coffee pot, and TV.

Using 2 solar panels, this system collects solar energy to create DC power that passes through a solar charge controller into your RV batteries. Once they are charged, the inverter charger uses the batteries to provide AC power to your RV. It also has a built-in transfer switch that lets you automatically switch from inverter to shore power when it is accessible. Additionally, the inverter charger includes a smart converter charger which charges your batteries using shore power.

How It Works

Collecting Solar Power

The charging process starts with the solar panels, which install on the roof of your RV. When solar energy interacts with the silicon cells in each panel, it generates a flow of DC electrical current that charges your RV's batteries. Each of the monocrystalline cells is made from a single crystal of silicon, so the electrons that create the current have more space to move, making these panels more efficient than one with polycrystalline cells. And in optimal sunlight conditions, the panels produce 400 watts per hour.

The silicon cells are set between a cushioned backing material and tempered solar glass to withstand the elements. The glass has low-iron content to provide exceptional transparency, which ensures maximum sunlight collection. Finally, each panel is framed with anodized marine-grade aluminum to resist rust and corrosion.

An adjustable mount kit (sold separately) can increase your solar panel performance by angling it for maximum sun exposure. This kit replaces the panel's existing brackets and allows it to tilt at 3 different angles. This also improves solar charging during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.

Charging and Protecting RV Battery Bank

The solar controller prevents harmful overcharging by adjusting the power generated by the solar panels before it reaches your batteries. It uses pulse width modulation technology to regulate the output through pulses that provide a consistent charge. Typically, this type of technology is a good fit for smaller systems with lower voltages.

Using a multistage charging system, the controller automatically switches voltages while the battery bank charges. This accelerates the charge, but also helps extend battery life by adjusting the voltage during the different modes. The controller is compatible with multiple battery types and includes preset charging profiles for sealed/gel, AGM, flooded/wet cell, and lithium batteries.

Charging Modes

1. Bulk: This mode charges at the full rated load for a quicker recharge time. As the name suggests, this is where the bulk of the charging happens. It typically charges the battery to at least 80% capacity.
2. Absorption : This mode provides controlled voltage to ensure a full charge. Once the battery reaches between 80% to 90% capacity, the absorption state will kick in and start charging at a regulated voltage. In each charging profile, this mode is set to last for 30 minutes after the bulk charge is completed.
3. Float : Once the battery reaches full charge, this mode maintains a lower voltage to compensate for self-discharge. This reduces battery stress and minimizes gassing and water loss.
4. Equalization : On flooded/wet cell batteries, this mode activates to prevent stratification and sulfate buildup during extended float cycles. These two issues can damage a battery by causing the accumulation of acid at the bottom of the battery and hardened sulfate crystals on the battery plates. This mode is especially helpful when your battery is going unused during storage.

With Maximum Power Boost Technology, you can simply press a button to activate Bulk mode for the highest charging voltage. This lets you quickly top off your battery bank before the end of the day by capturing as much power as possible.

This solar controller is built to charge two battery banks and has terminals for a primary and secondary battery. Your primary battery will receive the full current until it is completely charged. Then, your secondary battery will start to draw the charge current.

The backlit, digital display acts as an information center for your solar panel output. It shows the charging current, battery voltage, and battery state of charge. It also allows you to input your battery type and choose a charging profile. Additionally, a built-in USB port on the front of the controller provides a convenient outlet to charge your cell phone or tablet.

It includes a Bluetooth function that lets you connect the controller to your smartphone or tablet with the free Go Power! Connect app. With this app, you can wirelessly view the same live battery information included on the display. Also, you can control your battery profile and toggle Maximum Power Boost Technology mode.

Lastly, the controller includes several built-in safety features to help protect your equipment. The charging process will shut down if the controller starts to overheat and when an overcurrent is detected. Also, if the battery or solar panel is wired incorrectly, it activates a reverse polarity alarm.

Powering RV Electronics and Appliances

After the battery bank has been charged, the pure sine wave inverter charger changes DC output into AC output and sends it to the electrical system. It creates clean power with low distortion, making it safe, efficient, and perfect for sensitive electronics like computers. Plus, the inverter can generate 4,000 starting watts and 2,000 running watts which is a great fit for larger appliances or multiple devices.

The inverter charger includes AC input and output terminals that connect to your AC panel and shore power input. It has DC input terminals which connect to your batteries. Additionally, it has ports for the fixed-mount remote and battery sensor. It also has 2 LEDs that show fault conditions and operation mode. Lastly, it has a power switch that controls the inverter charger.

The system includes a number of safety features. It offers protection from over/under voltage and overloading. The inverter also uses a heat sink process to protect from extreme temperatures, and an internal cooling fan removes excess heat from the unit.

A fixed-mount remote lets you monitor and control the inverter charger from inside your RV. It includes a digital display that shows the voltage, output power, status, temperature, and charging activity. You can also customize settings like your battery profile, charge rate, and more. And it has a power button that lets you turn the inverter charger on and off.

The DC-rated 300-amp fuse uses a slow blow time-delay feature to withstand surge current. This means it can handle short surges over 300 amps without blowing the fuse, which is great for devices with motors that require more energy to start.

The fuse is housed in a polycarbonate block that features an insulated fiberglass reinforced base. The block has a V-0 flame-retardant rating, which means it will stop burning within 10 seconds if a fire were to occur. It also comes with a transparent cover to keep the connections protected.

Automatically Switches to Shore Power

The inverter charger's built-in automatic transfer switch selects the primary source of AC current. Because this system utilizes solar power, the switch inside of this inverter charger has been pre-wired to automatically change from inverter to shore power to conserve battery life. This switch includes (2) 50-amp legs, which allows you to use up to 100 amps by passing through 12,000 watts on a shore power service. The legs are rated at 120V each, but they can be used as a 240V split-phase or 240V dual input if needed. This would be useful if your RV has larger appliances, such as a clothes dryer or oven range. However, if you plan on using an on-board generator and shore power, you still need an external transfer switch to link power to the inverter charger. If you are just utilizing shore power, you only need this unit since you are switching between two sources.

To prevent electrical interruptions, the time delay circuit board allows the alternate power source to stabilize before a transfer occurs. Additionally, since the switch only accepts one active source, it protects your electrical system from dangerous backfeed that can damage your equipment.

Charges Your Battery Bank With Shore Power

The inverter charger also includes a smart converter charger that converts AC shore power into DC power to charge your battery bank. If your RV already has a stock converter charger, it will need to be removed to ensure this part of the unit operates properly.

It uses a multistage charging system similar to the style detailed previously. It is compatible with sealed/gel, AGM, flooded/wet cell, and lithium batteries. And with the fixed-mount remote, you can select charging profiles for the different battery types.

Battery Temperature Sensor Adds Additional Battery Protection

The battery temperature sensor protects the battery bank from large temperature fluctuations. As the inverter charger experiences changes in temperature, the sensor compensates for those changes by adjusting the voltage during charging to help extend the life of your batteries. This protects from overcharging in hot temperatures and undercharging in cold temperatures. The voltage adjustments also ensure that you are getting the most from your charge.

How It Installs

The system includes (2) 190-watt solar panels, a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter charger with a fixed-mount remote, a 30-amp PWM solar controller, a fuse block, MC4 cables, and all the necessary installation hardware.

1. Solar Panel: The solar panels install anywhere on your RV roof with included mounting feet and hardware. To maximize sunlight collection, it is important to install the panels where they avoid shadows cast by objects, like an air conditioner or vent. The panels use MC4 cables and branch connectors to connect to the solar controller. These cables can enter the RV through the refrigerator vent or using a Go Power cable entry plate (sold separately). The cable entry plate provides a covered housing and uses a quick connect setup for the MC4 cables.
2. Solar Controller: The solar controller flush-mounts to a wall inside your RV. The manual includes a mounting template with measurements to ensure proper installation. It is wired to the solar panel using MC4 cables. Then, the battery bank is wired to the primary terminals on the controller. If you are using additional batteries, they can be connected to the secondary terminals. The included 30-amp fuse is installed between the solar controller and battery for additional current protection.
3. Inverter Charger: The inverter charger mounts inside your RV in a dry location with ventilation. It should be installed in close proximity to the battery bank, but not in the same compartment. The DC terminals are wired to the battery bank. There are several ways to connect the inverter section to your RV's electrical system, but this will depend on your rig and how you want to use your inverter. Also, the temperature sensor installs to the negative battery terminal and plugs in the battery temperature port on the inverter charger.
4. Inverter Charger Remote: The remote flush mounts to a wall inside your RV and connects to the inverter with the included telephone cable. The manual includes a mounting template with measurements to ensure proper installation.
5. Fuse Block: The fuse block is installed between the inverter charger and battery bank to protect your equipment.

Note: This kit may require more wiring and additional parts depending on your RV setup.

Individual Component Specs:

Solar panel:

• Rated power: 190 watts per panel
• Amperage: 9.3 amps per panel
• Voltage: 20.4V per panel
• IP rating: IP67
• MC4 cable length: 25' each
• Dimensions: 59-1/8" long x 26-5/16" wide x 1-1/2" deep
• Weight: 26.4 lbs each
• 25-Year limited warranty

Inverter charger

• Inverter:
  • Rated power:
    • Running (rated) output: 3,000 watts
    • Starting (surge) output: 4,800 watts
  • Amperage:
    • Running (rated) output: 25 amps
    • Starting (surge) output: 52 amps
  • Voltage:
    • Input: 9 - 17 VDC
    • Output: 115 VAC
  • Temperature ranges:
    • Operating range: -4 F to 104 F
    • Storage range: -22 F to 158 F
• Charger:
  • Amperage:
    • Input: 18 amps
    • Output: 125 amps
  • Voltage:
    • Input: 80 - 140 VAC
    • Output: 5 - 16 VDC
• Transfer switch:
  • Relay rating: 100 amps (2 legs at 50 amps each)
  • Voltage: 240V split-phase
• Maximum wire gauge: 2/0 AWG
• Dimensions: 15" long x 11-1/8" wide x 8" tall
• Weight: 49.8 lbs
• 3-Year warranty

Solar controller:

• Maximum input current: 30 amps
• Maximum input voltage: 28V
• Operating temperature range: -40 F to 185 F
• Temperature compensation: -13 mV per F
• Maximum wire gauge: #2 AWG
• Dimensions: 7-1/2" wide x 4-1/4" long x 1-1/4" deep
• Weight: 0.66 lbs
• 5-Year warranty

Fuse block:

• Rating: 300 amps
• Interrupt rating: 50,000 amps
• DC rating: 160 VDC
• Cable length: 10' each
• Cable gauge: 2/0
• Weight: 0.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 7" long x 2-1/2" tall x 2" wide

83296 Go Power! Solar Elite Charging Kit - RV Solar Charging Kit - 2 Rigid Panels - Inverter Charger with Remote - 30-Amp Digital Regulator/Controller - 400 Watts - 18.6 Amps

Replaces Go Power 82184

Replaces Go Power 82550REVA and 82847

Installation Details 

Alternate Instructions