Can I Run My AC From Solar?

Question

Question:

Hi, I really need help ing the correct solar system for our pop up camper. Its a very limited 30 watt, 12 volt pop up, but I would like to provide enough power to run the air conditioner while boon docking. I need advice because I dont want to buy the wrong set up and damage the system.

asked by: Ashley S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hello, appreciate the opportunity help answer your question. etrailer.com carries the GoPower product line, a true industry leader with multiple options for your application. For a pop-up style camper I suggest you select one of the portable solar charging systems that are offered. These systems provide an off-grid charging solution that allows you to park in the shade and place the solar panel in the sun for maximum charge while keeping your camper in the shade. While theoretically possible to operate an AC unit off of solar unfortunately it is not feasible. Air Conditions demand too much energy for solar, there just is not enough room for the needed battery bank and number of panels that it would require. I suggest a generator, specifically an invertor type, for the operation of air conditioner when needed but use a portable solar system for all other items. I recommend the A-iPower 3,800-Watt Portable Inverter Generators, # 289-SUA2000i-2. This will supply clean power for small appliances in your RV with quiet operation that won't drown out campground conversation. It is safe for sensitive electronics.

For a pop-up camper I would normally suggest the 130 Watt Solar Panel, # 34282730, however, since I recommend you have a generator available to run your AC unit when you decide to, I would go with the smaller portable solar system, 90 Watt Solar Panel # 34282729 and then charge battery(s) with generator if required.

If your camper has not yet been equipped with an upgraded vent roof fan then I suggest the MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan, Thermostat, and Remote - Powered Lift - 10 Speed, # MA00-07500K. This will help move a lot of air through your camper and do so more quietly than typical OEM vent fans. This can operate off of solar and reduce the need to operate a generator for AC use.

expert reply by: Michael R

1

Answer 1

There are a few different brands when it comes to solar power so I recommend finding out exactly which brand of equipment is installed on your RV. You may have an 2-pin XLR style plug in on your camper which would allow you to easily plug in the Go…

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Answer 2

Normally when people say they have a 11-1/2 inches they are measuring between the brackets like you mentioned but the measurement to look for is on the outsides which for you would be 15-1/2 inches and the etrailer Landing Gear Set, part #RVLG-8000…

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Answer 3

With the Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller part #34282730 the limiting factor would be the solar controller in this case it is a 10 Amp. Adding a 180 Watt panel would cause this to be overloaded. The largest portable we…

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Answer 4

Most of the newer Coleman Lantern 202rd are pre-wired for solar panel with an XLR-style Furrion inlet port that looks like part #FSPINS-BS. I recommend to use the Go Power 130 Watt Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller part #34282730…

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Answer 5

Yes, the image you attached is of a Go Power connector that will mate with plug option on the Go Power Portable Solar Panel, #34282730 that you linked to. Note the linked product review video below.

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Answer 6

That's an interesting question and there is an option to add some security to the Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller #34282730. What you an do is use a cable lock to secure one of the legs of the solar panels to, for…

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Answer 7

You would want to run a bead of the sealant around the vent opening on the underside of the mounting flange as shown in red on the photo I edited for you. Put the vent into place, pressing firmly so that the sealer spreads to the area around the…

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Answer 8

Since your Rockwood Mini Lite TT is pre-wired to accept any Go-Power portable solar setup, you can use the: -Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller #34282730. This is a 130 watt rated system, and includes a single solar panel…

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Answer 9

We actually have a help article covers your exact question of how much solar panel power does your setup need. I attached it to this page. It basically boils down to determining how much power you draw in an average day and then figuring out which…

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Answer 10

The Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller #34282730 has an SAE connector like what your 2018 Jayco Jayflight Travel Trailer 28BHBE has so it easily install and provide you with a 130 watt charge for your RV battery. We also…

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Answer 11

I've reached out to Go Power for your exact question. I've found that if you're wanting to use the Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller - 130 Watt Solar Panel #34282730 with a Jackery Solar Generator, it would…

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Answer 12

The benefit of using 2 batteries rated for 6V along with 1 battery rated for 12V is that you are using less space (and less weight per battery when moving them) to get the same amount of power and amp hours that you would get if you were to use 3…

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