Took the solar dive, DIY install options?

[Glenn]

What brand solar panel are you going to be using?

OB 1643

WindyNation . They had the best deal on flex mono that I could find

Going to be following this thread. Looks like a great setup you have there.

Thankyou, hope to get it organized and setup efficiently. Im a rookie with this...lol

Glenn-here are some more wheeled case options
http://m.homedepot.com/s/wheeled%20tool%20box?searchtype=suggest&NCNI-5

Funny you should post this. My girl just said...I like that box, how about Home Depot?

 

[Glenn]

Glenn-here are some more wheeled case options
http://m.homedepot.com/s/wheeled%20tool%20box?searchtype=suggest&NCNI-5

Wooah you may have hit the jackpot with that link ! That Husky 35 looks perfect and it has wheels so my broke down ass can move it ! Thanks a ton for that link !!

 

[Glenn]

Actually that HD link on totes may even solve another storage problem I am trying to solve on my rig. That Stanley 3 in 1 Rolling Workshop is perfect to get all my recovery gear, first aid and tools organized since my current setup needs to go! SWEET ! Don't know how I missed seeing these in the past...lol

 

[pl626]

Actually that HD link on totes may even solve another storage problem I am trying to solve on my rig. That Stanley 3 in 1 Rolling Workshop is perfect to get all my recovery gear, first aid and tools organized since my current setup needs to go! SWEET ! Don't know how I missed seeing these in the past...lol

I've got one in my basement that I rarely use, but it reminded me there are cheaper wheeled options to the Pelican. I have a huge 1690 I bought from a friend. Funny thing is, I haven't really put it to use yet, partly because it's so big. That was the reason he got rid of it. I may end up doing the same...
I may repurpose my Stanley for Overlanding storage, as it's more manageable than the Pelican 1690.


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[Glenn]

Too large is a bad thing because if there is room, I WILL fill it. Its a disorder I think...but then weight becomes a problem.

 

[pl626]

Too large is a bad thing because if there is room, I WILL fill it. Its a disorder I think...but then weight becomes a problem.

LOL, I have the same disease...


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[Glenn]

Does anyone have photos of solar setups in their rigs or even trailers ? Im beating myself up trying to find some. The search feature here is not helping me much or I am just not asking the right questions! lol

 

[Overlanding Downunder]

G'Day Glen

I do not know if this is what you are after, but this is my setup.

I have a 200 Watt fixed solar panel mounted to the rhino platform on the canopy.



Which connects to a RedArc 15 Amp battery management system.



That charges 2 x 120 Amp/Hour deep cycle AGM KickAss batteries.



I can monitor the batteries via the control panel.


Colin

 

[pl626]

Here are the parts that I ordered and are in delivery...

Kreiger KR1500w Inverter...

Glenn - Curious why you chose a modified sine wave inverter over a pure sine wave inverter. Aside from cost, I can't think of any reason not to go with a pure sine inverter.

 

[Glenn]

G'Day Glen

I do not know if this is what you are after, but this is my setup.

I have a 200 Watt fixed solar panel mounted to the rhino platform on the canopy.
View attachment 13223


Which connects to a RedArc 15 Amp battery management system.
View attachment 13225


That charges 2 x 120 Amp/Hour deep cycle AGM KickAss batteries.
View attachment 13224


I can monitor the batteries via the control panel.
View attachment 13226

Colin

That is a nice setup. I see that its permanently mounted and Im not quite thinking that a permanent setup is right for my rig but I love to see the different ways we all use. Im interested in your power switches and how they are mounted right where you drop your gate and accessible. Very kool and unique. Are they all wired and dedicated to lights, devices? Im torn between a portable case for all my solar equiptment OR mounting the inverter/controller/switches permanently in my jeep and only making the batteries/panel portable. Your rig and mine are apples and oranges though but I love what you did !

 

[Glenn]

Glenn - Curious why you chose a modified sine wave inverter over a pure sine wave inverter. Aside from cost, I can't think of any reason not to go with a pure sine inverter.

Not knowing the difference between them, I did some reading. This below convinced me to forego the added cost since none of this applies to my needs...

"In short, pure sine wave inverters are better suited to sensitive electrical or electronic items such as laptop computers, stereos, laser printers, certain specialized applications such as medical equipment.
Modified sine wave works well for most uses, and they’re more economical. If you mostly want to run lights, TV, microwave oven, tools, a modified sine wave inverter is fine for your needs."

So after looking around I could not go wrong with the Kreiger (quality name brand) that also came with 3' cables and some silly remote

And 2) How can all these people be wrong in their experience?

 

[pl626]

Not knowing the difference between them, I did some reading. This below convinced me to forego the added cost since none of this applies to my needs...

"In short, pure sine wave inverters are better suited to sensitive electrical or electronic items such as laptop computers, stereos, laser printers, certain specialized applications such as medical equipment.
Modified sine wave works well for most uses, and they’re more economical. If you mostly want to run lights, TV, microwave oven, tools, a modified sine wave inverter is fine for your needs."

So after looking around I could not go wrong with the Kreiger (quality name brand) that also came with 3' cables and some silly remote

And 2) How can all these people be wrong in their experience?

View attachment 13235

Well, the other advantage to PSWI is cleaner power, all devices run better and cooler. PSW is what comes out of your wall. TVs definitely run better on PSWI, less background noise. With MSWI, you'll see and hear noise from the 'dirtier' power.

There are decently priced PSWI products out there, but you do still have to pay a bit more up front, but if it means longer life for your devices, then your TCO for everything should be much less.


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[Overlanding Downunder]

That is a nice setup. I see that its permanently mounted and Im not quite thinking that a permanent setup is right for my rig but I love to see the different ways we all use. Im interested in your power switches and how they are mounted right where you drop your gate and accessible. Very kool and unique. Are they all wired and dedicated to lights, devices? Im torn between a portable case for all my solar equiptment OR mounting the inverter/controller/switches permanently in my jeep and only making the batteries/panel portable. Your rig and mine are apples and oranges though but I love what you did !

G'Day Glen

I thought you wanted to be portable, that is the reason I did not originally post photos. I posted the photos to try get the ball rolling for you, hoping there would be more setups too come.

I used a 12 Volt 6 gang switch panel, I purchased mine from eBay. The reason I went with the panel, each switch is already wired with its own fuse. I can access the switch panel from the rear of the vehicle when I drop gate. But also accessible from the side window on the canopy.

It is wired to the following...
1. Canopy Interior light
2. Water pump
3. Rear external LED light
4 & 5. 12 volt power socket inside canopy

Fridge runs straight from battery (fused) with no switch.

Colin

 

[Glenn]

Well, the other advantage to PSWI is cleaner power, all devices run better and cooler. PSW is what comes out of your wall. TVs definitely run better on PSWI, less background noise. With MSWI, you'll see and hear noise from the 'dirtier' power.

There are decently priced PSWI products out there, but you do still have to pay a bit more up front, but if it means longer life for your devices, then your TCO for everything should be much less.

I want to thank you so much for asking the question about the Modified Sine vs Pure Sine ! I looked into it more after what you said in your post and now I am left wondering why ALL inverters are not made pure sine now? I saw 2 videos last night on Youtube that guys has comparisons on how different devices compared running on each and I was amazed. The differences were incredible.

Consequently I already have a return shipping label made for when the Kreiger arrives and last night I ordered the Windy Nation Vertamax 1500w with 2 cables... THX pl626 for setting me straight !!

 

[Glenn]

G'Day Glen

I thought you wanted to be portable, that is the reason I did not originally post photos. I posted the photos to try get the ball rolling for you, hoping there would be more setups too come.

I used a 12 Volt 6 gang switch panel, I purchased mine from eBay. The reason I went with the panel, each switch is already wired with its own fuse. I can access the switch panel from the rear of the vehicle when I drop gate. But also accessible from the side window on the canopy.

It is wired to the following...
1. Canopy Interior light
2. Water pump
3. Rear external LED light
4 & 5. 12 volt power socket inside canopy

Fridge runs straight from battery (fused) with no switch.

Colin

Oh I appreciate the photos ! I like the idea of having everything accessible. Im still torn in how im going to set this up. Advantages are in either setup... whether I do it all in a tote (would be portable, but heavy as hell) or mount everything in jeep and only have to put the batteries and panel in and go. Oh the decisions ! I hate doing something and later thinking I should have done something else. I already did it once with the wrong inverter decision and my parts have not even got here yet ! LOL

Thanks for ideas Colin

 

[pl626]

I want to thank you so much for asking the question about the Modified Sine vs Pure Sine ! I looked into it more after what you said in your post and now I am left wondering why ALL inverters are not made pure sine now? I saw 2 videos last night on Youtube that guys has comparisons on how different devices compared running on each and I was amazed. The differences were incredible.

Consequently I already have a return shipping label made for when the Kreiger arrives and last night I ordered the Windy Nation Vertamax 1500w with 2 cables... THX pl626 for setting me straight !!

View attachment 13271

NP. It's tempting to just look at the initial cost difference, but all things considered, pennies saved upfront can add up to huge replacement costs in other equipment.

MSWI do serve a purpose, but if you want to run expensive hardware/tools, it doesn't really make sense to be penny wise, but pound foolish, just my.02.


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[Glenn]

NP. It's tempting to just look at the initial cost difference

I couldn't justify the extra cost until seeing a couple videos... they are WAY different. Some devices actually made strange noises on the modified...that's a hell no ! Well...back on track now !