A blank slate: batteries and converter

[66replica]

Hello!

I'm currently renovating a '78 sovereign for full-time use. I plan on solar in the future and would like to boondock often. I'm at the point in my renovation when it's time to take care of the electrical system and I have some questions.

Keeping boondocking in mind, what battery setup do you recommend?

What converter do you recommend? Currently I'm looking at the Progressive Dynamics PD9260.

If I want to prewire for solar, what gauge wire should I run from the roof? The batteries will be at the front of the trailer. The wire will probably enter the trailer with the fridge vent.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by 66replica

Hello!

I'm currently renovating a '78 sovereign for full-time use. I plan on solar in the future and would like to boondock often. I'm at the point in my renovation when it's time to take care of the electrical system and I have some questions.

Keeping boondocking in mind, what battery setup do you recommend?

What converter do you recommend? Currently I'm looking at the Progressive Dynamics PD9260.

If I want to prewire for solar, what gauge wire should I run from the roof? The batteries will be at the front of the trailer. The wire will probably enter the trailer with the fridge vent.

Lots of questions but no information to comment on.

What is your anticipated battery load? How much 'stuff' and what type will you be running when off-grid? Solar wire gauge is directly related to the ultimate size of your solar array, not what you start with. This will allow for future expansion of the array if properly wired. Also, wire gauge depends on the length of the run from the roof to the solar charge controller so that you minimize your potential voltage drop and maximize your system efficiency. The capacity of the solar charge controller should also be pre-determined as this applies to the size of the solar array and also the size of your potential battery bank.

Confused yet?

There is a lot of information needed to properly plan for a solar array that will meet your needs and will keep your batteries charged when off-grid.

List a few of your ideas so we have something to go on.

Thanks!

[66replica]

Originally Posted by lewster

Lots of questions but no information to comment on.

What is your anticipated battery load? How much 'stuff' and what type will you be running when off-grid? Solar wire gauge is directly related to the ultimate size of your solar array, not what you start with. This will allow for future expansion of the array if properly wired. Also, wire gauge depends on the length of the run from the roof to the solar charge controller so that you minimize your potential voltage drop and maximize your system efficiency. The capacity of the solar charge controller should also be pre-determined as this applies to the size of the solar array and also the size of your potential battery bank.

Great questions! I'll be running LED lights, charging a laptop, an external monitor, 3 fantastic fans and perhaps a radio/powered speakers (probably not all at the same time) I anticipate starting with 400 watts of solar on the roof with a max ceiling of about 600 watts. The roof wiring run will be approximately 14 feet to the battery bank/controller.