Solar Install

RVStrayKatz · 10-07-2018, 02:14 PM

Hey all;

Starting to make plans to do a solar install on my Suites. Wondering if there are any owners on here who have do their own install and would care to share their thoughts.

Jack

Chad Heiser · 10-08-2018, 12:07 AM

I installed a large system on my 2017 40KSSB4. It includes 1410 watts of solar, Magnum PT-100 solar charge controller, 1040 amp hours of batteries, a second inverter dedicated to the refrigerator and miscellaneous wiring and circuit protection. I installed an almost identical system on my buddy’s DRV (basically all the same components except a slightly smaller battery bank). I have done other installations as well and give presentations on the subject at rallies. I’m happy to help.

RVStrayKatz · 10-08-2018, 10:03 AM

Thanks Chad;

I installed a system on my previous unit however this is my first DRV install. So, you have split off the system for the refrigerator is that correct? I had this in mind as well keeping it as a stand-alone system as it is now. I would be interested in any lessons learned from this exercise.
Jack

Chad Heiser · 10-08-2018, 02:18 PM

I had my trailer delivered with the Magnum 3012 Hybrid inverter set up. I did not want to run the big inverter and power everything in the trailer while I was running down the road just to keep the refrigerator running. Because of this, I added a Magnum 1012 PSW inverter along with a Magnum CSW-TS15 transfer switch to the refrigerator power circuit. This gives me the option of running the refrigerator from shore/generator power (as normal), from the big inverter or from the small inverter. I also had DRV run 4 gauge solar prep wire for me rather than their standard 6 gauge wire because I knew I was going to have a large solar array. The other thing I had DRV do for me was run all the 12 volt wiring to one compartment (the door side battery compartment) rather than splitting it between the two battery compartments like they normally do with their standard large inverter installation. This made wiring up the stuff I wanted to add much easier.

I'm happy to share information about my set up. I did a full write up on my system over on the Escapees forum. Here is a link to that. I'm happy to share whatever knowledge I can.

**wingnut60** · 10-08-2018, 07:57 PM

Jack,
If you are handy with this type work, Chad is an excellent coach to have. If you don't want to tackle it yourself after all, I suggest you check with AMSolar for parts/diagrams/advice also. They put in 1260w system on my '15 RSSA.

RVStrayKatz · 10-08-2018, 09:21 PM

Chad,
Thanks for the links to all your install info, I’m sure it will come in handy. I’m not planning on starting this until next spring but once I get into it I’ll post some updates.

RVStrayKatz · 10-08-2018, 09:27 PM

Wingnut60,

Fell kinda funny calling a guy wingnut..... Thanks for the info, I am familiar with AM Solar, I have sourced a few parts from them over the years. The only part of the install I may need help with is tying in the sub panel / inverter. On my last coach my insurer suggested I have that work done by a licensed electrician and to have it certified. A bit of a but covering exercise.

**wingnut60** · 10-08-2018, 10:35 PM

I'm not sure a licensed electrician is versed in solar installs, but maybe its mostly the same stuff. Where are you located?

Notanlines · 10-09-2018, 06:12 AM

Straykatz, I feel kind of funny calling someone Straykatz, I have to ask you about this sentence: "my insurer suggested I have that work done by a licensed electrician and to have it certified" How did your insurer know about this? Inquiring minds want to know....

porkchop · 10-09-2018, 08:59 AM

Regular licensed electricians do VERY, Very little work with solar of any type. And who "certifies" his work?

Bill

RVStrayKatz · 10-09-2018, 10:06 AM

Hi all;

Well I discussed this electrical modification with my insurance guy just to insure it would not be an issue should I have a claim. He was clear that it wasn’t a concern unless we had an electrical fire and then a DYI job may be an obstacle. To be clear in Canada 🇨🇦 elections are licenced and can certify electrical wiring as code compliant and safe. This was the role of the electrician I hired for the job, to tie the system into the mail panel of the RV and to certify all the modifications were in compliance with code. In having the work certified I have insured there would be no problems with coverage.

porthole · 10-09-2018, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Heiser

The other thing I had DRV do for me was run all the 12 volt wiring to one compartment (the door side battery compartment) rather than splitting it between the two battery compartments like they normally do with their standard large inverter installation.

Based on your suggestions that is one of the things I requested along with proper SAT coax wiring.
Neither got done.

I am currently in the process of doing the electric stuff. I guess one good thing about they way the wire in the big inverter. I had ordered 10' each of red and black 4/0 wire. There was enough 4/0 in the rig that I could have saved the money. Even though I am moving the batteries (5) to the front closet and replacing all the interconnecting cables, I still have about 20' of 4/0 left (10 & 10).

porkchop · 10-09-2018, 04:17 PM

Electricians in MOST of the US are also required to be tested and licensed. There are a few isolated areas that have no requirements.
I have heard of no one that is allowed to "certify" his own work to be safe and code compliant. Kind of defeats the purpose in my opinion. That's why we have inspectors, who are members of the International Association Of Electrical Inspectors. There are Canadian members, however I do not know if it is a requirement or not. I have been a card carrying member since 1982.

Bill

RVStrayKatz · 10-09-2018, 06:52 PM

Hahaha, great comeback😅

RVStrayKatz · 10-09-2018, 06:57 PM

Yep, your 100% correct and its exactly the same here. I had the electrician do the work cuz I’m not familiar with the code and did’t want to have to fix a bunch of stuff and then get the inspector back. Money well spent in my view as now the modifications have an inspection certificate so closed a loophole insurance companies will use if they can.

**wingnut60** · 10-10-2018, 10:19 PM

Did you happen to notify the ins co of the extra value of the solar install in case of catastrophic loss? Did they increase the premium?

RVStrayKatz · 10-10-2018, 10:54 PM

I have replacement cost insurance and have listed the solar system as optional installed equipment. Listed cost is 10 grand. Yes the premium goes up as the replacement costs go up. I have full timers insurance so it wasn’t really that bad. I pay $200 monthly for a replacement cost of $225 grand.

Jack

**wingnut60** · 10-11-2018, 08:36 AM

Thank you for that info.
Joe