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The sample systems I've configured here are just that - samples. You may not agree that they are the best combination
of components for your particular situation. Everything is a tradeoff when it comes to RV's and this area is no different.
However, these should give you a good place to start when you configure your own system.
High-end System
For the individual who boondocks a lot,
and wants a technically superior system, that is easily expanded. This is a top-end
system that no one would be unhappy with. Cost is not the major consideration - it is not cheap. If you really push
your system and need the best, then this is (argueably) it.
- Outback FX2012 Sine Wave Inverter 2000 watt/50 amp passthru
- Outback MX60 PV charge controller (MPPT)
- Outback Mate Monitor
- 4- Kyocera KC-120 (or 125’s when available) Solar Panels. Hook them in series/pairs if long wire runs. Best price/size/performance
tradeoff. You can add lots more panels with the 60 amp controller.
- 6 – LifeLine GPL-4C 6 volt AGM batteries (660 Ah rating) or
6 – Trojan T-105 6 volt batteries (675 Ah rating)
Medium System
For those who want good performance, but
price is more of a consideration. The system is not as easily expanded as the high-end system.
- Xantrex RS2000 Inverter (on 30 amp system), or RS3000 Inverter (on 50 amp system). Both are Sine Wave.
- Xantrex SCP (System Control Panel), and Trimetric 2020 monitor.
- Blue Sky Solar Boost 3024i charge controller (30 amp MPPT). Can handle
24-volt input. Do not buy the remote display. If you want more expandability there is a 50 amp version.
- 3 - Kyocera KC-120 (or 125’s when available) Solar Panels. Best price/size/performance tradeoff. You can add
one more panel with the SB3024i controller.
- 4 – Sam’s Club 6 volt Golf Cart batteries (410 Ah
rating). Expand to 6 if you need more reserve, but you will probably want to go with an extra solar panel if you have 6 batteries.
Economy System
For those who want good performance,
but price is the major consideration. The system is expandable, but uses lower-cost components.
- Heart (Xantrex) 458 Modified Sine Wave Inverter 2000 watt/30 amp pass thru.
- Trace C40 charge controller. PWM controller, not an MPPT. Can handle 24-volt input.
- Link 1000 Monitor. Has cummulative amphours.
- 3 - Kyocera KC-120 (or 125’s when available) Solar Panels. Best price/size/performance tradeoff. You can add
three more panels with the C40 controller.
- 4 – Sam’s Club 6 volt Golf Cart batteries (410 Ah
rating). Expand to 6 if you need more reserve, but you will probably want to go with an extra solar panel if you have 6 batteries.
If I were building a new system for myself
I would build the medium system with the RS2000 inverter (I would add a sub panel to use with my 50-amp RV). I would add an
extra solar panel (4 total), and use 6 batteries.
My current system is the economy system,
with a Heliotrope 30 amp PWM charge controller and four KC-120 panels.
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