diy solar

diy solar

Generator input for off grid Wisconsin planning system?

Do you have access to grid power? Thats what they are plugging into!
which I assume charge when they pull up to sites with power and plug in. What I am trying to do seems similar.
Click to expand...
 
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I've had larger (Honda EU3000Si) & now I use 2 smaller Honda EU2200Si units. Smaller is far more flexible & aids in conserving fuel. They can also be acquired one at at time as funds dictate & they are easy to cart to remote places..
 
salzbj01 said:
Also just thinking there must be another device. A camper has batteries which I assume charge when they pull up to sites with power and plug in. What I am trying to do seems similar.
Click to expand...

RV's and campers often use a converter.
There is also an inverter/charger with built in transfer switch.
There is also a class of product called "all in one" which is an inverter/charger/solar charge controller/transfer switch.
But since you already have an inverter perhaps just get a standalone charger.
 
More clarification

I have a 24 volt solar system with 4 panels and 2 BB's (off grid). I have all the parts and am assembling slowly. Quick question aside from initial build post.

I have seen on other videos where they fire up the generator for a bit. I would simply use a Honda EU1000 if needed during fall cloudy cold weather.
Or in my case if panels get covered with snow etc. Yes, I will have them at a steep angle in the winter.

Could I use a Victron Blue Smart Charger somehow? Or do I need something else? I woud like ot hook directly into my board or system so I can simply go out, fire up generator a bit if and when needed.

My current 24 volt system (main parts) I have and am about to start setting up board/plan (this info may be helpful):

-Epever MPPT Solar Controller 40A
-Giandel 2000W Pure Sine Inverter
-2-Battle Born LiFeP04's
-400 watts of HQST panels
 
Bob142 said:
Yes, pretty sure that's an inverter/charger in the video. I don't see how that works otherwise.

Ditto to getting a standalone charger.
Click to expand...
I thinking maybe "Some" inverters may have a 110 in as well as out? Which maybe how these systems work.
 
I think you can:

1) Buy an external 24V charger and just run an extension cord from your EU1000 to it to charge your batteries on the occasions you need to (probably least expensive option since you would only be buying the charger. The example charger I posted a while ago is $99 and pushes 10A. There are a lot of other options out there.)

2) Replace your inverter with an inverter/charger that has an automatic transfer switch. Then wire that up so that you have the appropriate generator input jack on the side of the cabin. In this scenario you still fire up your genny, run an extension cord and plug something in when you need to charge the batteries. The inverter/chargers w/ATS aren't cheap. Here's an example:

EDIT:
www.ebay.com

Samlex 2200w Pure Sine Inverter/charger - 24v Evo-2224 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Samlex 2200w Pure Sine Inverter/charger - 24v Evo-2224 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

There are a ton of options on that front as well.
 
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Bob142 said:
I think you can:

1) Buy an external 24V charger and just run an extension cord from your EU1000 to it to charge your batteries on the occasions you need to (probably least expensive option since you would only be buying the charger. The example charger I posted a while ago is $99 and pushes 10A. There are a lot of other options out there.)

2) Replace your inverter with an inverter/charger that has an automatic transfer switch. Then wire that up so that you have the appropriate generator input jack on the side of the cabin. In this scenario you still fire up your genny, run an extension cord and plug something in when you need to charge the batteries. The inverter/chargers w/ATS aren't cheap. Here's an example:

www.ebay.com

Samlex EVO-2224E 230V Pure Sine Inverter Charger With Battery Charger | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Samlex EVO-2224E 230V Pure Sine Inverter Charger With Battery Charger at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

There are a ton of options on that front as well.
Click to expand...

Is that unit split phase as in 2 legs of 120VAC?
 
Thanks you guys! So, I have my Victron Blue Smart Charger as an option, but I would assume I would have to disconnect batteries to charge or figure out some main shutoff switch. I assume I cannot charge while in series?

I really like this transfer switch idea https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-TS-30-Automatic-Transfer/dp/B00153EYTO. I will read into it more and follow up with thoughts. Thanks again, hopefully I can learn all the jargon and be better at explaining things as we go! I really appreciate the help from everyone!
 
salzbj01 said:
So, I have my Victron Blue Smart Charger as an option, but I would assume I would have to disconnect batteries to charge or figure out some main shutoff switch. I assume I cannot charge while in series?
Click to expand...

Is your charger 12 volt or 24 volt?
Also what amp rating?
 
smoothJoey said:
Is your charger 12 volt or 24 volt?
Also what amp rating?
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I have the 12 volt ordered. Looks like they do have a 24 volt option. I'll look into the 24 and how that could be hardwired in.
 

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I use a backup charger from Progressive Dynamics. They have them for LA/AGM/GEL and Lifepo4.,12 and 24v options. Used to charge RV batteries when connected to shore/generator. I chose it when I upgraded to lifepo4 from LA rather than replacing my inverter/charger altogether.
 
Newenough said:
I use a backup charger from Progressive Dynamics. They have them for LA/AGM/GEL and Lifepo4.,12 and 24v options. Used to charge RV batteries when connected to shore/generator. I chose it when I upgraded to lifepo4 from LA rather than replacing my inverter/charger altogether.
Click to expand...
Thanks Newenough! I will check this out.
 
What I liked about the PD unit is it has a 110v plug for the input side and +/- lugs for cables on the other. 5 min setup. Even though my batteries are lifepo4 I got the LA one. It puts out a constant 27.2v and was $100 cheaper than the lifepo4 unit. As its a backup source that was fine.
 
Newenough said:
I use a backup charger from Progressive Dynamics. They have them for LA/AGM/GEL and Lifepo4.,12 and 24v options. Used to charge RV batteries when connected to shore/generator. I chose it when I upgraded to lifepo4 from LA rather than replacing my inverter/charger altogether.
Click to expand...
These come in 12 volt. Not sure if I can connect in my 24 volt series?
 
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