Single mom raising kids off grid

We live in the Maritimes of Canada. For safety reasons I cant get any more specific than that. We live full time in two RVs. A 40 foot park model and a 35 foot travel trailer. I'm trying to build a system to support both units, all on my own. Would really appreciate some guidance.
We were homeless earlier this year for 5 months. I dont ever want to be that afraid again.

I have 12 230w panels and the 48v all in one converter. Other than purchasing the smaller items needed, I need guidance in the right wiring to purchase and batteries.

I look forward to expanding my knowledge and interacting with other solar enthusiasts!

Welcome! A park model is generally in a fixed location, so are planning a permanent system or a portable one? That's a lot of panel! This a very friendly and helpful place, so no worries. This is always a great place to start:

New Mexico Will said:

Welcome! A park model is generally in a fixed location, so are planning a permanent system or a portable one? That's a lot of panel! This a very friendly and helpful place, so no worries. This is always a great place to start:

Beginner Video Playlist

New to Solar? Watch these videos! They will help you understand the basics :) If you are a complete beginner and want to understand the basics of electricity, watch this video: If the video above was too easy and you want to understand how to calculate and size various components in your...

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Definitely permanent! We have about 100 acres. Totally off grid. Before last month the property never had a civic address. Just wild land. No well, no power, no buildings. Not even used as a camp site.
Ive been watching all the videos that pertain to my situation and setup, just a few questions left to work through.
We have so many panels cause I want the ability to expand, since my father will retire here as well as a few other people moving to the property.

I appreciate you so much, your videos gave me the courage to live in an RV off grid and provide for my children.

Do you have a sense yet of how much wattage you'll need? How many lights, appliances, etc., and their power needs you'll be supporting?

The sun can be a bit scary too . Sure your up to it?

While a few here seem to make an obvious choice controversial, youre going to probably want lifepo4 batteries if youre going 100% solar. You need half as much capacity, half as much solar, and dont need to worry about filling them completely everyday. But you do need to keep them from freezing with RV holding tank heating pads.

How much is needed depends on what youre trying to do. You have enough solar for a single AC if you get lifepo4, or 2 ~12k btu high efficiency split duct units.

Another option is a generator with a starter. It can be autostarted by your controller when voltage gets low to makeup a lot of solar. And it would allow for lead acid. Wind turbines would as well.

But we need more info

RVingOffGridWithAnxiety said:

I appreciate you so much, your videos gave me the courage to live in an RV off grid and provide for my children.

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I appreciate the sentiment, but different Will. It seems to happen a lot. Maybe I should change my name to "Not That Will"?

Ped is on point. If you can post the specs of your panels (should be stickers on the back), and exactly which all in one you have, that will help us help you. Also, a full/esrimated energy audit is in order so that you have a goal!

RVingOffGridWithAnxiety said:

We live in the Maritimes of Canada. For safety reasons I cant get any more specific than that. We live full time in two RVs. A 40 foot park model and a 35 foot travel trailer. I'm trying to build a system to support both units, all on my own. Would really appreciate some guidance.
We were homeless earlier this year for 5 months. I dont ever want to be that afraid again.

I have 12 230w panels and the 48v all in one converter. Other than purchasing the smaller items needed, I need guidance in the right wiring to purchase and batteries.

I look forward to expanding my knowledge and interacting with other solar enthusiasts!

Click to expand...

Hello,
I'm in San jose, Ca, just finised my 48v Off Grid system,
Here is my setup :
- 375w REC solar panel x 9 ( Total 3375 w )
- Midnite Classic 150 Charge controller
- Meritsun 48v/200AH Lifepo4 battery Powerwall ( Total 10Kwh )
- 48v/7000w/120v ac Reliable Inverter
It's been running very nice, power a whole home ( 1200 Sq ) all day and night
For the total price less than $9000 Usd, pretty good deal,