Hello to this group as I am new to solar. I am preparing to set up a Ford E350 van as a combo, communications vehicle as well as a part time camper. My main reason for a 48v set up is I have amplifiers for ham radio that use 48vdc as well as radios that require 12vdc. In the past I have used a 8kw generator to provide power to my DC power supplies, 240vac-48vdc and 120vac-12vdc with lots of noise. I recently was part of a zoom presentation where a fellow ham used 48v in batteries to take the current load of his 48v amp/s and used a small Honda inverter generator to keep the batteries float voltage up off as well as provide a charge. I am thinking of doing the same thing but using solar as well.
The EG4 all in 1 looks like it would fit quite well with my plan. I would use (4) Odyssey ODX-AGM31M batteries as that is what I have currently, later changing to LiFePO4 batteries. The inverter would handle all my AC needs (laptop, rotator, possible 120ac-12vdc power supply, (might be more efficient to use a DC to DC converter). My question is what would be the best panels for the top of the van? It would be a blank slate and this is an extended E350 van so a bit of room for panels.
I do not need to 100% rely on solar panels as I will use a small (quiet) generator as well, acting as shore power whenever needed. The occasional camping would include a ICECO VL60 (or similar) minimal lighting that could be 48vdc, I am still looking into this.
The loads I would be using are still a bit of a mystery as this is new setup for me and receiving radio takes only a fraction of power vs. transmitting with 1000 watts of power intermittently. I will look into this power consumption more.
The last question only radio operators would know is if there is equipment/panels I should stay away from due to RFI.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jamie
The EG4 all in 1 looks like it would fit quite well with my plan. I would use (4) Odyssey ODX-AGM31M batteries as that is what I have currently, later changing to LiFePO4 batteries. The inverter would handle all my AC needs (laptop, rotator, possible 120ac-12vdc power supply, (might be more efficient to use a DC to DC converter). My question is what would be the best panels for the top of the van? It would be a blank slate and this is an extended E350 van so a bit of room for panels.
I do not need to 100% rely on solar panels as I will use a small (quiet) generator as well, acting as shore power whenever needed. The occasional camping would include a ICECO VL60 (or similar) minimal lighting that could be 48vdc, I am still looking into this.
The loads I would be using are still a bit of a mystery as this is new setup for me and receiving radio takes only a fraction of power vs. transmitting with 1000 watts of power intermittently. I will look into this power consumption more.
The last question only radio operators would know is if there is equipment/panels I should stay away from due to RFI.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jamie
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