• Have you tried out dark mode?! Scroll to the bottom of any page to find a sun or moon icon to turn dark mode on or off!

diy solar

diy solar

Tie RV Solar system to house?

OutOfApplication

New Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2025
Messages
3
Location
USA
I have a solar system on my RV that I installed many years ago. It consists of three 300 watt panels in series , a magnum dimensions Hybrid inverter and a small 4 battery lead acid battery bank of 6v Golf cart batteries. The system has worked beautify while camping, but the camper sits at home most of the year with these solar panels doing nothing, Could I do some DIY grid tie inverter to have the camper back feed the house to help a tiny bit offset my electricity usage? I'm looking for a plug in type solution, not something requiring inspections & permits. Is there any way to utilize this power from the RV?

Thanks!
 
It wouldn't be a grid-tied situation, unless that inverter is capable of it.
But you can add a generator inlet and a small sub panel for the things you want to power from it.
 
Well… IF you had a grid tie capable inverter, you could disconnect your panels from the rv system, and power a tiny trickle backfeed, most rv stuff is under 400W, and most homes have that much in parasitic loss from microwaves, and tvs etc always plugged in… (of course, UNPLUGGING them, would lower your bill too…

IF your power company ever senses your backfeed, you could face charges, etc…

Tim’s idea gives you backup power, and he ability to run loads off the battery instead of the grid.
 
Maybe a good approach would be a Reliance (or similar) Critical Loads Panel (CLP) with an exterior genertor plug.
The OP could put a suitable plug from the RV to the exterior plug, and use an actual generator in a storm situation - grid down -as well.
all legally and all that.
 
I've thought of trying to run some loads from the RV Battery bank, but I would need some type of auto switch to switch these loads back to the grid should the batteries run low. If there were a DIY small grid tie solution, I'm quite sure I always have enough draw that I would never back feed the grid.
 
a magnum dimensions Hybrid inverter
A hybrid inverter would be able to do it. If you are sure you can avoid exporting.
Getting caught will probably be very unpleasant. But that wouldn't provide battery backup, except in the RV.
 
I've thought of trying to run some loads from the RV Battery bank, but I would need some type of auto switch to switch these loads back to the grid should the batteries run low. If there were a DIY small grid tie solution, I'm quite sure I always have enough draw that I would never back feed the grid.
don't back feed to grid at all without an agreement - ya just asking for trouble there.

either use a CLP and manually switch or get a small inverter with built in ATS to switch for you.
 
I've thought of trying to run some loads from the RV Battery bank, but I would need some type of auto switch to switch these loads back to the grid should the batteries run low. If there were a DIY small grid tie solution, I'm quite sure I always have enough draw that I would never back feed the grid.
Get an amp meter and at night when nothing is running, see how much draw you have on each leg of your panel… I bet it drops below 100W several times a night.
 

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top