pchad, in my particular installation I am not using an ATS/automatic transfer switch so think of my system as 2 separate systems. Shore and solar. Unless I manually trip my solar panel breaker, my solar is always charging my batteries. My converter has a dedicated breaker now so when running off my inverter/solar that breaker is off so the system is not trying to charge the battery with it’s own power. I only turn that breaker on when connected to shore power and only if I need to charge/recover the battery at a higher charge rate than what solar might provide. Think rainy day. The output of my inverter provides a direct wire connection as well as dual 120 volt plugs. I have romex run from the hardwire output on the inverter over to my power cable doghouse and to a metal 30 amp RV gang box . When I am running off of the “solar” system, I simply plug the 30 amp house power cable into that outlet. I’m now running completely off of solar and as long as the converter circuit breaker is tripped, the charger is not creating a charging “loop” and is only being charged by the solar charger.
When I need/want to connect to shore power/generator, I simply unplug the house power cable, insuring that my inverter is switched off (not critical) and just plug the house power cable into shore or gen set.
The big check list item is remembering to trip the charger breaker when running off solar. I rarely need to use the 45 amp house charger so I keep that breaker tripped unless I really need it. My solar tends to more than provide, weather considered.
I’ve recently added a second Renogy Wanderer charge controller to the battery bay and use it with a portable solar panel when needed. I’m currently in the White Mountains of AZ among Ponderosa pines and have been running completely off the single roof panel going on day 3. I am running my fridge off propane though. Afternoon rains limit my harvest so as you’ll find, you need to be realistic and flexible.
I hope this better explains my setup but if not please feel free to quiz away.