GotSkoolied
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2019
- Messages
- 2
Hi everyone - I thought it was time for me to finally post instead of just lurking about ?
After reading about the appliance fluctuation issues, the question I have is....is it better to just have an "overkill" setup?
We have a 'window licker' Short bus ? & I've been reading (& watching videos) for almost a year about what system we need/want.
The bus came with a complete Brand new 12v Renogy system - but I would like to be able to eventually *hopefully*charge an electric golf cart & small water heater... But it's not needed at this time...yet.
After reading the Prowse "Solar Bible" I knew the 12v system wouldn't work for the golf cart & such & that we definitely needed a 24v system...so I sold the whole shebang & made a list of what I think will work for now (bigger where needed *Inverter & Charge ctrllr*) but I can always add panels/batteries when (if) the golf cart happens.
In the beginning we will just have:
4.5CF fridge - a Ninja Foodi cooker - very small microwave - CPAP - 12v led strip lighting - 39"TV - surround sound - router/internet stuff - battery powered tools for basic repair - USB to charge phones/tablets (may also charge USB stuff off vehicle while driving). I do have a "kill-a-watt" to test the items as we get them. From what I've read the system (see list) I'm setting up should have no problems running these things.
I've made a shopping list on Amazon - sharing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1L8MTS026SJMU?ref_=wl_share
I've got 2 different Charge Controllers & need help deciding which is best for me (price is DEFINITELY a factor)
I'll be getting (3) 160W panels (cheaper than (2) 300W panel) & it puts us over the 400W mark that we can add to later.
I'm also getting 2 of the 100ah Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries - also can add to later.
I was going to use 8ga wire since the 24v saves me some cash there... Can I go smaller? Bigger? Should I?
We're lucky enough to have a friend who is a field supervisor with our local power company who is coming over to hook everything up & teach us & our son the "how to's"... Teach a man to fish...
I think we've gotten all the basics from Will & all you awesome people here & at Skoolie.net...we couldn't have gotten this far with all of you... So thank you
Now comes the fun part...putting it all together. I'm actually going to try & post to our new blog so you can see what I'm doing right (& wrong) in the hopes that others can get the same help I do from the blogs.
Hubby & I battle some illnesses that can make us have to 'take a break' once in a while... Slow & steady wins the race LOL ?
I'm looking forward to hearing from you what I should add/delete to my list.
Thank you in advance for letting my pick your brains...
Magz
After reading about the appliance fluctuation issues, the question I have is....is it better to just have an "overkill" setup?
We have a 'window licker' Short bus ? & I've been reading (& watching videos) for almost a year about what system we need/want.
The bus came with a complete Brand new 12v Renogy system - but I would like to be able to eventually *hopefully*charge an electric golf cart & small water heater... But it's not needed at this time...yet.
After reading the Prowse "Solar Bible" I knew the 12v system wouldn't work for the golf cart & such & that we definitely needed a 24v system...so I sold the whole shebang & made a list of what I think will work for now (bigger where needed *Inverter & Charge ctrllr*) but I can always add panels/batteries when (if) the golf cart happens.
In the beginning we will just have:
4.5CF fridge - a Ninja Foodi cooker - very small microwave - CPAP - 12v led strip lighting - 39"TV - surround sound - router/internet stuff - battery powered tools for basic repair - USB to charge phones/tablets (may also charge USB stuff off vehicle while driving). I do have a "kill-a-watt" to test the items as we get them. From what I've read the system (see list) I'm setting up should have no problems running these things.
I've made a shopping list on Amazon - sharing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1L8MTS026SJMU?ref_=wl_share
I've got 2 different Charge Controllers & need help deciding which is best for me (price is DEFINITELY a factor)
I'll be getting (3) 160W panels (cheaper than (2) 300W panel) & it puts us over the 400W mark that we can add to later.
I'm also getting 2 of the 100ah Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries - also can add to later.
I was going to use 8ga wire since the 24v saves me some cash there... Can I go smaller? Bigger? Should I?
We're lucky enough to have a friend who is a field supervisor with our local power company who is coming over to hook everything up & teach us & our son the "how to's"... Teach a man to fish...
I think we've gotten all the basics from Will & all you awesome people here & at Skoolie.net...we couldn't have gotten this far with all of you... So thank you
Now comes the fun part...putting it all together. I'm actually going to try & post to our new blog so you can see what I'm doing right (& wrong) in the hopes that others can get the same help I do from the blogs.
Hubby & I battle some illnesses that can make us have to 'take a break' once in a while... Slow & steady wins the race LOL ?
I'm looking forward to hearing from you what I should add/delete to my list.
Thank you in advance for letting my pick your brains...
Magz
Last edited:
