thebeavesknees
New Member
Hi. I'm Matt, AKA The Beave, and I'm trying to decide on an AIO for my home, a 27' travel trailer. Currently, I have a very typical 30A single phase setup, mostly as is from the factory. (I've had to replace several outlets and the main inlet, thank you quality control!) I will be installing a decently capable solar system centered around the 4 REC Alpha panels I bought for a steal locally. 
As you can see, the Voc is 48.9V. The Isc is 10.3A. The panels will be installed in pairs, fore and aft, leaving the middle of the roof around the AC unit clear. These are very large panels, at least compared to the ~200W Amazon specials I was originally planning to run. I cannot fit more of these on the roof easily, but could eventually get 2-4 smaller panels shoe-horned to the sides of the AC, IF I keep the rooftop unit. (More about that in a bit.)
So, since I have 4 panels, I have two basic configuration options:
4S or 2S2P. Given the position of my trailer and the fact I don't move with it much, running it 2S2P to help get more production when there is inevitable shading would be nice, but, that limits what units I could use effectively. Running 4S would allow me to use more "modern" units, but possibly at the cost of less production. But, I'm very new to this and am not sure. (Hence my asking questions.)
I have decided to run a 48V system. I would like at least a 3kw inverter with decent surge capacity. Compactness is a bonus, since space is tight. I don't have much space to dedicate to this as my trailer is not as spacious as others.
Things to consider:
I will install a minisplit next year. I have not decided on which unit, and this might determine the system I'd need to run it. If you have input on a good unit that runs off of 120V, it's quiet, and also has EXCELLENT heating performance, I would like to know. If not, I may elect to go with my neighbour's offer to get me a good price on a Mitsubishi. (He runs his own HVAC company and is an all around good dude.) They aren't cheap, and the better units require 240V split phase, which is totally doable, but come as the additional cost of space and expense. Being able to heat and cool my home without as much grid input or propane runs would also be very much appreciated.
I like redundancy and scalability. Starting with a smaller system that can grow if needed is paramount, but, if someone can point out a reason to jump up to something like a 6 or 6.5kW unit, I am open to suggestions.
I've already made my peace accepting that I'll need to install something like an EG4 chargeverter since it makes everything simpler if I need to run a generator.
Since I'm not sure exactly where I'll end up in the next two years, I would like a unit that is very tolerant of the sometimes trashy grid power in RV parks.
I'm not looking to spend Victron money.
I'm not worried about overloading a 3kW inverter with my usage as the worst of the draw I have is if the AC starts while my microwave (which I might replace with a larger countertop oven/air-fryer) is running. The water heater is currently run on propane. Unless I'm putting out the awning or slide, the 12V system runs my lights and compressor fridge. (The 12V system will be kept intact. I intend to install the inverter as the main inlet to the OEM wiring to keep all the RV systems normally functional, and I'm aware that there will be some "unnecessary" conversion losses inverting 48V DC to 120V AC to 12V DC, but, this is the simplest and cleanest solution.)
So, what are your thoughts? At the top of my list is the MPP 3048LV-MK. It's inexpensive, stackable for more capacity or 240V split phase, readily available, and seemingly well supported.
I'm not exactly impressed with the Growatt offerings.
EG4 still sketches me out, mostly due to how badly botched SS's service has been for so many forum members. I do like the paper specs of their 3K, and it would be nice, but not necessarily needed, to have very excellent inverter to battery communications.
Taking into account that I don't have a perfect panel alignment, do not have space for more panels at the moment, don't "need" much more capacity that a good surge with 3kW, and like redundancy, is there anything wrong with my top pick? Will I need to worry about the Voc going too high in the winter with the 3048LV-MK if I run 4S? (I'm in SE PA and if I move, it will be much further north, to NH or Maine.)
Thanks for your time in reading this. I hope to have a productive discussion!
As you can see, the Voc is 48.9V. The Isc is 10.3A. The panels will be installed in pairs, fore and aft, leaving the middle of the roof around the AC unit clear. These are very large panels, at least compared to the ~200W Amazon specials I was originally planning to run. I cannot fit more of these on the roof easily, but could eventually get 2-4 smaller panels shoe-horned to the sides of the AC, IF I keep the rooftop unit. (More about that in a bit.)
So, since I have 4 panels, I have two basic configuration options:
4S or 2S2P. Given the position of my trailer and the fact I don't move with it much, running it 2S2P to help get more production when there is inevitable shading would be nice, but, that limits what units I could use effectively. Running 4S would allow me to use more "modern" units, but possibly at the cost of less production. But, I'm very new to this and am not sure. (Hence my asking questions.)
I have decided to run a 48V system. I would like at least a 3kw inverter with decent surge capacity. Compactness is a bonus, since space is tight. I don't have much space to dedicate to this as my trailer is not as spacious as others.
Things to consider:
I will install a minisplit next year. I have not decided on which unit, and this might determine the system I'd need to run it. If you have input on a good unit that runs off of 120V, it's quiet, and also has EXCELLENT heating performance, I would like to know. If not, I may elect to go with my neighbour's offer to get me a good price on a Mitsubishi. (He runs his own HVAC company and is an all around good dude.) They aren't cheap, and the better units require 240V split phase, which is totally doable, but come as the additional cost of space and expense. Being able to heat and cool my home without as much grid input or propane runs would also be very much appreciated.
I like redundancy and scalability. Starting with a smaller system that can grow if needed is paramount, but, if someone can point out a reason to jump up to something like a 6 or 6.5kW unit, I am open to suggestions.
I've already made my peace accepting that I'll need to install something like an EG4 chargeverter since it makes everything simpler if I need to run a generator.
Since I'm not sure exactly where I'll end up in the next two years, I would like a unit that is very tolerant of the sometimes trashy grid power in RV parks.
I'm not looking to spend Victron money.
I'm not worried about overloading a 3kW inverter with my usage as the worst of the draw I have is if the AC starts while my microwave (which I might replace with a larger countertop oven/air-fryer) is running. The water heater is currently run on propane. Unless I'm putting out the awning or slide, the 12V system runs my lights and compressor fridge. (The 12V system will be kept intact. I intend to install the inverter as the main inlet to the OEM wiring to keep all the RV systems normally functional, and I'm aware that there will be some "unnecessary" conversion losses inverting 48V DC to 120V AC to 12V DC, but, this is the simplest and cleanest solution.)
So, what are your thoughts? At the top of my list is the MPP 3048LV-MK. It's inexpensive, stackable for more capacity or 240V split phase, readily available, and seemingly well supported.
I'm not exactly impressed with the Growatt offerings.
EG4 still sketches me out, mostly due to how badly botched SS's service has been for so many forum members. I do like the paper specs of their 3K, and it would be nice, but not necessarily needed, to have very excellent inverter to battery communications.
Taking into account that I don't have a perfect panel alignment, do not have space for more panels at the moment, don't "need" much more capacity that a good surge with 3kW, and like redundancy, is there anything wrong with my top pick? Will I need to worry about the Voc going too high in the winter with the 3048LV-MK if I run 4S? (I'm in SE PA and if I move, it will be much further north, to NH or Maine.)
Thanks for your time in reading this. I hope to have a productive discussion!
