Inverter/charger set up

[clybbert975]

Hey everyone! I'm just setting up my AC electrical system and I'm getting around to getting an inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch. Anyone know a really efficient setup? Possibly and all in one unit, or if its really cost efficient multiple units? I'd just really like to know what you guys got along with prices? I'm thinking I want something with at least 2000 watt capability. Help a brotha out! Thanks

[superdave]

go to ebay and search inverter charger. I'm using the zantrex 2000 watt model.

[clybbert975]

Originally Posted by superdave

go to ebay and search inverter charger. I'm using the zantrex 2000 watt model.

How much did you find one of those for?

[Motrukdriver]

If you have a truckstop near by check there. I used a 2500 watt inverter in my semi truck for years to power everything. Fridge, microwave, TV, directv box, laptop charger, coffee pot, etc... For a 2500 you'll need two 12vdc inputs from your battery bank. Dunno about a 2000 watt. I prefer the Cobra inverters because they have an optional remote on/off switch you can mount in an easy access place instead of having to turn the inverter on and off at the unit itself. I'm sure others have that feature as well, I just don't know about them.


https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-CPI-A20...QHTEJSYDM7N19K

[clybbert975]

Hey thanks dude!

[superdave]

I got mine used, they come with a panel that has a battery meter and an inverter meter. the best thing about a dual inverter/charger is the charger. if you have deep cycle batteries it will put up to 100 amps charging into the batteries when you plug into shore power or a genny. deep cycle batteries require a charging cycle to keep from ruining the batteries.i live off grid so when my batteries are low I need to charge them up fast from a genny and not screw around waiting on a crappy car charger.

[clybbert975]

Awesome suerdave! What inverter charger do you have? How much?

[superdave]

xantrex 458 currently. I just bought this Schneider Electric Conext SW 4024 120/240VAC Inverter/Charger | eBay
going 24 volt, got 6 new solar panels and a new outback flexmax 60 charge controller for the house. I'm putting the 3 260 watt panels that I put on my house in 2011, the mx 60 outback charge controller I got in 2005 and the xantrex inverter/charger in the bus along with 6 new 6 volt batteries.

[warewolff]

With these inverter chargers, you guys have shore power directly connected to the ac input, batteries connected to the main positive and negative, and ac outlets wired to ac out? The auto switch between using shore power / charging batteries is generally automatic and internal, no?

Not to thread jack but do you just put a 40 amp fuse (for a 30 amp application) between shore and the inverter to protect your rig from burning down?

[superdave]

The shore pedestal or genny will have a breaker. On the inverted side my current one has 2 15 amp breakers. Some do. Some dont

[International]

Originally Posted by warewolff

With these inverter chargers, you guys have shore power directly connected to the ac input, batteries connected to the main positive and negative, and ac outlets wired to ac out? The auto switch between using shore power / charging batteries is generally automatic and internal, no?

Not to thread jack but do you just put a 40 amp fuse (for a 30 amp application) between shore and the inverter to protect your rig from burning down?

Very good advice. Can explode and burn down house and also electrocute you. Solar can be safe if we do it right.

Skip to about 2:00minute part.

I like youtube lots of info on that site.


https://youtu.be/HVaawubUMo4

[Bluespoet]

Don't forget to look at marine salvage too. I have two old but good xantrex inverter chargers paid 10% of new cost for them. One is used, one was installed on a brand new mega yacht, but they changed mfg so they pulled mine out and replaced it with the new mfg.

[clybbert975]

Wait what do you mean? Do xantrex have life time warranties or something? Can I just buy a banged-up broken one offline and then send it into Xantrex and they'll give me a new one for free?

[superdave]

xantrex is just a good brand, they put them in a lot of m h. the bigger the battery bank the bigger the charger you need. when looking for a inverter/charger also look at the charging amps, if you have a big bank go for a charger with at least 75 amps dc.

[Bluespoet]

Originally Posted by clybbert975

Wait what do you mean? Do xantrex have life time warranties or something? Can I just buy a banged-up broken one offline and then send it into Xantrex and they'll give me a new one for free?

Inverter/Chargers depreciate quickly, so I was able to buy a $3500 new cost xantrex inverter/charger for $350. It has never been used, I realize you misread my post, all I was saying is that they depreciate 90% on the used market, same with my Xantrex Freedom inverter/charger, paid 10% new cost for it used. This is their top of the line stuff, not the little ones you plug into the cigarette lighter. A big advantage for me is that they have 3 stage charging, which is important if you are bringing back a dead battery pack or battery with Epsom salts.

[clybbert975]

So where can I buy a xantrex for that cheap? And whats a good model to be looking for? I'd love to spend just 350 bucks and something that great!

[Bluespoet]

Originally Posted by clybbert975

So where can I buy a xantrex for that cheap? And whats a good model to be looking for? I'd love to spend just 350 bucks and something that great!

I got both of mine off craigslist with the amp hour meters. The larger one is 24v pure sine wave and weighs a ton and the other one is a marine 12v. They are charger/inverters. This was quite some time ago, but older inverter/chargers depreciate fast, however they will do the job they were made to do and they were made in Arlington, WA not China if that means anything. I cannot compare with the new China ones, but I suspect using new technology, but I don't know and definitely alum windings compared to mine which are copper, but do we care?

[dadto5]

I have a Xantrex XM1800 from another application. I route shore power into it via the picture attached....I switch between genny/shore by unplugging the 110AC from the Genny and that becomes my shore power line.

This unit will automatically cut off when battery power drops below a programmable voltage, switch over to AC when available, charge DC if AC is available. It really is a nice little unit. I have not used it in any solar applications. That's for summer 2018.

Remember with inverters they have mounted close to the battery, you can't run DC wires a long distance. You can run your AC wires long distances.

Looking at marine salvage is a great idea. Hodges Marine sells the XM1800 for $305.00

[milkmania]

Originally Posted by dadto5

I have a Xantrex XM1800 from another application. I route shore power into it via the picture attached....I switch between genny/shore by unplugging the 110AC from the Genny and that becomes my shore power line.

This unit will automatically cut off when battery power drops below a programmable voltage, switch over to AC when available, charge DC if AC is available. It really is a nice little unit. I have not used it in any solar applications. That's for summer 2018.

Remember with inverters they have mounted close to the battery, you can't run DC wires a long distance. You can run your AC wires long distances.

Looking at marine salvage is a great idea. Hodges Marine sells the XM1800 for $305.00

Looks like the one in your Hodges link...
inverter

[clybbert975]

I'm still a little confused on buying salvage? So I can buy a dead inverter then what?