Solar with Shore Power

[RayAllen]

Hey Guys and Gals. I’ve been sick with a cold, that said my down time has me thinking about the one thing in my conversion that confuses me. How to run both Solar and Shore power. Independently I understand for the most part how to set them up. However what is the best way to use the same outlets for both sources. Not at the same time obviously, but when available plug into 30amp and when not use my 2000w solar inverter. 1 thought of mine was to basically wire my 120v outlets into basically extension cords. When off grid they plug into the 2000w inverter. When at Shore Power plug them into a designated Shore power outlet of course wired into a grounded electrical panel with appropriate breakers. It makes sense in my head and would be easy, but does this sound feasible. Is there a better way. I do apologize if this is a redundant question. I’ve watched many YouTube videos and researched and I’m just trying to figure this out. Happy Holidays!

[miscrms]

The most straight forward way is to look for an "inverter/charger" that's designed for the purpose. It will have three main connections, DC IN/OUT, AC OUT, and AC IN. They are designed to automatically handle the transition from battery based inverter power to shore power or generator power and charge the battery while surplus AC power is available. The fancier ones can do things like automatically start a generator when the battery gets low, use battery/inverter to supplement the generator when loads are too high, provide split phase 120/240 from either 120 or 240 shore connections, etc.

Other wise you will need an AC transfer switch, or some manual way to switch over as you are contemplating.

[RayAllen]

Thanks for the reply. I think I’ve got it figured out.

[Defjr333]

Be sure to do a power usage calculator to determine your needs. No sense in paying for a 3kW inverter/charger if u only need 1200kW etc. Or buy a 3kW and need 6kW or more. They are not cheap. I went with:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AIMS-Powe...arger/50754204

Doug

[TAOLIK]

Originally Posted by miscrms

The most straight forward way is to look for an "inverter/charger" that's designed for the purpose. It will have three main connections, DC IN/OUT, AC OUT, and AC IN. They are designed to automatically handle the transition from battery based inverter power to shore power or generator power and charge the battery while surplus AC power is available.

Yup that's what I have in mine. Works well, I think. If I understand my system as well as I should my magnum only charges at like 14.4v I believe, so the solar tops off my system at 14.8v.



When the time comes, I think I'm just going to have an extension cord which runs from my genny and make a transfer switch in my "ac in" box. But everyone here probably understands electricity better than me.

[Defjr333]

Same here. Cant see spending $$$ for a transfer switch when I can just plug genny to shore input with a cord. Simple, works, less to go bad/ break, less $$$.
Doug

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Defjr333

Same here. Cant see spending $$$ for a transfer switch when I can just plug genny to shore input with a cord. Simple, works, less to go bad/ break, less $$$.
Doug

It's an easy approach.

Auto-switching is usually used only where you have a remote-start genny and want to switch over from a single panel.

Otherwise, just plug it in.

[RayAllen]

I’m going to have a couple of designated Shore power outlets for those high draw items. The remaining I will be able to switch between either solar or shore. attached is my general plan. May change a bit, but you get the idea.

[PDXTom]

Hi Ray - I’m doing the same thing you were doing - adding shore power to a self-contained solar system. How did you system end up working? I am considering going with an extension cord, but might get a little fancier.

Thanks, Tom

Originally Posted by RayAllen

I’m going to have a couple of designated Shore power outlets for those high draw items. The remaining I will be able to switch between either solar or shore. attached is my general plan. May change a bit, but you get the idea.