I need off-the-grid power ~2000W. My Jaco Freedom poptop already has a standard small discrete system - just to power the lights. A consultant wanted to design a new discrete system replacing everything.
a) How do you get the solar panel cable from a Jaco Freedom poptop to the battery power system
b) Can the power system be housed inside an aluminum box external mounted on the drawbar
c) Can you plug the caravan 220V from the inverter directly to the caravan external power
d) can you plug a campsite 220V directly to the power system be housed inside an aluminum box
e) what will a 2000W system typically cost
f) the caravan has an internal battery system mainly for lights. Can it still remain in the caravan such that when I sell, I only remove the power system housed inside the aluminum box external mounted on the drawbar.
Who can I consult about this? Preferable someone who is a caravan off-the-grid electrician, that is both 220V and 12V caravan installation certified.
What do you intend to do with this 2000W?
What will be the total energy consumption on a daily basis?
How do you propose to recharge it?
How do you propose to store it?
Cheers,
Peter
Firstly, what does your system currently exist of? Solar panel wattage, Battery management system , battery type and size?
When you say your consultant wants to replace everything, what components has he specified to be installed? At what cost?
What is the wattage of the largest appliance that you propose to use or a combination of two appliances?
To answer your questions.
a) Solar cables can be run internally or externally in cable conduits. Internally preferably using cupboards where possible.
b) It can but when you say power system do you mean battery, solar charge controller, 240v charger, DC to DC charger and inverter?
c) It is possible to run a cable with an RVD installed from an inverter to the caravan 240V inlet. I and many other do it this way.
d) Possibly but it depends on the proposed use. Generally you would run the site power to your caravan 240V inlet. Then look at a way of providing power to your power station if for instance it consisted of a 240V charger.
d). Sometimes a reasonable cost and sometimes an arm and a leg. It is just a matter of who sees you coming and Im serious on that. A system is not costed on the size of the inverter as that is just one component.
Peter has asked what you power consumption is, that being what you propose to use and for how long per day.
Sometimes a portable power station is the best solution for some people and even a portable solar panel where it is difficult to put solar on the roof or they can be used as a supplement to the system. Flexible solar panels may be the best option for you if you want solar on the roof as they are fairly lightweight.