Hi
Sounds like you and the kids are in for a real adventure. Good Luck!!!
Before I continue, you will need to learn how to live the "SOLAR LIFESTYLE". Keeping an eye on your electricity is needed or your battery $$$ will go down the drain. Kids included in the learning!
I could go into great detail here, but I think it would scare you more than encourage you. My thoughts are to tackle your project one requirement at a time. So, first off I need a little more information from you.
- What is the model/size of your TT (just to get an idea as to how much roof real-estate you have)
- Model of SOLAR panels (sticker is usually on the sides)
- Is the future location for your TT in a sunny, shaded area or mixed area? (used to figure out your roof wiring plan to use SOLAR Prewire, maybe, and is SOLAR the way you want to go)
- TT has 30 or 50 Amp service?
- Type of refrigerator in the TT? Residential? Gas/Electric?
- Need much heat up there at night?
- Are you planning on a back-up generator? ( in Oregon I would probably recommend at least a small one) If there are a lot of cloudy, rainy or SHADY days up there in Oregon you will need to, on occasion, supplement the SOLAR with a generator for those "Lack of SUNSHINE" long periods.
The simple part is done. You have the SOLAR panels. Now starts the configuration of your system which will take a little planning. Don't panic.
Project from a 30,000 foot view.
SOLAR Charge Controller: 1000 watts of SOLAR, you will need at least a 60 Amp MPPT model. I am partial to the MorningStar brand and have the MorningStar TS-60 MPPT charge controller with remote meter. There are many other mfr's out there with great products, and I am sure some of the other members will make suggestions. Usually 900 watts of SOLAR is the limit for some controllers, MorningStar 60 amp MPPT controllers will work with 1000 watts. Input and output specifications of the controller need to be reviewed.
Batteries: Normally, I would recommend no less than 400 Amp Hours of battery power for a project like this, but since this will be a main residence, with some time periods with a lot of clouds (using 2 days of little or no sun as a number), I would recommend that you have at least 600 Amp Hours of battery power (The more the better), of which you can only use 300Amp hours (battery 50% rule). You can use your microwave (best if you use it mostly during times when your panels are producing peak power). Popcorn at night is no problem. Coffee pot, no problem. TV usage will not be an issue.
INVERTER: I have a 1500 watt PSW (Pure Sine Wave) and have yet to max it out. I would recommend an 1500-2000 watt PSW inverter. Don't opt out for a non-PSW model (cheaper), your electronics will thank you.
INSTALLATION: There are 2 parts to the installation of your system. Electrical and physical mounting of the panels/electrical equipment (properly). The electrical equipment (controller, inverter, batteries) can be done by a QUALIFIED electrician that understands DC voltage requirements. As mentioned earlier the inverter can hit your batteries for 80 -100 Amps when the microwave is in use, so the cables need to be sized to carry that load from the batteries to the inverter..... The SOLAR panels, need to have the mountings sealed properly to avoid the possibility of leaks. Regular caulking is not an option here.
As I mentioned we can tackle each of the above items and others not mentioned, one at a time to make it easier on you.
I have no idea as to what your budget is so, it is difficult to make recommendations, but here is a list to follow;
1 - Purchase a SOLAR Charge Controller
2 - Purchase the batteries you need. 6 volt batteries are your best bet if you can afford them.
3 - Purchase an Inverter. I would recommend a 1500 or 2000 watt PSW inverter (microwave will be the biggest load)
4 - Figure out where you can mount all this equipment as close to the batteries as possible.
5 - Think about an electrician to do the project.
6 - Make yourself a Brandy-Manhattan (my favorite) to help with reading my response.
If you ever build a cabin on the property, you can always move the SOLAR panels and equipment to the cabin.
You can send me a PM if there is anything specific you would like to know.
Good Luck, we are here to help!
Don
My Registry
RVing with SOLAR