1600 Watt Solar Install

LaMigra · 10-21-2021, 05:07 AM

I recently visited with Slopok at his Kingman residence and after seeing the solar system we had installed, he encouraged me to post the solar upgrade to our 2019 37RB. So here it is:

Last year, we had Continuous Resources located in Price (now Huntington, UT) install 1600 watts of solar on the roof of our Seneca. Here is some of then components that were installed.

8 200 watt solar panels installed, on the roof - 1600 watts
2 Victron Muliplus 24/3000/70/50 inverter chargers, 120V, giving us a total of 6000 watts.
Victron Lynx Distributer 1000A DC distribution system.
Victron 50A SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 x 2
6 Lion Energy 105amp hr Lithium Batteries

Plus a lot more wiring and various other components. All of our outlets run off the inverters at 120V. We can run one AC for about 5-6 hours and 2 ACs for about 3 hours, just off the batteries and inverters.

We have had very few problems with the system and most of the issues were user error. The owner of Continuous Resources has been very responsive and provides great customer support.

Happy Trails and Safe Travels

bluztoo · 10-21-2021, 06:06 AM

Sweet. Going this direction. For starters I'll leave the inverter connected to four outlets. I know I should blow up the whole system since I already own a Multiplus, and connect all my AC through. Not ready to tear out the original wiring for several reasons. You have the setup down for sure. Best.

Vista · 10-21-2021, 09:50 AM

Nice info, I appreciate it.

It is missing one critical piece however:

CO$T?

SloPoke · 10-21-2021, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaMigra

I recently visited with Slopok at his Kingman residence and after seeing the solar system we had installed, he encouraged me to post the solar upgrade to our 2019 37RB. So here it is:

Last year, we had Continuous Resources located in Price (now Huntington, UT) install 1600 watts of solar on the roof of our Seneca. Here is some of then components that were installed.

8 200 watt solar panels installed, on the roof - 1600 watts
2 Victron Muliplus 24/3000/70/50 inverter chargers, 120V, giving us a total of 6000 watts.
Victron Lynx Distributer 1000A DC distribution system.
Victron 50A SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 x 2
6 Lion Energy 105amp hr Lithium Batteries

Plus a lot more wiring and various other components. All of our outlets run off the inverters at 120V. We can run one AC for about 5-6 hours and 2 ACs for about 3 hours, just off the batteries and inverters.

We have had very few problems with the system and most of the issues were user error. The owner of Continuous Resources has been very responsive and provides great customer support.

Happy Trails and Safe Travels

Being raised in a family of electrical contractors, and my education in electrical engineering - I have to say that your Seneca is the most "rock-solid" RV in regards to AC power I have ever seen. I am still wrapping my head around all of the things that this system does - and especially about what it completely eliminated.

Some features that are not apparent to the casual reader is that there is a constantly available source of AC power to the ENTIRE SENECA without any interruption when switching from Shore power to Generator to Battery. The same system charges the LiFePo batteries and draws from them. That in itself is what we strived for when we installed the various UPS units that power Stacy's Office, My office and our Dish/TV/AV units, but yours takes it to another level covering the AC units and more.

It was a fantastic day meeting you, we had a great time!

Oh... BTW - post some pics of the drivers side bay with all of the Victron equipment in it...

LaMigra · 10-24-2021, 01:29 AM

It wasn't cheap, the cost was right around $9500.00.

LaMigra · 10-24-2021, 01:31 AM

We are finishing up the FMCA rally in Tucson and heading to Casa Grande tomorrow. I will take pictures and post them in a couple of days

ARoamer · 10-24-2021, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaMigra

It wasn't cheap, the cost was right around $9500.00.

Actually that's not a bad price considering what you've got installed. Figures out to $5.93 / watt. I figured my cost was $6.56 / watt, and I sourced the parts and did the install. At about 1/3 of your setup's watts, mine only runs one leg, similar to being on 30 Amp service. Most outlets work, and I -could- run 1 AC for maybe 2 hours, but running AC wasn't my goal, just toast, coffee, microwave, and power for DW's blow dryer.
Other than the lithium batteries, my major cost of the install was a Sensata 2400 watt Low Frequency inverter. Built like a tank and just about as heavy as one. I had issues using the cheap high frequency inverters.

Vista · 10-24-2021, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARoamer

Actually that's not a bad price considering what you've got installed. Figures out to $5.93 / watt. I figured my cost was $6.56 / watt, and I sourced the parts and did the install. At about 1/3 of your setup's watts, mine only runs one leg, similar to being on 30 Amp service. Most outlets work, and I -could- run 1 AC for maybe 2 hours, but running AC wasn't my goal, just toast, coffee, microwave, and power for DW's blow dryer.
Other than the lithium batteries, my major cost of the install was a Sensata 2400 watt Low Frequency inverter. Built like a tank and just about as heavy as one. I had issues using the cheap high frequency inverters.

Fair enough, but something can simultaneously be "not cheap" and also "not a bad price".

Point being, this type of (very nice) setup is not cheap.

Don't want to derail the thread much on this topic. Looking forward to pictures.

LaMigra · 11-09-2021, 12:16 AM

I apologize for not posting pictures. We closed on a new home and have been moving in. Pictures to follow.. Soon.

Jagiven · 11-09-2021, 08:05 AM

Sounds very impressive. Do you have an electrical diagram?

Sounds like 2 more batteries, and you could make it through the night with the ac unit.

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