Install solar with existing converter

dieseldave

Hello
I'm installing a solar system on my 23 ft motor home and I'm looking for a wiring diagram that would shut off the solar charging when I plug into shore power or fire up my Onan generator. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be most appreciated. Thank You,, Dave

Estragon

You wouldn't typically shut off solar charging when on shore/generator power. Having multiple charging sources is generally not a problem.

An AC inverter/charger with an internal transfer switch would recognize and qualify incoming AC shore or generator power, switch from inverting to charging mode, and go through its charging regimen according to its programming.

With limited solar typical in mobile applications, it iftem makes sense to bulk charge (up to ~75-80% state of charge) in the morning with the generator, and let solar finish with mid-day sun.

dieseldave

Thanks for the reply and information.
I am running an inverter separate from charger/ converter. I don't have an inverter/charger with an internal transfer switch. I'm looking for a schematic or wiring diagram where I can add some sort of transfer switch to the 120v circuit breaker box that will shut off the converter when I'm boon docking and charging the batteries off of the solar panels. I'm trying to avoid powering up the converter when I'm powering up the 120v panel from the inverter.. I can build a switch in to turn converter off and on but it's just one more switch to remember to throw.

mcgivor

A transfer switch, auto or manual could be used, it has two inputs which could be shore power and inverter power. One would be prime with the other backup, the outputs are commoned which could feed a distribution panel. This setup has one shortcoming with using an inverter as one source, that being it will not turn the inverter off when the other source takes command, be it prime or backup because it relies on AC to provide the signal. This would require the inverter to be switched off manually when not required as well as needing to be turned on prior to, or after transfer, depending if auto or manual. It is possible to make a manual transfer with two circuit breakers, linked with a bar one being upside-down but there is a risk of both being in an on state, but for the cost of a purpose made device such as this
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/2016-New-220V-400V-AC-63A_60488793790.html?spm=a2700.7724857.normalList.49.40a46c5e0I27k8
which is what I've used to transfer between two inverters by programming one to go to sleep overnight, to allow a small backup inverter which is on 24/7 to take over the low load hours. For less than $20 which is what I paid as part of a larger order it seemed good value, not worth making one. The example is for reference purposes, always ensure the certificates are accepted in your area of use. The wiring is very simple if this is something that will work for you.

Estragon

Transfer switch wiring diagram:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/Transfer switch interface.pdf

mcgivor

Estragon said:

Transfer switch wiring diagram:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/Transfer switch interface.pdf

The diagram is for an inverter with an AC input, selection being between grid or generator, the proposed application is, if I'm not mistaken, to select between shore and inverter.