Small RV system load test.

bobby99 · May 2015

I was working to resolve a question I had in the Solar Beginners Corner forum, and decided to load test my small RV offgrid system. I have approx. 500W 66V 8A total from panels feeding 45A Tristar MPPT and 400Ah 12V AGM battery bank with 1500W pure sine inverter. I have both controller and inverter fused and connected straight to the battery terminals with 0AWG 100% copper welding cable / wire. I turned on the inverter and ran air conditioner, refrigerator/freezer, and microwave while using a clamp meter to read amps from different cables. The highest amp readings that I measured were 29.54A from the Tristar to batteries, and 162A from batteries to the inverter. Not sure how these numbers compare to similar tests for similar size systems, but I wanted to share these number in case anyone finds this information helpful.

The original issue that I was resolving is related to the speed that the green led on 45A Tristar MPPT flashes at different volts and amps. That thread in Solar Beginners Corner forum can be found here: http://forum.solar-electric.com/forum/solar-electric-power-wind-power-balance-of-system/solar-beginners-corner/338623-mppt-and-inverter-question

Photowhit · May 2015

Pretty tiny system to try to run a fridge on, add an A/C and I would hope you have other sources of energy?

scrubjaysnest · May 2015

Actually a pretty large system for a small RV. Most small RV's tend to be around 300 watt or less since places to mount panels can be a problem. Even so, I wouldn't want to try and run those loads myself.

bobby99 · May 2015

My normal daily use is only 50-60Ah, so I can get daily recharge with just few hours of sun. I did this load test just see what's the highest output I can squeeze from the system. I don't normally run the a/c at all, and I use propane for my fridge. And yes, there would be very little space left on the RV roof for any additional panels, if I would need more panels for some reason.

scrubjaysnest · May 2015

Did you look at my post here: http://forum.solar-electric.com/forum/solar-electric-power-wind-power-balance-of-system/caravan-recreational-vehicle-and-marine-power-systems/24060-the-nest-and-its-solar-setup?p=338505#post338505
on how I did my load testing and results?

Small RV system load test.

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