I used 2 Li-Time LiFePO4 100AH batteries wired in parallel, a Victron 1000w inverter, and a Victron 100/50 solar charge controller.  I have 4 DC 15A car charging ports, 8 30A powerpole connectors, a DC charging port, and a solar charging port.

Works very well!  Tried charging while using my HF radios and there was absolutely no noise from the solar charge controller - that's a big bonus!!



Running an AC unit:

Interesting - What are the specs of the solar array that you’re using?

Do you have the batteries set up as a 12-volt system or a 24-volt system?

I’ve only dabbled with solar power so far - have been disappointed by a 100 Ah deep-cycle AGM battery that did not last very long, and have considered getting some LifePO4 batteries (but everything is expensive, and I’m a bit concerned by possible problems with using and/or charging the batteries under low-temperature conditions, as I’d like to keep them in a converted doghouse rather than inside my house - maybe an auxiliary heater inside the doghouse plus some foam insulation would do the trick - as you’re in Florida then I guess that wouldn’t be a concern for you).

Also good to know that the charger is RF-quiet (since I’m also a ham radio operator).

I haven’t looked at the YouTube pages directly - have you posted a diagram of your system and a parts list (with specific model numbers) there?

Looks pretty slick.   Here is the one I built this summer for powering my pellet grill.

Attached File

Attached File

Attached File

This is a 12v system.i would have loved to use 24v but the batteries were just to large, so I kept it 12v but made it 200AH instead. I bought two Rockpals 200w panels and made a parallel cable. So far with testing with mediocre conditions I've been pleased with the results. At 400w it would be about 25a max. Of course we never see the actual rating of the panels. I used a larger charge controller just so I have room to upgrade if I need to.

I don't have schematics or parts list yet but can put one together in a bit.

Nice! Looks good!

Batteries - https://www.litime.com/.  I used 2 100AH 12v batteries.  They recently came out with smaller ones.  They have robust BMS built in.  They do sell versions that offer temperature protection.  I didn't need that since I'm in FL
Panel mounts - I bought all from http://www.powerwerx.com

https://powerwerx.com/panelpole-panel-mount-powerpole-black-dual
https://powerwerx.com/panelpole-panel-mount-powerpole-black-single
https://powerwerx.com/panel-mount-cigarette-lighter-socket-automotive
https://powerwerx.com/panelpole-goal-zero-panel-mount-powerpole
https://powerwerx.com/panel-mount-blue-switch

Stuff from Amazon:

Battery switch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XYQBFLT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Distribution block: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07THLYYH3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Battery monitor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BC4Q3P26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Inverter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P7RNRJ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Solar charge controller: Victron 100/50 MPPT - bought this used off of ebay for a great deal!
ABS black plastic sheet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7MFSTNP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Other stuff
Solar panels: https://www.rockpals.com/products/rockpals-200w-portable-solar-panel
Pelican container: https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/blowout/bx80-dkgry-pelican-bx80-cargo-case-dark-grey

Also bought other things like wire, crimp connectors, screws, etc.  The big stuff is above.  You can go budget with some of the items above to cut costs - I wanted the best I could afford, so I went with Victron for my charge controller and inverter.

Thanks for that info!

That will help in my research and planning.

Nice work!