C-Cat
Well-known member
I'm getting ready to downsize from our huge older Class A to a Class C with better maneuverability and to give me more boondocking options. I have spec'd out my new solar system, but I'm not sure about the Inverter. Our Class A had an older but well working 2000 Watt Inverter, which almost met all our needs (it was not a pure sine, which gave us a few problems, but overall it worked), so we didn't have to worry about it. Most Class C's (particularly the older model years) don't come with an Inverter, so I will need one.
Right now I plan to invest in 320 watts of panels (2*160w and upgrade option for another 2) with a 700 watt capable MPPT controller and likely feeding 2 deep cycle batteries at first (or 4 if the price is right).
My loads are 2-3 Laptop computers and a few small devices (I work from the road), a bigger external monitor (this one is a power hog and sometimes I leave it off) and maybe the microwave from time to time (and I would like to not have to worry about tripping the Inverter with all these loads at the same time). Some day in the future I may want to run a small window ac or something like that, but that will need to wait until I can upgrade the battery bank and solar system later.
Now the actual question: right now I'm thinking one 3k pure sine serving the whole coach, or should I rather splurge on a bigger boy (4k+) to have some more reserve capability (and so that once I upgrade the battery bank I don't have to worry about having to upgrade the Inverter again).
Or should I go with something smaller (and upgrade it later), or even 2 Inverters (a small one for the computers and a bigger one for the other loads)?
Sorry for the long story...
Chris (C-Cat)
Right now I plan to invest in 320 watts of panels (2*160w and upgrade option for another 2) with a 700 watt capable MPPT controller and likely feeding 2 deep cycle batteries at first (or 4 if the price is right).
My loads are 2-3 Laptop computers and a few small devices (I work from the road), a bigger external monitor (this one is a power hog and sometimes I leave it off) and maybe the microwave from time to time (and I would like to not have to worry about tripping the Inverter with all these loads at the same time). Some day in the future I may want to run a small window ac or something like that, but that will need to wait until I can upgrade the battery bank and solar system later.
Now the actual question: right now I'm thinking one 3k pure sine serving the whole coach, or should I rather splurge on a bigger boy (4k+) to have some more reserve capability (and so that once I upgrade the battery bank I don't have to worry about having to upgrade the Inverter again).
Or should I go with something smaller (and upgrade it later), or even 2 Inverters (a small one for the computers and a bigger one for the other loads)?
Sorry for the long story...
Chris (C-Cat)