My system is:
1.(3) Kyocera KC-130 panels (26" X 56" 7.39 amps each)
(1) Go Power GPR-25 charge controller (25 amp capacity with digital volt/amp readout.
8 deep cycle batteries to store the power.
(This system allows me to run almost indefinitely, as long as I use the webasto bunk/block heater system for heat)
RV style A/C unit with a heat strip.
A base model inverter for the large appliances, and a pure sine wave inverter for the delicate electronics.
2. A back up 65 amp alternator that runs off the engine to help charge the batteries, if the sun refuses to come out for 2 or more days.
3.1,500 watt gas genny (very quiet honda) to help boost the batteries if I am sitting and don't want to run the truck engine.
This is what I can remember, I have the spec's for the whole system at home. I had the system spec'ed for the ability to stay self powered for up an indefinite amount of time,(cause I'm a freak about that,..its the survivalist in me,..LOL)
I have been able so far to stay parked for 3 days without having to run my main engine, in the middle of summer and have the sleeper at 65 degrees.
For hot water I just had a on demand unit that runs off a small RV propane tank (it will heat 950 gallons with only a tank the size of a gas grill tank). I'll let you know how that works,..or doesn't
I am debating on putting an LP gas genny in place of the gasoline unit, but the smallest they sell is a 2800 watt, and the fuel consumption is higher than I like, and the honda is so quiet, I can barely tell when its on.
(its a pain sometimes to have 3 types of fuel on board)
Believe it or not, this whole system (power, not hot water) was less $$ than the cheapest APU, and so far I have used it for 2 years, and only had to replace the aux. alternator. (the bracket cracked and the unit shredded a belt and pieces went into the alternator).
It weighs in at around 900lbs, I could lighten it up by removing a couple of batteries, but I will probably just go with the super singles this summer, because my tires are about ready to be replaced.
The great part is when I an sitting for a couple of days, and another driver will ask me what kind of APU I have, because "it's so quiet".
The panels are on my flat roof, and the A/C unit is a basement model RV, so even though the side boxes on my truck are full to the limit, you really can't tell what is there.
|