mtncrawler
Active member
Looking ahead at my next electrical systems upgrade, now that I have my basic system in place. Currently have the Kisae DMT1230 charging (alternator) my 2 (6V), 220AH Lifeline batteries.
My plan is to definitely add solar (200-250 watts) - most likely 2, 100W panels - as the Kisae already has the MPPT solar charge controller. Roughly a $200 add (making my own mounting brackets).
Then comes the question of inverter. My main purpose would be charge my MB Pro of 2011ish vintage - so I can't charge via 12VDC using the MagSafe. Costly laptop upgrade, so it's leading me down the path of installing an inverter. I may actually use it for other small appliances, so based on my battery bank size and potential uses - eyeballing a 1000W (which is a bit on the larger size for my battery bank). More specifically the Kisae 1210 PSW 1000 Watt model ($180).
Once my head goes down this path - I start to think/consider - do I need the ability to charge/run my system from A/C. Kisae makes another 1000W PSW inverter/charger for around $400.
I rarely (if ever) camp at sites that have power hook ups to take advantage of the A/C, but thinking more in terms of plugging in at home (winter?) to be able to maintain batteries if solar charging is weak (winter/Pacific NW travel)
For those that have and inverter, with solar and alternator charging only - and maybe choose to camp places that have little access to AC - do you wish you ever had the inverter/charger ability?
I'm looking at another $200 to just make the move ($400 total) - or not. For the price of the inverter/charger - I could do just the inverter and solar panels.
It's probably one of those things I'm overthinking - but as I'd like to "be done with it" I just wanted to get some feedback specific to my system. Anyone care to share your experiences with the same decision and similar system uses/sizes?
My plan is to definitely add solar (200-250 watts) - most likely 2, 100W panels - as the Kisae already has the MPPT solar charge controller. Roughly a $200 add (making my own mounting brackets).
Then comes the question of inverter. My main purpose would be charge my MB Pro of 2011ish vintage - so I can't charge via 12VDC using the MagSafe. Costly laptop upgrade, so it's leading me down the path of installing an inverter. I may actually use it for other small appliances, so based on my battery bank size and potential uses - eyeballing a 1000W (which is a bit on the larger size for my battery bank). More specifically the Kisae 1210 PSW 1000 Watt model ($180).
Once my head goes down this path - I start to think/consider - do I need the ability to charge/run my system from A/C. Kisae makes another 1000W PSW inverter/charger for around $400.
I rarely (if ever) camp at sites that have power hook ups to take advantage of the A/C, but thinking more in terms of plugging in at home (winter?) to be able to maintain batteries if solar charging is weak (winter/Pacific NW travel)
For those that have and inverter, with solar and alternator charging only - and maybe choose to camp places that have little access to AC - do you wish you ever had the inverter/charger ability?
I'm looking at another $200 to just make the move ($400 total) - or not. For the price of the inverter/charger - I could do just the inverter and solar panels.
It's probably one of those things I'm overthinking - but as I'd like to "be done with it" I just wanted to get some feedback specific to my system. Anyone care to share your experiences with the same decision and similar system uses/sizes?