Minor update.
Purchased a Schneider XW Pro inverter for the trailer. It's way oversized for what it'll need to do in the trailer. But I thought about it will probably sit most of the time in the driveway doing nothing but collecting sunlight. It got me thinking during our last power outage. What if, instead of a generator, or using my brother's trailer which we put a small solar setup with a 1K inverter in and used it to keep the refrigerators going during the outage, if my larger trailer with planned much larger solar install, of I used it to literally power the whole house. Maybe even during normal times when there is no outage too.
Installing solar and tying it into the grid like many have os a pain to do now. Pay back takes 20 or more years. Requires an approved PoCo installer. Can't get net metering unless you use the PoCo approved inverters, solar and other equipment. Once you have the system approved you are very limited on modifications. Or how much extra solar you're allowed to add later. And adding a battery to the system is a whole nother set of complications. Doing it yourself here is exceedingly difficult or requires knowing some inside people. So that's off the table
My idea is to run it just like a backup generator. Basically a transfer switch to switch the breaker box from the grid to the trailer. But to be able to pull it off I'd need an inverter that was capable of power my whole house. Running the numbers, it should take about 6-7 years to pay off.
I was originally planning on using a Samlex EVO-4248SP. I nice inverter.for sure. Quite capable. But the capacity is cutting it close. It would be able to power most everything in my house except if we where to turn on the oven or stove (electric). Then with the other loads and add the oven on top it will overload it. So I needed something with a bit more grunt but still reliable and robust.this is where the Schneider XW Pro comes in. The Samlex unit goes for about $1400-1500. Schneider is running a sale on their inverters. Originally closer to $5k now only $1370 and free shipping. Sold. Purchased one before there out.
Additional bonus. I get to keep this system and bring it with me as needed. I can use it to back up anyone else's house or have infinite power when out camping or boondocking with the trailer. It should effectively take me off grid without getting me in hot water with the utility company
Need to pick up some batteries and solar panels. But at least I have the inverter for a very good price. And it just arrived today
I might need to get me another holding tank for fresh water. My original plan was a tank or barrels on the upper deck to hold the fresh water. But with the larger batteries needed and large inverter. I'm not so sure I'll have the room. Plus maybe a good idea to keep the water further away drom the batteries
I'm looking at putting the new tank right behind the one I already have installed. It will be a little tight. Gets close to the axle. But I think there will be enough room. Another bonus is keeping the dynamic loads like water down low for better stability
