Budget Friendly
Handtruck Solar System
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Anyone can build it!
You can throw this into a RV or Van, or even a closet. Easy to move and very powerful. |
Choose an Inverter:
(Different brands, same manufacturer. My Favorite is the 5000W)
$699 for 3000W
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$764 for 5000W
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Choose a 48V Battery:
Both are fantastic! But one has communication, and the other has a built in screen. These are the best I have tested this year:
Vatrer:$899 for 5kWh
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Ecoworthy: $839 Click Here to Purchase Version 3 |
Get a Handtruck:
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Hand Truck From Harbor Freight: Click Here to Purchase
Everything else you will need:
- AC Input Cord: Click Here To Purchase
- AC Output Cord: Click Here To Purchase
- Outlet Box to Attach Loads (better choice versus the cord above): Click Here to Purchase
- 10 AWG MC4 Extension Cable (connect any solar panels to this system with this cable): Click Here to Purchase
- Solar Disconnect Switch: Click Here to Purchase
- Tie Down Strap: Local Hardware Store
- Screws/Bolts to Mount Everything: Local Hardware Store
Put it all together!
Wiring this system takes minutes:
The battery cables come with the EG4 all in one. Strip the ends, insert in the terminals and tighten it down with a screw driver.
You can use any 48V server rack battery you wish! |
The AC connections are dead simple as well. Here we have one appliance cord for the AC input, and a surge strip connected to the AC output. As long as the proper color wire is in the proper terminal, you are set!
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Easiest Method To Connect Loads: Outlet Box!
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These are fantastic! Instead of adding a load panel, breaker, romex and outlets, just buy this instead!
Connect it to the inverter output with 6AWG THHN (you can buy this at any hardware store) or by clicking here You can purchase the outlet box by clicking here |
If you need to run 12V loads, add a converter:
These golf cart converters have a 48V input, and a 12V output. The 12V output in the picture above is connected to a 12V fuse block to add loads. You can find a converter for any size you wish!
48V to 12V Converter: Click Here to Purchase |
Add an MC4 Extension Set to Connect Solar Panels
This is the proper configuration for connection
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Recommended Solar Panel Array
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The biggest difference between this system and a traditional 12V system is that the solar panel string voltage is much higher. This system requires 120VDC at the PV input for it to charge.
If you buy 400W solar panels, put at least 3 in series. 4-8 is recommended for this system though. Do not exceed 500VDC at the PV input! Click Here to See What 400W Solar Panels I Recommend |
Have a small or low voltage solar array? No problem!
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Ever wondered how I charge my golf carts 48V battery with a small 50W solar panel? The answer is a boost MPPT charge controller. This device allows you to charge higher voltage batteries with a low voltage solar panel.
This is great for those people who do not have enough space on their RV or Van's roof, but want to still use a 48V system for reduced cost and increased efficiency. Click Here to Purchase Or you could avoid spending more money on this charge controller by using higher voltage panels. There are some nice 200W panels by rich solar that can be put into series. As long as you get the voltage above 120VDC you, you can use whatever solar panels you wish! |
Need alternator charging? No problem!
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You will need a dedicated and externally regulated 48V alternator. This will reduce stress on your vehicles charging system which is not designed to charge large, deeply discharged solar batteries. Most overland and van building shops will add these alternators to your van or rv easily.
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