Hey guys,
Found a lot of great info on these forums to help me along with my project. I'm currently converting a short bus into a bicycle hauler/camper. Anyways like a lot of people I have a question regarding creating a basic 'house' battery setup.
My power needs will be pretty basic for the house battery. I'm looking to provide power for a 1000w or so inverter for charging laptop etc, 4 or so 12v LED lights, and a Fan-tastic roof vent. No fridge or pumps etc. My bus is diesel and has two starter batteries that I would like to keep separate for the house system. I'm hoping develop a system that will charge off a solar panel, the alternator and also be able to plug into 120v power when available. I'm wondering how exactly I will tie in all these charging options most efficiently and easily? Like most I have a pretty basic understanding of this stuff. So I guess my questions are;
1. Do I connect to the alternator directly or tie into the starter batteries? Is this a smart idea or even necessary for my needs?
2. Are there solar chargers/controllers that allow for plugging into 'shore power' as well?
On average the bus will be driven daily but besides long travel days mostly shorter trips stop and go etc. I hope to be able to sustain via solar/alternator for atleast a few days in a row. Any suggestions or comments would be awesome. Again amazed by the knowledge on these forums! Thanks
Corbett
Found a lot of great info on these forums to help me along with my project. I'm currently converting a short bus into a bicycle hauler/camper. Anyways like a lot of people I have a question regarding creating a basic 'house' battery setup.
My power needs will be pretty basic for the house battery. I'm looking to provide power for a 1000w or so inverter for charging laptop etc, 4 or so 12v LED lights, and a Fan-tastic roof vent. No fridge or pumps etc. My bus is diesel and has two starter batteries that I would like to keep separate for the house system. I'm hoping develop a system that will charge off a solar panel, the alternator and also be able to plug into 120v power when available. I'm wondering how exactly I will tie in all these charging options most efficiently and easily? Like most I have a pretty basic understanding of this stuff. So I guess my questions are;
1. Do I connect to the alternator directly or tie into the starter batteries? Is this a smart idea or even necessary for my needs?
2. Are there solar chargers/controllers that allow for plugging into 'shore power' as well?
On average the bus will be driven daily but besides long travel days mostly shorter trips stop and go etc. I hope to be able to sustain via solar/alternator for atleast a few days in a row. Any suggestions or comments would be awesome. Again amazed by the knowledge on these forums! Thanks
Corbett