Question regarding 20 amp solar plug/power consumption

[lunchbox]

Hello,

This is a question in regard to buying a Solar system. I have a 2016 357bhs with a solar hookup built in on the front of the trailer. If I were to buy a system and hook it up while hooked up to a 50 amp service, would it reduce my overall power consumption from the main 50 amp service? I ask because some places have us pay for electricity, others don't. Best case I would want to supplement with solar if the electrical system is smart enough.

[Rock64]

Following, good question


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[TucsonJim]

No, it will not. You have two separate electrical systems in your fifth wheel. There is a 12VDC system which provides power to items like your lighting, furnace fan, etc. There is a totally separate 120VAC systems for powering things like your air conditioners, TV, wall outlets, etc.

Solar charging systems are typically made to charge the 12V batteries. It provides direct current and not 60hZ Alternating Current.

The only way you could reduce your electrical requirements with solar is to build a large battery bank that will power an inverter which will then provide the 120VAC. This is not typically enough power to run an air conditioner though. You can then use solar to charge the battery bank.

Jim

[lunchbox]

No, it will not. You have two separate electrical systems in your fifth wheel. There is a 12VDC system which provides power to items like your lighting, furnace fan, etc. There is a totally separate 120VAC systems for powering things like your air conditioners, TV, wall outlets, etc.

Solar charging systems are typically made to charge the 12V batteries. It provides direct current and not 60hZ Alternating Current.

The only way you could reduce your electrical requirements with solar is to build a large battery bank that will power an inverter which will then provide the 120VAC. This is not typically enough power to run an air conditioner though. You can then use solar to charge the battery bank.

Jim

Awesome, thank you for the input. It sounds like the cost of doing something like that would likely take years to actually make up in power consumption. I know decent batteries are expensive and then the solar/inverter would be quite a bit. Good to know so I don't go down a rabbit hole like this.