Over the years, I’ve had requests to do a video series showing the installation of a typical boondocking system from start to finish. Something a little more basic than the complex systems I usually show.
In this first video of a multi-part series, I begin a fresh installation of a Renogy-based off-grid power system for my RV. Over the last 13 years, starting with a pair of 100W solar panels, I’ve tested & utilized many Renogy products with good results. I begin with a project introduction, plans, and a quick test of the new battery, inverter, and solar charge controller.
Recently, Renogy asked if I’d like to review their new Solid State 12V Lithium Battery, the Pro S1. I accepted the offer and chose the 240Ah over the 120Ah because it would better suit an off-grid RV system. The 240Ah model has enough output power capacity to easily run appliances like microwave ovens and coffee makers. They also sent out a 2000W Pure Sine Wave inverter complete the task.
Being that I already owned Renogy solar panels and a DC-DC charger, I decided to buy a Renogy 40-amp solar controller to complete the system. I’ve also purchased the wiring, fuses, breakers, and connectors, etc., to safely complete the project. Stay tuned for step-by-step videos, testing, and demos of the new system I’m installing in our fifth-wheel trailer.
Part 1 Video – Intro, Plans, and Quick Test
Part 2 – Roughed-in Installation
In part two of my Renogy off-grid power system installation series, I complete the rough-in installation. I installed the 240Ah battery, 2000W inverter, 60A converter-charger, 40A solar-charger controller, and 40A DC-DC charger in the front storage compartment of my fifth-wheel trailer. I still have some tweaking to do on the wiring and fusing, but I’m happy with the arrangement so far, and I tested the system to make sure everything is functioning as intended.
Stay tuned for part 3, where I will tidy the wiring, install the appropriate fusing for each wire run, and complete the installation.
Installation Part 3 – Detailed Look at Finished Result
In this 3rd video, I provide a detailed look at my latest Renogy-based RV off-grid system build. I go through all the products used, connections, wiring, and circuit protection. In the beginning, there is an overview using a system block diagram, then an in-depth walk-through of the devices and wiring.
Product Links:
- Official Renogy Websites USA or Canada Discount Code: LYRV9OFF
- LYRV&B Renogy System Project Amazon Product List
Longer Term Update after Real World Testing
In this 4th video, an update on how my newly installed Renogy off-grid RV power system has performed after some real-world spring camping.
I’ve been testing the Renogy off-grid power system in my RV for about 6 weeks now, including some early-spring camping in a cloudy, rainy, forested provincial park. I set up the 400-watt portable ShadowFlux panels that I can move around to chase the sun, along with my 940 watts of roof panels wired in parallel. Solar harvest has been limited with all the trees and overcast skies, but even in those conditions, I’m pulling in around 7 amps and staying even or slightly ahead during the day. I rely on my generator plugged into the 60-amp converter charger and the DC-DC charger from the truck while driving to top up the 240-amp-hour solid-state lithium battery. Everything has worked smoothly so far, powering our Starlink, laptops, camera batteries, Instant Pot, toaster, and microwave, etc.
The only real issue I ran into was with the original 200-watt inverter. It would shut down when the microwave entered defrost mode due to the instant current draw from the magnetron, even though the microwave is only rated at 1350 watts. Renogy sent me their 3000-watt inverter, and it handles everything perfectly with no shutdowns. The Renogy Rover 40A controller has performed well, too, though I wouldn’t overpanel it beyond 500 watts, or it starts running hot. Overall, I’m happy with the system for the price, but for my setup with constant loads like Starlink and computers, I’d probably add a second battery for more capacity. Next, I’ll be installing a pair of those ShadowFlux panels on our boat to see how they handle shading from the mast lines.
