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AM Solar
United States
Registrace 25. 03. 2016
AM Solar: RV specialists since 1987. We have more experience with RV power systems than anyone else in the world, and we continue to grow our expertise by pushing the limits of technology.
Our facility in Springfield, OR has two install bays that are busy year-round. We have full power hookups for customers and a showroom where customers can familiarize themselves with the technology. In addition to the installations that take place, we have a growing network of dealers.
Surprisingly, installations only account for a small portion of our business as the DIY installation kits we sell. When you buy a kit from AM Solar, you’ll get everything you need, minus the tools, along with our expertise.
Although our name has “Solar” in it, solar panels only account for about 10% of what we do. Our customers use everything from solar power to lithium batteries to alternator charging and sophisticated inverter systems.
If you are in the market for a mobile power system, check out AMSolar.com.
Our facility in Springfield, OR has two install bays that are busy year-round. We have full power hookups for customers and a showroom where customers can familiarize themselves with the technology. In addition to the installations that take place, we have a growing network of dealers.
Surprisingly, installations only account for a small portion of our business as the DIY installation kits we sell. When you buy a kit from AM Solar, you’ll get everything you need, minus the tools, along with our expertise.
Although our name has “Solar” in it, solar panels only account for about 10% of what we do. Our customers use everything from solar power to lithium batteries to alternator charging and sophisticated inverter systems.
If you are in the market for a mobile power system, check out AMSolar.com.
Custom Overlander Power System
Check out the custom overlander built by Rick Mottern of Rick’s Mobile Service in Bend Oregon.
zhlédnutí: 240
Video
Kodiak Cub Electrical Upgrade
zhlédnutí 209Před 3 měsíci
This Kodiak Cub trailer has been upgraded with 290W of solar on a Victron 100/20 charge controller. The battery bank consists of two 100Ah Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries monitored with Victron SmartShunt. The inverter is a Victron Mulitplus 2000 controlled with a Victron Smart Dongle. This video goes into great detail regarding the Bluetooth controls of Victron hardware.
Why solar experts give conflicting advice
zhlédnutí 695Před 4 měsíci
amsolar.com/rv-solar-news/why-solar-experts-give-conflicting-advice/ If you go on CZcams and search for any type of physical fitness advice, you probably won’t be surprised by how easily you can find a wide range of conflicting views. This is because the human body is extremely complicated, science on the topic is progressing slowly, genetics introduce a lot of variables, and people frequently ...
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zhlédnutí 501Před 4 měsíci
Check out our latest project.
Everything you need to know about RV lithium battery heating
zhlédnutí 1KPřed 4 měsíci
The LiFePO4 cells commonly used in RV lithium batteries will be damaged if subjected to a charging current when they are below freezing (0°C or 32°F). More accurately phrased, they can only take a small amount of charging current when below freezing, but manufacturers play it safe, and most quality batteries have a Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents any charge from reaching the cells...
Class A Motorhome and Trailer Solar System Installation
zhlédnutí 953Před 9 měsíci
Discover one of our greatest solar installation projects yet with this 2008 Class A motorhome and trailer combination. The trailer features 2800 watts of solar going through dual Victron charge controllers, and also includes Battle Born GC3 batteries and a Victron MultiPlus-II inverter charger. Additional features of the installation include an auto-gen start and triple Victron Orion DC-DC conv...
Combiner Box | RV Solar Combiner Box
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 10 měsíci
Our Roof C-Box is the perfect product for housing cable connections from individual solar panels or strings of solar panels. It also covers the roof penetration where conductors are fed down to the solar charge controller. This is the culmination of 15 years of mobile solar expertise. We made a list of everything we wanted in a combiner box, and put it all into this design. If you have a seriou...
Victron Autotransformer System Installation | Arctic Fox Power System Installation
zhlédnutí 2,7KPřed rokem
You want a 240V mini-split that operates on 50A power, 30A power, and off-grid?! We can do that! This is not the most common off-grid power installation we do, but we are definitely up for the challenge. This solar system installation is for a 2023 Arctic Fox 32-5M and is comprised of dual 24V Victron MultiPlus II 3000VA inverter/chargers that feed a Victron Autotransformer (120/240-100A) that ...
AM Solar Team | RV and Van Solar Installers
zhlédnutí 523Před rokem
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Marathon Prevost Power System Upgrade | Prevost Installations
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AM Solar Dealer Network - Off The Grid Camper
zhlédnutí 384Před rokem
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Airstream Dual Inverter System | Airstream Solar Installation
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed rokem
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Victron 5th Wheel Solar Installation | Grand Design Momentum RV Solar Install
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed rokem
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Lisa's RV (Pimp My RV) | Lance Trailer Solar Install
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed rokem
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Dual Inverter System Installation PART 2 | RV Solar Installation
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed rokem
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Dual Inverter System Installation PART 1 | Grand Design Solar Install
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed rokem
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Empty Shell 2021 Mercedes Sprinter Installation | Sprinter Solar Panel Installation
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed rokem
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How To Reset Your Smart Battery Protect Bluetooth Pin | Victron Battery Protect
zhlédnutí 5KPřed rokem
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2020 and 2021 Ford Transit Alternator Charging | Alternator Charging System
zhlédnutí 5KPřed rokem
2020 and 2021 Ford Transit Alternator Charging | Alternator Charging System
Installing the AM Solar Mounting Hardware Kit | Solar Panel Mounting Hardware Installation
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed rokem
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Airstream Globetrotter Solar Installation | Airstream Solar System
zhlédnutí 3,2KPřed 2 lety
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zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 2 lety
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zhlédnutí 8KPřed 2 lety
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AM Solar Education: Panel Specs and IV Curve
zhlédnutí 816Před 2 lety
AM Solar Education: Panel Specs and IV Curve
I have essentially the same rig with Trace Inverters. It’s a Marathon H2 2002 model. Can you contact me back and let me know how we can go about discussing a similar mod to my bus please? BP
In the LifeBlue app there is a page that shows "temperature." What temperature does that show? What temps should I expect to see there during summertime? It is in a camper that is exposed to ambient air.
@@jackg8478 It is the internal temperature of the battery. The information is only useful if you are near freezing or near 120 degrees F.
Hello are you still in business?
Hello, I have 2001 prevost Liberty H3. I would like to have the same system and I would like to put solar panels on the roof. How much is that going to cost me I do not have AC on the roof
Sad to see that your company went out of business. I was ready to place an order.
Sad to see that your company went out of business. I was ready to place an order.
Where are you guys? I'm shuttling NJ to FL. Any idea where this could be done for us en route or at the destinations we travel to?
Best video on CZcams for solar!
Just became a subscriber. Excellent channel. Tried to check out the website, but it appears to be down. Company website doesn't load. Keep up the great work with the content on the channel. 👍👍
Ok but can the music plz
Will a Rooftop RV air conditioner work with this 2x120V or do they need true split phase? I really wish I knew about split phase before buying my RV, but now I've learned so much I feel like I'm nearly ready to be an electrician.
Split phase is only necessary if you have a 240V (220V) AC load, like a well pump or residential laundry appliance, or some aftermarket mini split, not usually intended for an RV. Most RV air conditioners use a single leg of 120V, so this 2x 120V or even a 1x 120V would fine for running an RV air conditioner.
What was the estimated project cost. I have a 2002 Marathon I would like to upgrade.
Cable management just can't be overstated. Good job.
i'm wanting to connect the positive of my inverter to connecting to CCP2, where do I connect the negative????
The chassis, assuming your inverter isn't going to draw more than CCP2 puts out.
@@GarretTowneAMS where do i connect to the chassis from inside the van?
@@ranwayne6441 Anything that is thick metal attached to the frame. I like the bolts that hold the seat down.
@@GarretTowneAMS great thanks
so about the wires, the default length is a bit too long, do you splice new MC4 ends on them to make them tight or do you secure them to the roof in some fashion? What is the best way to manage the wires going from panel to panel?
400 watt. At 12 volt 800 watt at 24 volt on the 100/30
That is correct, as long as you aren't exceeding the 100V input voltage limit of the charge controller.
A really poor design! I own two of the new MP2s with the latest designed screw terminals. I would never own a high current device with those push-in terminals!
When he keeps saying ‘converter’ does he mean inverter or dc-dc charger?
Converter = DC/DC charger
I don’t believe that CCP2 is ignition controlled. It is “cold” when system/battery voltage drops as part of the load shedding logic. If you turn off your ignition, CCP2 stays “hot” until voltage drops. On my motorhome the manufacturer had to remove the batteries and access a specific ignition pin connection.
My Tiffin Class C on a Ford Transit chassis had the same connection error. (House batteries connected to CCP1 versus CCP2) and required a visit to their factory to remedy (Jan. 2023). My motorhome has two lead acid house batteries, so when they ran down, they easily took over 60 amps of charging when the engine was started, causing the 60-amp fuse under the driver's seat to blow. The electric steps were also connected to CCP1, so the problem (blown 60-amp fuse) would have gone unnoticed except that the electric steps stopped working (in the extended or retracted position). Note that there is a Cole-Hersee solenoid in my system that connects the chassis and house batteries when either is a13.2 volts. In my case, Tiffin decided to connect directly to the battery instead of CCP2. I assume that they did this so that the battery "boost" switch that allows the house batteries to start the vehicle in case the chassis batteries are low in voltage would properly function. Another assumption of mine is that if the chassis battery voltage is low (i.e. dead battery) then CCP2 will not be "hot" for load shedding reasons. GREAT VIDEOS. Clear, concise and very informative. (and very helpful)
Outstanding video. Very simple. I’m retired from the Electrical/Mechanical work.
The Victron and Life Blue system you sold me has serviced my well. Your after sale support has been good and if I were buying a new system AM Solar is where I would go.
I know that VHB tape is really strong, but can it handle being parked in the heat we have in Phoenix summers. It's hard to trust something will stay on a roof without bolting it down.
The VHB tape is pretty amazing and the proof seems to be the results. We have been selling thousands of mount sets per year, all over North America (especially in AZ) for over two decades, and there has never been an issue. It probably helps that the mount foot is completely buried in white sealant.
@@GarretTowneAMS They use VHB tape to secure the exterior veneer panels on skyscrapers. The key is bonding surface area. The larger the surface area the greater the bond.
The graphing calculator sold me.
I like this. A guide to the different types of “experts”. Well done man! Bonus points for speaking so frankly.
I have a back-up battery under the hood Do I disconnect the black cable on that battery? Why are you re-fusing with 200 mini fuses instead of 60 or 70? My Sprinter is a 2017 3500 Extended with a 3.0 diesel. Also the video cut out early during your expansion. Thanks in advance!
It depends on what type of battery combiner or DC/DC charger you are wanting to install. If you’ve chosen a 230A Cyrix-Li-ct, the 200A Midi-fuse is used for the potential draw, which could easily be between 130A & 170A if the house battery system is LiFePO4 at a low SOC, however, the chassis alternator is likely rated with a 180-220A output, so a Cyrix is less than ideal. Technically, Mercedes recommends no more than 40A-80A (year model dependent), and today we recommend one or two x 50A Orion XS units to comply with Mercedes CCP limits. As far as the Aux battery under the hood goes, yes, you can either disconnect the positive lead and cap it off; completely remove the cable; or remove its fuse at the CCP.
I have 4 100 watts liquid acid batteries will a 100 watt solar panel and a 30 watt charge willl it work
Sounds like you have 400Ah of Lead-acid batteries and want to use a 100W solar panel? A 30A charge controller will definitely work. You could get away with something as small as a 5A charge controller.
sometimes a non-pv panel solar soot hot air blimp is much much better as solar heat collector.
Hi. 440x4=1760w*.9/48v=33 what’s your recommendation controller I should get Thanks.
I’m guessing the 440W panels have roughly 40Vmp, which would make you want to connect them in a series-pairs, or 2x2 configuration. Your array would have something like an 84Voc with a 22A Imp. This puts everything well within the tolerances of a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/35. Do not connect the panels in all series, the voltage will be too high for the controller.
@@GarretTowneAMS yes you are correct on the 40Vmp, Ok I understand this. Just so you have all the information, the battery’s are 4x100amph 12v SOK lithium batteries connected in series for a 48 v system Thanks for the help. The channel is the best I’ve seen in 3 years. And I’ve seen a few 🤝
Maybe I am not a polar bear but when I go camping in -30° weather or even -10° weather, I make sure there’s heat at all times so if you don’t run your campers heater, I would highly recommend either getting a Basto or Chinese diesel heateruse your propane heater that came with your RV or camper trailer
nice setup
Are you doing auto gen starts and 5th wheels now too?
I believe we have done several of those.
@@GarretTowneAMS I’ll add it to my list for next time in.
This is good information - thanks!
Do you know if you can charge the van's batteries via CCP1 or CCP2?
Both, but by different means. Send me an email and I’ll explain. Garret at amsolar dot com.
@@GarretTowneAMS Sent you an email. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks!
Do you know if you can charge the van's batteries via CCP1 or CCP2?
Drop the background music...
This was so helpful! Thank you. Just bought an rpod that’s solar prepped and did not understand
Thank you. If you have any other questions just send us a message: info at amsolar dot com.
I have the exact same year and model RV. I know this model came with a single solar panel, charge controller and inverter prep. I would be interested in seeing how you ran the second 120v leg to the RV circuit breaker box and where you connected it. I know that second leg powers both AC units as well as the fireplace. I'm retired now but I installed many grid tied home solar systems and also built various solar powered battery back up units for various needs before lithium batteries became more affordable.
Send me an email and I'll send you a diagram that might answer your question: garret at amsolar dot com.
Thank you so much! We are on a remote beach in Ireland and couldn't figure out how to turn on our inverter. You saved the day!
Right on! I'm glad we could help.
😂😂😂😂 love this!
At the 6:00 mark, you say that when the inverter fan comes on your external fans come on. Please let me know how you configure that. Thanks.
It is something we can program on the inverter. Send me an email and I’ll give you more details. Garret At AMsolar dot com.
How does it position itself tho?
The Gen 3 flat dish is a high performance model that does not require self-positioning like the Gen 2 models. As cool as the Gen 2’s are, the Gen 3’s can be used in-motion and are definitely a more practical choice.
Safety glasses! Especially when drilling above!! Otherwise great video!
💯We’re due to film an updated, less cringe-worthy redo.
NEVER USE FERRULES FOR HIGH DC CURRENT ON. INVERETRR AND MPPT! reduce contact and increase resistance. victron is mandatory even for the minimum number of strands. more is better. ferrule is like one strand cable. is terrible!!
Great information. Thanks
I'm trying to also run a mini split (and water heater) on 240V. I guess the only reason you couldn't use one MultiPlus is because of the power/wattage needed? Is there a MultiPlus today that has enough wattage? It'd be nice to be abale to buy one unit rather than two.
The issue is the voltage. A single Multiplus can only do 120V. If you want 240V, you’ll need two inverters in parallel, or if your 240V loads are small enough, you can use an autotransformer.
@@GarretTowneAMS I think that’s what he was trying to say is why don’t they just make one unit that is split phase it would make things much more simple and cheaper
@@gmsgabaradama2009 I would certainly be in favor of that. We would sell them. My guess is that Victron is relatively new in the North American market, and it is easier for them to enter the market with the simpler, more versatile units that have broad demand, rather than niche products like an all-in-one split phase unit.
😄👍Good To Know, Great Tips
Do you mind if i ask a few questions regarding this unit?
Send an email to Garret@amsolar.com and I’ll get you some answers.
This depends on what time of wire you’re using and what type of terminal the wire is being installed in. Miltistrand (soow style) absolutely needs ferrules in a screw down terminal.
Badass!