Solar help

[woodwalker]

Originally Posted by Miniozzy3

A 13.5 a/c roof top unit will run 1700w once it’s all running. So could be around 12-13 amps @120 vac. But most unit will have a large spike in amps to start compressor. That is what kills inverters.
I can start mine on battery and it will run. But I had to install a micro air easy start.
Now it runs at 1300w. And compressor spike is up to 1800w. So for any off grid setups look at that.
As for panels and batteries. Panels are rated at max or peak performance. I have 1240 w on top of my rv. The most I have seen generated is 850-900w for a short time. So basically my batteries are large enough to start. But I will run out of owner after about 5 hrs because the panels will not charge the batteries at the same rate of discharge. So depending on where you are located the panels will generate less than peak.
The inverter you have might be able to start it being 4K peak. Just run large cables

I may be wrong but isn't the soft start for starting load if it is using 1700 w while running how can it go down to 1300w running with the soft start

[Miniozzy3]

I realized I had a bunch of phone chargers and stuff plugged in. I took a picture of the thermostat with a/c running and wattage draw. It’s even lower the more we use it. I don’t know how it is doing it but it’s way lower. As you can see it is in passthru mode which means no power being used for charging.

[Dallasrules]

Looks like the inverter is 24v

[Miniozzy3]

24V that's good for reducing wire size, but you will need a dc/dc converter. At least I think that is what it is called.

I wish I would have went 24v system but I had already installed Inverter. I didn't realize just how much the wire was going to cost.