[Tamatitom]

Hi have just read about the Smart Mobile Power DP1000i and DP1500 which are being sold on Trademe as a backup system, they come in a 1KW and a 1.5KW.
I have a exrental 2 birth VW Crafter which came with a 80W panel which I think only charges the fridge and lights through the vehicle battery.
My question is will the above Solar mobile power boost the system to use an inverter for a Microwave and another portable fridge? Or am I better of doing an in house system?

Tamatitom

[Paul-Carter]

For a 1000 bucks you will get a much better result going to a reputable solar system supplier that I am sure plenty of people on this site will be happy to recommend if you are not inclined to DIY.

[scubadoo]

I would place such units as toys for boys who have everything else.

A lot to go wrong in a box of unknown quality components.
Relying on the likely modified square wave inverter to power a normal 230V microwave oven may be futile.

I would purchase quality separate components and DIY or as Paul suggested contact an expert in the field.
AGM battery, VSR, inverter, battery charger etc.

[Karmann57]

I am pretty sure that your VW Crafter will have a House Battery driving the fridge, lights, water pump, range hood. The 80W panel will be charging the house battery, plus charging from the alternator while driving.
You should be able to find the house battery under the rear seats or under the front passenger seat, it will probably be a minimal 100ah deep cycle.

[Tamatitom]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the replies, I will definitely go and see someone who knows. I do have a 80W panel and a 120Ah battery under the passenger seat, but there is no other battery anywhere even under the bonnet. But I will let someone else design something.
Thanks.

[petercw]

Out of interest our house batteries are under the front door step and you would never know unless you lifted the step up. So go see someone who's wised up.

[linrae]

What year is your VW Ax far as I know vehicle battery is in engine compartment on the right hand side,
Go see Auto Sparky they will put you right before taking you guess at it

[Neddy]

There is no other battery anywhere even under the bonnet.

VW Crafters used to be re-badged Mercedes Sprinters. If yours is one of these, the Starter battery is located under the front passenger seat foot-well, so it is accessed from within the vehicle.

Forget any idea of running a microwave or a 230v fridge and you may well not require any Inverter at all.

You probably already have enough battery capacity and all you really need is more solar capacity.

You certainly don't want or need any $1300 "portable solar power generator" package.... with no solar panel!