Inverter, Off or Standby Alternatives

[Bob Stone]

With snow covering my solar panels for the next six or so months I'd appreciate suggested alternatives to avoid having to crawl into the 'belly of the beast' to shut off and turn on the inverter. If I just turn the two master battery switches off will I have to crawl into the basement to reactivate the inverter? When I turn these master battery switches back on will the generator use the inverter battery charging capabilities if the inverter is not turned on?


I seem to recall reading several years ago that there may be a remote On/Off switch available. Where does this switch, if I’m able to find one, attach to the inverter? Xantrex RS2000 Inverter.


Thank you in advance for any suggestions. 


Bob

[David T. Richelderfer]

No inverter remote?  I can turn our inverter OFF at the remote.  We have a Xantrex Freedom PSW 3000w inverter but I rarely turn it off... like almost never turn it OFF.

[Bob Stone]

Thank you David for your prompt response. I believe I’ve found a solution by reading the manual. If I use the Xantrex control panel to switch the Mode to Save Power it should switch itself to Hibernate Mode after two hours. Hibernate draws minimal power and the system can be reawakened simply by starting the generator. No need then for a remote switch. Am I right?
I'm missing that component in my rig that used to remind me “Did you read the manual?” 😉


Bob

[David T. Richelderfer]

I do not know what inverter you have, nor do I know if your RV will be plugged in over your winter.  If not plugged in, then simply using the disconnects and putting the inverter in hibernate will still allow a draw on the batteries and discharge them in a few weeks.  I do not remember seeing a "Hibernate" feature in our inverter's manual but I shall take a look.

[Stan Simpson]

I have exactly the same inverter that David has. I believe, Bob, someone correct me if I'm wrong, when he (David) uses the term "remote", he is talking about the control panel in the cabinet above the passenger seat next to the door. I assume you have the same thing, and that is your remote.

[Bill Lampkin]

If you can't plug into shore power while your rig is in winter storage, you will have to watch the battery state of charge closely, like every week, as parasitic loads like your inverter will run the batteries down. Run your generator as needed to keep your batteries fully charged. Otherwise, prepare to replace your house batteries come spring. The sad reality of batteries is, if they are not on charge, they are dying a slow death.

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

Bob
Several people mentioned parasitic draw on batteries while in storage.  This forum has quite a lot on that. 
The engine and transmission each have a draw and as I recall even the cut off switches don't stop that.
If your batteries do run low as you mention run the generator as starting the engine to charge the batteries can blow the alternator.

[Bob Stone]

Thank you guys.
What started was an attempt to find out how I could reduce the parasitic draw of the inverter but as has been pointed out the inverter draw is only one parasite even when the two master switches are off. I foresee times when there may not be adequate access to the inverter due to snow and/or inadequate spacing to crawl into the basement. Short of removing the batteries I believe the easiest recourse might be to just disconnect the negative battery cables and monitor the battery charge status to ensure adequate charge to prevent battery freezing. At temperatures of minus 40 degrees for several consecutive days I may have to occasionally connect a charger and run it off my Honda 2000 for a few hours.
I'm open to any other suggestions short of taking my chances with Covid-19 and making a run for the border. Keep well my Beaver friends and thanks again.