DC201 - Solar Systems

Service Description

Mobile Power Systems & Solar Integration Prerequisite: Intro to Low Voltage DC Systems This advanced class builds on the fundamentals taught in Intro to Low Voltage DC Systems and focuses on designing and integrating complete mobile/off-grid power systems. Ideal for van builders, overlanders, RV owners, emergency vehicle upfitters, and anyone looking to expand their electrical skills, this course dives deep into real-world solar, shore power, and multi-bank battery system integration. What you'll learn: Rooftop & Portable Solar Systems: Panel selection, mounting methods, wiring configurations (series vs. parallel), and performance considerations. Charge Controllers & BMS Setup: Configure MPPT/PWM charge controllers and understand how battery management systems protect lithium and other chemistries. Battery Chemistry & System Planning: Compare lithium, AGM, flooded, and other battery types—learn how to size banks based on daily load and charging sources. DC-DC Charging & Shore Power: Design charging pathways from alternators and AC shore power, including smart isolators, chargers, and transfer switching. 120V AC Integration: Learn how to select and wire inverters, understand sine wave types, and safely route 120V circuits within your DC system. Wiring Strategy & Protection: Apply advance circuit protection, busbars, negative return planning, grounding, and isolation techniques. Multi-Bank System Design: Learn how to safely design systems with house, starter, and auxiliary banks, and to ensure no back feeding or parasitic drain. This is a hands-on, design-oriented course. You’ll work through real layout and wiring scenarios, calculate system requirements, and leave with the skills to build or troubleshoot a custom system with confidence.