Victron Energy RV Dealer

We are the leading specialists in the Northern California for your RV off-grid and RV boondocking needs. We specialize in equipping RVs with RV Solar Charging Systems, RV Inverter Systems, Lithium RV Batteries and RV Battery Monitors. From Motorhomes Class A’s, B’s, C’s, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, Truck Campers, Campervans, Food Trucks, Food Trailers or Emergency Vehicles.

Did you know that California RV Specialists is a RV Distributor-Dealer for Victron Energy, so we are able to help you with all your needs, from our retail shop, our team of installers and web store.

Are you ready to transition your RV to an off-grid system?

Please contact us to schedule a solar consultation to get a personalized quote for your unit. Every project varies depending on the RV design, the layout and your needs.

Our goal is to help you choose the right solar or Inverter system for your RV needs.

Main products manufactured by Victron Energy

Solar Controllers vs. Solar Inverters

Solar Charge Controllers (Solar Regulators) were once the only option for off-grid power systems and are used to create what is known as a DC coupled system.  DC coupled systems use solar controllers to charge a battery directly from the panels which is extremely efficient, while a battery inverter supplies AC power to the home appliances.

AC (alternating current) coupled solar

AC coupled systems use a string solar inverter coupled with an advanced multi-mode inverter or inverter/charger to manage the battery and grid/generator. Although relatively simple to setup and very powerful, they are slightly less efficient (90-94%) at charging a battery compared to DC coupled systems (98%). However, these systems are very efficient at powering high AC loads during the day and some can be expanded with multiple solar inverters to form micro-grids.

Advantages

• Higher efficiency when used to power AC appliances during the day such as air-conditioning, pool pumps, and hot water systems (up to 96%)
• Generally lower installation cost for larger systems above 5kW
• Can use multiple string solar inverters in multiple locations (AC couple micro-grids)
• Most string solar inverters above 3kW have dual MPPT inputs, so strings of panels can be installed at different orientations and tilt angles
• Advanced AC coupled systems can use a combination of AC and DC coupling. (Note: this is not possible with some lithium batteries)

Disadvantages

• Lower efficiency when charging a battery system (approx. 92%)
• Quality solar inverters can be expensive for small systems
• Lower efficiency when powering direct DC loads during the day

DC (direct current) coupled solar

DC coupled systems have been used for decades in off-grid solar installations and small capacity automotive/boating power systems. The most common DC coupled systems use solar charge controllers (also known as solar regulators) to charge a battery directly from solar, plus a battery inverter to supply AC power to the household appliances.

Advantages

• Very high efficiency
• Great low cost setup for smaller scale off-grid systems up to 5kW
• Ideal for small systems requiring only 1-2 solar panels
• Modular (additional panels & controllers can be easily added if required)
• Very efficient for powering DC appliances and loads
• If an electricity service provider restricts or limits the capacity of grid-tie solar allowed, additional solar may be added by DC coupling a battery system

Disadvantages

• More complex to setup systems above 5kW as often multiple strings are required in parallel, plus string fusing
• Can become expensive for systems above 5kW as multiple higher voltage solar charge controllers are required
• Slightly lower efficiency is powering large AC loads during the day due to the conversion from DC(PV) to DC(batt) to AC
• Many solar controllers are not compatible with managed lithium battery systems such as the LG Chem RESU or BYD B-Box

Victron MultiPlus – II 2 x 120V

The MultiPlus-II 2 x120V is the perfect one-box mobile solution for standard North American 50A 120/240VAC split-phase applications. Whether it is supplied from shore power or a generator, the MultiPlus-II 2x120V can accept and passthrough both lines of a 120/240V supply, with the capability to utilize the full 50A for charging and AC loads. When connecting to a single phase 120V supply, the L1 input of the MultiPlus-II 2x120V will accept incoming power for charging and passthrough, while combining the L1 and L2 outputs for single-phase 120V on each line. 

The MultiPlus switches to inverter operation when no AC source is available. The inverter output is also 120V single phase. In inverter mode, the MultiPlus-II 2x120V internally connects both lines L1 and L2 together to provide 120VAC to loads on either output. Therefore, in all connection circumstances, both sides of a distribution panel will be supplied with 120V. However, 240VAC is only available when the MultiPlus is supplied by a split phase 120/240VAC source. This prevents heavy loads such as water heaters or 240V air conditioners from discharging the battery.

The MultiPlus-II 2x 120V has all of the expected features of our versatile inverter/charger range, including PowerControl, PowerAssist, Input Current Limit, two AC outputs, as well as parallel and 3ph configuration for larger capacity VE.Bus systems. Suitable for LiFePO4 batteries and a variety of other battery technologies.

PowerAssist : boosting the capacity of grid or generator power

This unique Victron feature allows the MultiPlus to supplement the capacity of the grid or generator power. Where peak power is so often required only for a limited period, the MultiPlus will make sure that insufficient grid or generator power is immediately compensated with power from the battery. When the load reduces, the spare power is used to recharge the battery bank.

GX Touch 70

The GX Touch 70 are display accessories for our Cerbo GX. The seven inch touch screen displays give an instant overview of your system and allow to adjust settings in the blink of an eye. Simply connected to the Cerbo GX with one cable, Their super slim waterproof design, top-mountable setup and simple installation bring a lot of flexibility when creating a crisp and clean dashboard. 

Lynx Distributor

Lynx Power In

Lynx Shunt VE.Can

Cerbo GX

SmartShunt

Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger Isolated

Contact us to schedule a solar consultation

• Office Phone:  209-263-7040
• Hours of operation: 
• 8 am to 4 pm Monday-Friday; Closed Saturday & Sunday
• Closed for lunch 12 pm – 1 pm
• Address:  200 S. Cherokee Lane, Lodi, CA 95240 
• Email:  service@calrvspecialists.com | parts@calrvspecialists.com

Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and other social media pages.