Alternator to battery charger device from Sterling Power?

[Ajamboree1]

http://sterling-power-usa.com/alternato ... rgers.aspx

Looks perfect for our application....anyone have any experience...? Also acts as a battery isolator....

Seems it will do a better job of smart charging the house batteries.

How could this be integrated with a solar charge controller? Engine on- alt to bat charger is topping off the house batteries......engine off- solar charger is topping off the house batteries....
And ideally still have the ability to jump start the engine off the house bat if/when engine bat is dead...?

Excuse me, I have limited electrical experience.....maybe one of you geniuses can help me design my system using this device....

[Ajamboree1]

More info...

http://www.sterling-power-usa.com/libra ... 0Sheet.pdf

[rob_gendreau]

I think it was Mike who posted a solution that involved an inverter to smart charger, which you may already have. Sort of shore power from your engine. A problem is that your engine may not run long enough. The solar may confuse the smart charger which needs to assess the battery.

[BrianW]

That does look like a cool solution. Pricey at $330 for the lowest-priced one, but if you factor in it's a charger and an isolator, I guess not too bad. (And cheaper than one 4D battery replacement, anyway.)

[MadScience]

The geek in me is intrigued and wants one. It certainly looks like the really right way to do it. But I'd still want solar to tie in somehow.

The pragmatist in me wonders how big of a problem I really have. Now, I don't have a large bank of expensive batteries, just a single house battery of unknown age (less than $200ish AGM).

So for now I'm going to just run with the primitive separator and solar on the house side.