Why Every RV Solar Build Needs an Easy Start for AC
- Todd Henson
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever tried running your RV’s rooftop air conditioner using a solar-powered inverter, you may have noticed something odd: the system struggles, sometimes fails, or makes your inverter work harder than it should. That’s not just a quirk—it’s a known issue caused by startup surge, and it’s exactly why every solar-equipped RV should include an Easy Start device.
The Problem: Sudden Startup Surge
Most rooftop air conditioners—especially older models—are built around a compressor that requires a short but intense burst of electricity to get started. This spike is known as Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) and can often exceed 60 to 80 amps, even if only for a fraction of a second.
Now, if you're connected to shore power or running a heavy-duty generator, that surge might not be a big deal. But with a solar + inverter setup, things get trickier.
Why? Because your inverter is pulling from a battery bank—typically 12V, 24V, or 48V—and trying to produce 120V AC. When you ask it to deliver a 60-amp spike at 120V, that equates to upwards of 600 amps at 12V—a demand most inverters simply aren’t built to handle.
The Solution: Install a Soft Start Device (Like Easy Start)
Enter the Easy Start, a soft start module designed specifically to manage that initial AC load.
Rather than letting the compressor pull all 60+ amps at once, an Easy Start acts like a buffer. It slows down that startup surge, breaking it into smaller bursts and reducing the peak load. In practical terms, your inverter may only need to handle 17 or 18 amps at startup, making it much more manageable.
You don’t need to oversize your inverter or stress your batteries. Instead, you just install an Easy Start between the capacitor and the compressor, and it handles the heavy lifting at startup.
Why It Matters for Solar RV Builds
In any off-grid setup, power efficiency and component longevity are key. Oversized inverters not only cost more, but they often remain underutilized most of the time. By using an Easy Start, you avoid unnecessary draw, extend the life of your equipment, and reduce the risk of startup failure.
Here are a few key benefits:
Smoother AC operation
Less battery strain during peak loads
Avoid tripping inverters
Better overall efficiency in solar systems
Cheaper than upgrading to a larger inverter
Real-World Insight: What Happens Without an Easy Start
We’ve seen countless RV owners install perfectly capable solar systems, only to be disappointed when their air conditioners fail to start—or worse, shut down the whole inverter. In nearly every case, the problem wasn’t the battery size or solar input. It was the surge current at AC startup.
Adding a soft start device like the Micro-Air Easy Start completely transforms the experience. It’s a relatively simple install, and once set up, it just works. You hit the switch, and your AC starts up quietly, smoothly, and without overloading your inverter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to run air conditioning on a solar-powered RV, don’t skip this step. A soft start device is one of the most underrated yet essential components of a reliable off-grid electrical system. It lets your inverter do its job without stress and keeps your power flowing efficiently.
And if you’re not sure which Easy Start model is right for your setup—or how to integrate it with your batteries, inverter, and AC—our team at BigBeard Battery is here to help. Fill out the solar design form on our site, and we’ll walk you through the best options for your rig.
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