The AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit Pairs Two Narrow 100W Panels With a 2000W Low Frequency Inverter and 5.12 kWh of AGM Storage
The AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit (ECBIGHORN) is a complete mobile and off-grid solar power system. It combines two long, narrow 100 watt solar panels, a solar charge controller, a 2000 watt industrial grade pure sine inverter with cables and two AGM deep cycle batteries that store 5.12 kWh. AIMS adds a solar fuse, fuse kits, PV wires, mounting brackets and an MC4 type entry gland.
AIMS designed the Bighorn for RVs, work trailers, vans, remote job sites, cabins and mobile setups that need substantial battery storage and reliable AC power. It's built to support demanding appliances, power tools, electronics and essential equipment where utility power isn't available.
AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit Features
Narrow Panels Make Better Use of Roof Space
Each PV100MLONG panel measures 43 7/8 x 17 7/8 x 1 1/8 in and weighs 13 lb. The long, narrow shape makes it easier to use available roof space on RVs, trailers and vans where wider panels can be hard to position. The panels have tempered glass, IP65 junction boxes and MC4 compatible connectors on 24 in cables.
A Low Frequency Inverter Built for Hard Starts
The PILF series inverter delivers 2000 watts continuous with a 6000 watt surge for up to 20 seconds, and AIMS rates it for electric motors up to 2.0 HP. Its low frequency design uses heavy-duty transformers to produce a pure sine wave, which helps with power tools and other inductive loads that surge at start-up.
5.12 kWh of AGM Battery Storage
Two AGM12V200A 12V 200Ah deep cycle batteries give the kit 5.12 kWh of stored energy for extended runtime. They're completely sealed, maintenance free and leak proof, with no water filling, and they can be mounted in any orientation.
PWM Solar Charging With an LCD Display
The 20 amp SCC20APWM charge controller charges in bulk, boost and float stages, shows real-time data on its LCD and supports sealed, gel, AGM, flooded and lithium batteries. It has a 5 VDC 1A USB port, a DC load port and battery temperature compensation.
Power Saver Mode and Adjustable Settings
A power saver mode cuts idle draw to under 2.5W while the inverter waits for a load. DIP switches set the low battery trip point and the 50 or 60 Hz output frequency, and an optional REMOTELF LCD remote shows battery voltage, output and fault codes.
Protection Inside and Out
The inverter protects against low and high battery voltage, over temperature, overload, short circuit and fan lock, and it has an AC output circuit breaker and three-step intelligent cooling fans. AIMS conformal coats the circuit board to resist water, rust, dust and corrosion, though the inverter isn't splash proof.
Real-World Applications
Class C RVs and travel trailers. Run a small microwave, an air fryer, a coffee maker or a toaster oven during extended stays off-grid.
Work trailers and remote job sites. Power a circular saw, heat gun or small portable air compressor where there's no utility power.
Cabins. Keep electronics, small kitchen appliances and essential equipment running from stored solar energy.
Vans and mobile setups. AIMS lists an induction cooktop, a small air conditioner, a hair dryer, a standard vacuum and a desktop PC among common uses.
Practical Comparison
Low Frequency Inverter Versus a High Frequency Inverter
AIMS designs its low frequency PILF inverters for high surge capability, which matters most with power equipment and inductive loads. The Bighorn's inverter is rated for 300% of its continuous output for up to 20 seconds. If you compare it with a high frequency inverter, check that model's surge rating and how long it can hold it.
Narrow Panels Versus Standard-Width Panels
Wider panels may be difficult to position on some roofs. AIMS chose long, narrow 100W panels for the Bighorn to make better use of available roof space on RVs, trailers, vans and similar applications.
AGM Batteries Versus Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
Flooded batteries need electrolyte maintenance and water filling. The Bighorn's AGM batteries need neither, and they can be mounted in any orientation.
Buyer Guidance
Size Loads for Long Inverter Life
Keep the combined load under 2000 watts. AIMS advises keeping the load at 50% or less of the inverter's rating for anything over an hour to prolong its life. Sustained overloads above about 110% trigger an alarm and then a shutdown, sooner as the overload grows. Runtime depends on your loads and the batteries' state of charge.
Wiring, Fusing and Mounting
For the 2000W 12V model, AIMS lists a 12Vdc, 200Adc input and recommends 1/0 AWG cable with a 200A fuse up to 60 in, or 2/0 AWG with a 200A fuse from 60 to 120 in. Keep the batteries within 10 ft of the inverter, leave 12 in of clearance around it, never mount it upside down and check polarity, since the inverter isn't reverse polarity protected. Connect the battery to the charge controller before the solar panels.
This May Be A Good Fit If
- You need plenty of battery storage for longer stays
- You run power tools or appliances with high start-up surges
- Your roof suits long, narrow panels
- You want a complete kit with fuses and wiring
Common Questions
How Much Roof Space Do the Panels Need?
AIMS says to plan for about 11 square feet for the two narrow 100W panels.
Does the Inverter Charge the Batteries?
No. The PILF series is a DC to AC inverter. In this kit, the batteries charge from the solar panels through the charge controller.
Can I Add More Batteries?
Yes. AIMS notes that more batteries can be added for longer run times. The Outbound Power team can help you match them to your system.
Is a Remote Available?
The inverter works with the optional REMOTELF LCD remote only. AIMS warns that other remotes in the LCD RMT port will damage the inverter.
Can It Run Power Tools?
Yes. AIMS rates the inverter for motors up to 2.0 HP and lists circular saws, heat guns and small air compressors among common uses.
What's Included
- 2 x 100W Long Narrow Solar Panels
- 1 x Solar Charge Controller
- 1 x 2000W Industrial Pure Sine Inverter and Cables
- 2 x AGM Deep Cycle Batteries (5.12 kWh Total)
- 1 x Solar Fuse
- 1 x Set of Fuse Kits
- 1 x Set of PV Wires
- 1 x Set of Mounting Brackets
- 1 x Entry Gland MC4 Type
Heavy-Duty Solar Power for Extended Stays
The AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit combines two narrow 100W panels, a 2000W low frequency pure sine inverter and 5.12 kWh of AGM storage with the controller, fuses and wiring to connect them. If you'd like help sizing your loads, planning panel placement or adding batteries, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.
AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit | 200W Solar, 2000W Inverter, 5.12kWh AGM Battery Specifications
|
| Kit Contents |
| Solar Panels |
2 x 100W long, narrow solar panels (200W total) |
| Charge Controller |
1 x solar charge controller |
| Inverter |
1 x 2000W industrial pure sine inverter with cables |
| Batteries |
2 x AGM deep cycle, 5.12 kWh total |
| Solar Fuse |
1 |
| Fuse Kits |
Included |
| PV Wires |
Included |
| Mounting Brackets |
Included |
| Entry Gland |
MC4 type |
| Panel Space Needed |
About 11 sq ft |
| Solar Panels |
| Model |
PV100MLONG |
| Quantity |
2 |
| Maximum Power (Pmax, Each) |
100W |
| Total Solar Power |
200W |
| Voltage at Max Power (Vmp) |
17.3V |
| Current at Max Power (Imp) |
5.79A |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) |
20.23V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) |
6.29A |
| Module Efficiency |
19.8% |
| Power Tolerance |
0/+5W |
| Cell Type |
Monocrystalline (2x15) |
| Front Material |
Tempered glass |
| Junction Box |
IP65 |
| Connector |
MC4 compatible |
| Cable Length |
24 in |
| Maximum System Voltage |
600VDC |
| Maximum Series Fuse |
10A |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C |
| Dimensions (Each) |
43 7/8 x 17 7/8 x 1 1/8 in |
| Weight (Each) |
13 lb |
| Inverter |
| Series |
PILF low frequency pure sine |
| Model |
PILF20W12V120V |
| Continuous Power |
2000W |
| Surge Power |
6000W (20 seconds) |
| Electric Motor Capability |
2.0 HP |
| Output Waveform |
Pure sine |
| Topology |
Full bridge, low frequency |
| AC Output |
120Vac |
| Output Voltage Regulation |
+/-10% RMS |
| Output Frequency |
50/60 Hz +/-0.3 Hz (DIP switch) |
| Power Factor |
0.9-1.0 |
| Peak Efficiency |
92% |
| Nominal Efficiency |
Up to 88% |
| Nominal Input Voltage |
12.0Vdc |
| DC Input Current |
200Adc |
| Minimum Start Voltage |
10.0Vdc |
| Low Battery Alarm |
10.5 / 11.0 / 11.5 / 12.5Vdc (selectable) |
| Low Battery Trip |
10.0 / 10.5 / 11.0 / 12.0Vdc (selectable) |
| High Voltage Alarm and Fault |
16.0Vdc or higher |
| High DC Input Recovery |
15.5Vdc or lower |
| Low Battery Voltage Recovery |
13.0Vdc or higher |
| Power Saver Idle Draw |
Under 2.5W |
| Over Temperature Protection |
Heat sink 221°F (105°C) |
| Protections |
Low and high battery voltage, over temperature, overload, short circuit, fan lock |
| AC Output Breaker |
Yes |
| Cooling |
3-step intelligent cooling fans, under 60 dB at 1 m |
| Display |
Tri-color LEDs |
| Remote |
Optional REMOTELF LCD remote only |
| Conformal Coating |
PCB coated against water, rust, dust and corrosion (not splash proof) |
| Recommended DC Cable and Fuse |
1/0 AWG, 200A fuse up to 60 in; 2/0 AWG, 200A fuse from 60 to 120 in |
| Max Battery Distance |
Under 10 ft |
| Clearance |
12 in around the inverter |
| Operating Temperature |
-14°F to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature |
-40°F to 158°F |
| Mounting |
Wall mounted or flat placement, never upside down |
| Reverse Polarity Protection |
No |
| Dimensions |
18.9 x 13.5 x 7.2 in |
| Weight |
47.5 lbs |
| Batteries |
| Model |
AGM12V200A |
| Type |
AGM, sealed, maintenance free |
| Quantity |
2 |
| Voltage (Each) |
12V |
| Capacity (Each) |
200Ah at 20 hour rate |
| Total Stored Energy |
5.12 kWh |
| Capacity at Other Rates |
187Ah (10 hr), 179Ah (5 hr), 126Ah (1 hr) |
| Max Charging Current |
60A |
| Cycle Use Charge Voltage |
2.40-2.45V per cell |
| Standby Use Charge Voltage |
2.20-2.30V per cell |
| Max Discharge Current |
1000A (5 s) |
| Internal Resistance |
4.0 mOhms or less (fully charged, 77°F) |
| Self-Discharge |
3% of capacity per month at 20°C |
| Operating Temperature |
Discharge -20 to 60°C, charge -10 to 60°C, storage -20 to 60°C |
| Mounting |
Any orientation |
| Dimensions (Each) |
20.55 x 9.37 x 8.58 in (8.78 in total height) |
| Weight (Each) |
138.9 lb (63 kg) |
| Charge Controller |
| Model |
SCC20APWM |
| Charging Type |
PWM, 3-stage (bulk, boost, float) |
| System Voltage |
12V/24V |
| Max Charging Current |
20A |
| Max Discharging Current |
20A |
| PV Max Input Voltage |
23V (12V) / 55V (24V) |
| Battery Types |
Sealed, gel, AGM, flooded, LiFePO4, Li(NiCoMn)O2, user |
| Display |
LCD |
| USB Output |
5 VDC, 1A |
| Load Output |
DC load port |
| Temperature Compensation |
-24 mV/°C for 12V system |
| Working Temperature |
-20°C to 55°C |
| Dimensions |
6.61 x 3.6 x 1.35 in |
| Weight |
11 oz |
| Cables and Hardware |
| Inverter Cables |
Included |
| Solar Fuse |
Included |
| Fuse Kits |
Included |
| PV Wires |
Included |
| Mounting Brackets |
Included |
| Entry Gland |
MC4 type |
| Warranty |
| Charge Controller |
2 years from date of purchase |
AIMS Power Bighorn Expedition Solar Kit | 200W Solar, 2000W Inverter, 5.12kWh AGM Battery Manuals
SCC20 Charge Controller Manual
PILF Series Inverter Manual
AGM12V200A Battery Spec Sheet
PV100MLONG Solar Panel Spec Sheet