The AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit Pairs a 200W N-Type Panel With a 2000W Inverter Charger to Run Everyday Appliances From Your Batteries
The AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit (FCMANTIS) combines a 200W N-type monocrystalline solar panel, a 30 amp PWM solar charge controller and a 2000 watt, 16 amp low frequency pure sine inverter charger with a built-in charger and transfer switch. Mounting brackets, fuses, PV wires and an MC4 entry gland are included. There's no battery in the kit, so it's meant for an existing battery bank, or you can add batteries for a complete system.
AIMS designed the Mantis for RVs, vans, buses, mobile businesses and small backup power systems. The single panel suits installs where roof or mounting space is limited, and the inverter charger runs mid-size appliances from your batteries for shorter durations.
AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit Features
Battery Power and Shore Power in One Unit
The 2000 watt inverter charger powers common mid-size appliances directly from batteries when you're off-grid. When grid, shore or generator power is available, it switches over automatically and charges the batteries while passing power to your loads.
A Global LF Series Low Frequency Inverter Charger
AIMS's photos show the Global LF Series 12V inverter charger, measuring 16.25 x 11.0 x 7.0 inches and weighing 44 lbs. AIMS's manual lists a pure sine output, a peak DC to AC efficiency above 88% and an ETL listing to UL 458 and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1. The unit has DIP switches, a battery temperature sensor port, auto generator start terminals, an LCD remote port, breakers, AC outlets and AC input and output terminals.
Three-Stage Charging From Shore Power or a Generator
The built-in charger works in bulk, absorb and float stages. AIMS's manual notes that it reactivates automatically once shore or generator power has been stable for 15 seconds.
A 200W N-Type Panel for Tight Roofs
The PV200MONO panel uses N-type monocrystalline cells with tempered glass and an IP67 junction box. AIMS's spec sheet lists 200W maximum power, 25% module efficiency, 21.1V and 9.73A at maximum power, and 31.5 inch MC4 compatible connectors. It measures 49.2 x 30.12 x 1.18 inches and weighs 21 lb. Plan on about 10 square feet of space.
A 30 Amp PWM Controller With LCD and USB
The SCC30APWM controller uses 3-stage PWM charging (bulk, boost and float) and works on 12V or 24V systems. It supports sealed, gel, flooded, LiFePO4 and Li(NiCoMn)O2 batteries plus a user setting. An LCD shows real-time system information, and the controller adds a 5VDC 1A USB port, a DC load port and battery temperature compensation.
Fuses and Protections Throughout
The kit includes a battery to inverter fuse, an inline solar fuse and a charge controller to battery fuse. The inverter charger adds AC input voltage, battery alarm, over temperature, overload, short circuit and back feeding protection, and the controller guards against reverse polarity, over voltage, over discharge and overheating.
Real-World Applications
RVs, vans and buses. Run AC appliances from your batteries off-grid and recharge them on shore power.
Mobile businesses. AIMS lists mobile pet grooming vans, pop-up retail and espresso carts, mobile command and media vans, and mobile mechanics and service rigs.
Job sites. AIMS names on-site construction and remodeling, with tools like a circular saw, a heat gun and a small portable air compressor.
Home backup. Use standard household kitchen appliances off-grid or when the grid is down, powered by your battery bank.
Practical Comparison
Inverter Charger Versus a Standalone Inverter
A standalone inverter only turns battery power into AC. The Mantis inverter charger also charges your batteries from shore power or a generator and transfers your loads between battery and external power on its own.
Mantis Versus a Kit With Batteries Included
A kit with batteries is ready to run as delivered. The Mantis leaves the battery out for applications that already have one, and batteries can be added for a complete system.
Single Panel Versus a Multi-Panel Array
A multi-panel array needs more roof or mounting space. The Mantis uses one 200W panel, which AIMS chose for installs where space is limited and for smaller battery setups.
Buyer Guidance
Plan Your 12V Battery Bank
AIMS's manual says the inverter charger must be connected to a battery bank to turn on and transfer AC power. The unit in AIMS's photos is the 12V model, and AIMS calls the kit a fit for smaller battery banks running mid-size appliances for shorter durations. Connect the inverter directly to the battery, not to the controller's load port, since the wrong port voids the controller warranty. AIMS suggests installing the battery fuse within 6 inches of the battery.
Generator Sizing and Installation
AIMS recommends a generator with at least 150% of the inverter's capacity, so 3000 watts or larger for this 2000 watt unit. Install the inverter charger indoors in a dry, clean, cool spot with good ventilation, and never upside down. AIMS notes that it isn't splash proof, and it doesn't recommend connecting the AC input to a GFCI circuit.
This May Be A Good Fit If
- You already have a 12V battery bank
- You want to run mid-size appliances for short periods
- You need shore or generator charging with automatic transfer
- You have about 10 square feet for one panel
Common Questions
Does the Mantis Include a Battery?
No. AIMS designed it for applications that already have batteries, and you can add a battery for a complete system.
What Appliances Can It Run?
AIMS lists a microwave oven, a drip or pod coffee maker, a toaster oven, an electric skillet, a hair dryer, a vacuum, a desktop PC and a circular saw among common uses, run for shorter durations. Keep your total load within the 2000 watt rating.
Can I Use a Generator With It?
Yes. Size the generator at 3000 watts or larger. The auto generator start terminals work with generators that have an automatic starting function.
Is There a Remote Display?
AIMS offers an optional LCD remote, REMOTELF, that plugs into the LCD remote port. It shows input and output voltage, battery voltage, load, operating mode and faults.
What Warranty Comes With the Kit?
AIMS lists a warranty of 2 to 25 years depending on the product. The charge controller manual gives a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase.
What's Included
- 1 x 200 Watt N-Type Solar Panel
- 1 x Set of Mounting Brackets for Solar Panels
- 1 x 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller
- 1 x 2000 Watt 16 Amp Pure Sine Inverter With Built-In Charger and Transfer Switch
- 1 x Set of Inverter Cables
- 1 x Battery to Inverter Fuse
- 1 x Inline Solar Fuse
- 1 x Charge Controller to Battery Fuse
- 1 x Set of PV Wires
- 1 x Entry Gland MC4 Type
Solar Charging and AC Power for Compact Builds
The AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit brings together a 200W N-type panel, a 30 amp PWM controller and a 2000 watt low frequency inverter charger with the fuses, brackets and wiring to connect them to your battery bank. If you'd like help sizing a battery bank or checking your loads, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.
AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit | 200W N-Type Solar, 2000W Low Frequency Inverter Charger Specifications
|
| Kit Contents |
| Solar Panel |
1 x 200 Watt N-Type Solar Panel (PV200MONO) |
| Mounting Brackets |
Mounting brackets for solar panels |
| Charge Controller |
1 x 30 Amp Solar Charge Controller (SCC30APWM) |
| Inverter Charger |
1 x 2000 Watt, 16 Amp Pure Sine Inverter with built-in charger and transfer switch, cable and fuse |
| Fuses |
Battery to inverter fuse, inline solar fuse, charge controller to battery fuse |
| PV Wires |
Included |
| Entry Gland |
Entry gland, MC4 type |
| Panel Space Needed |
About 10 sq ft |
| Battery |
Not included |
| Solar Panels |
| Model |
PV200MONO |
| Maximum Power (Pmax) |
200W |
| Cell Type |
N-type mono, (2x17) x 2 |
| Voltage at Max Power (Vmp) |
21.1V |
| Current at Max Power (Imp) |
9.73A |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) |
24.48V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) |
10.21A |
| Module Efficiency |
25% |
| Power Tolerance |
+/- 5W |
| Maximum System Voltage |
1000V DC |
| Maximum Series Fuse |
15A |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°F to 185°F (-40°C to +85°C) |
| NOCT |
45±2°C |
| Temperature Coefficient of Pmax |
-0.38%/°C |
| Temperature Coefficient of Voc |
-0.29%/°C |
| Temperature Coefficient of Isc |
0.05%/°C |
| Front Material |
Tempered glass |
| Junction Box |
IP67 |
| Connector |
MC4 compatible, 31.5 in |
| Dimensions |
49.2 x 30.12 x 1.18 in |
| Weight |
21 lb |
| Inverter Charger |
| Model |
PICOGLF20W12V120V |
| Series |
Global LF Series 12V inverter and charger |
| Rating |
2000 watt, 16 amp |
| Waveform |
Pure sine |
| Design |
Low frequency |
| DC Input |
12V |
| AC Output |
120V |
| Built-In Charger |
Yes, 3-stage (bulk, absorb, float) |
| Charger Restart |
Automatic once AC input is stable for 15 seconds |
| Transfer Switch |
Yes, automatic |
| Peak DC to AC Efficiency |
Above 88% |
| Protections |
AC input over and low voltage, low and high battery alarm, over temperature, overload, short circuit, back feeding |
| Ports and Controls |
DIP switches, battery temperature sensor port, auto generator start terminals, LCD remote port, breakers, charger input protect |
| AC Connections |
AC outlets, AC input and output terminals |
| Generator Size |
At least 150% of inverter capacity (3000W or larger) |
| Optional Remote |
REMOTELF LCD remote |
| Dimensions |
16.25 x 11.0 x 7.0 in |
| Weight |
44 lbs |
| Certification |
ETL listed to UL 458 and CSA 22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Charge Controller |
| Model |
SCC30APWM |
| Charging Type |
PWM, 3-stage (bulk, boost, float) |
| System Voltage |
12V/24V |
| Max Charging Current |
30A |
| Max Discharging Current |
30A |
| Battery Types |
Sealed lead, gel, flooded, LiFePO4, Li(NiCoMn)O2, user |
| Float Voltage |
13.8V (adjustable 13-15V), x2 for 24V |
| Boost Voltage |
14.4V (adjustable 13-17V), x2 for 24V |
| Low Voltage Disconnect |
11.0V (adjustable 9-12V), x2 for 24V |
| Low Voltage Reconnect |
12.6V (adjustable 11-13.5V), x2 for 24V |
| Battery Over Voltage Protection |
16.5V, x2 for 24V |
| Temperature Compensation |
-24 mV/°C for 12V system, x2 for 24V |
| Self-Consumption |
Under 10mA |
| USB Output |
5VDC, 1A |
| Display |
LCD |
| Protections |
PV short circuit, PV and battery reverse polarity, night reverse charging, battery over voltage, over discharge, load short circuit, load overload, overheating |
| Grounding |
Positive ground |
| Working Temperature |
-20°C to 55°C |
| Terminals |
16 mm² |
| Mounting Holes |
7.44 x 2.44 in |
| Dimensions |
8 x 3.85 x 2 in |
| Weight |
1 lb |
| Cables and Hardware |
| Battery to Inverter Fuse |
Included |
| Inline Solar Fuse |
Included |
| Charge Controller to Battery Fuse |
Included |
| Battery Fuse Placement |
Within 6 in of the battery (suggested) |
| PV Wires |
Included |
| Entry Gland |
MC4 type |
| Mounting Brackets |
Included |
| Inverter Cables |
Included |
| Warranty |
| Kit |
2-25 years, product specific |
| Charge Controller |
2 years from date of purchase |
AIMS Power Mantis Frontier Solar Kit | 200W N-Type Solar, 2000W Low Frequency Inverter Charger Manuals
PV200MONO Spec Sheet
SCC30APWM Charge Controller Manual
Inverter Charger Manual