What is a Grid Point Enclosure?

It is an electric generator that doesn’t need gasoline. It has an advanced lithium battery bank that stores energy, and is recharged from a variety of ways like solar or a vehicle’s alternator. The outlets work just like home outlets and provide instant power to 120v appliances when they are plugged in.

We use vendors like Victron Energy that are proven in the industry, and craft them into a ready-to-use power system. The parts found inside a Grid Point are typically permanently installed in a vehicle by a specialist. We design it all into a single enclosure, so it can freely move between vehicles and your home.

What are the primary parts in a Grid Point Enclosure?

We only use proven industry parts that have decades of experience, like Victron Energy and Blue Sea. We aren’t hiding behind cheap components or trying to re-invent the wheel, we are crafting a complex electric energy system in small enclosure(s). These are some parts commonly used in most models:

• Xantrex XC 3000 Pro Inverter/Charger with Bluetooth Remote

• Victron Energy Orion 30A Charger with Bluetooth

• Victron Energy MPPT Solar Charger with Bluetooth

• Victron Energy Smartshunt with Bluetooth

• Blue Sea fusing for DC loads and batteries

• AC circuit breakers

How do I power my entire vehicle or trailer from a Grid Point Enclosure?

If you commonly use a 30A cord, you simply plug it into the Grid Point’s 30A outlet. It’s that easy! The Grid Point acts just like a pedestal at an RV park, providing power on-demand through it’s 15A and 30A outlets. We can include a 50A outlet for the 6000Watt model. In addition to the AC outlets it can include a DC plug to power all your 12V devices.

We have different models with different amounts of power output, depending on how much you require.

Where is the Grid Point Enclosure placed?

It can reside completely inside the RV and van conversion since it has no emissions and is silent. Our dual enclosure model is popular with Airstreams since it can be placed underneath the bed storage area. Any model can be put in the bed of a truck or trunk of an SUV to get power anywhere. Ultimately you can choose to treat it like a permanent solution found in custom installations, or like a generator you connect to with your 30A cord whenever using power.

How much installation is required?

We do virtually all of the work including pre-programming the system software. If you are installing it in a truck and using the alternator charger, the only installation would be running a wire from the alternator to the box. We can help with that if needed.
It arrives to you ready to use and drop-in ready.

Exactly how much power does a Grid Point Enclosure provide?

Continuous AC Output (Watts): Our systems can produce up to 6000 Watts of 120V AC power, depending on the model. That’s a lot of power, enough to run all the appliances in a small home.

Battery Capacity (Watt-Hours): A Grid Point Generator can last many days and even weeks before needing a charge, depending on the model. They store between 5000Watt-hours (Wh) and 20,000Wh of energy.

What can a Grid Point Power Box run?

The Grid Point houses a best-in-industry 6000 Watt inverter. It can run kitchen appliances like a crock pot, induction cooktop, or coffeemaker. It is powerful enough to handle large loads like a hairdryer or curling iron. With the ability to handle surges up to 12000 watts, it can easily surge start up and run a Dometic air conditioners for hours. Depending on your power budget and available sun, it can support a full week of boondocking.

Can you help me understand Watts and Watt Hours?

Watt-Hours: This is a number referring to the battery capacity and reflects an amount of energy. As an example think of this as the gas tank in a car. A full tank of gas can run the car for a certain amount of time, based on how fast it’s going.
Just like a tank of gas, our batteries have a set amount of energy they store when fully charged. A full battery can power devices for a certain amount of time, depending on how much power they are draining.
Just like you would refill the tank of gas, you recharge our batteries. Watt-Hours is simply the unit of measurement telling you now long it will last.

Watts: This is a number referring to the power output, and how devices it can continuously power. As an example think of this as the engine in a car. A engine produces a certain amount of power up to a maximum amount of horsepower, based on how fast it’s going. Of course how much gas the car has in it’s tank doesn’t effect it’s power.
Just like a car’s engine outputs horsepower, our systems provide power reflected in watts. A Grid Point Generator can power any number of devices up to a certain maximum wattage. For instance, the Ranger 3000 can power a 1200 watt heater, 300 watt TV, 1000 watt induction stove, 100 watt phone charger, and 200 watt stereo. Since the total combined wattage of those appliances is less than 3000 watts, it falls under the specifications for a 3000 Watt system.

Does the Grid Point enclosure require the sun or connection to a vehicle to work?

Certainly not. A Grid Point Power Box has a large battery bank that stores energy that’s ready on demand, day or night. It can recharge from solar or a vehicle when the batteries run low, but it functions on it’s own to provide power to devices and appliances. It will provide power whenever the batteries have a charge, and doesn’t need to be connected to any charging sources to supply power.

How is this different than a custom installed power system?

A custom installed system is spread throughout a vehicle and made to be permanently installed, while the Grid Point enclosure is portable for easy setup and use in different locations. Custom installs work well around the uniqueness of a vehicle or special requirements, but reputable installers are hard to find and don’t give you a portable solution. Grid Point Designs uses the exact same best-in-class components and wiring methods you’ll find in a custom installed solution, for the same price.

What is the maintenance?

There is no maintenance to perform. You can let the system sit for years and it will turn on by activating the master on/off switch. There are virtually no moving parts to wear out over time.

Is it safe?

Yes. The type of lithium that we use has proven to be extremely safe, and the electrical work follows best practices. All the AC outlets are breaker protected, and components are fuse protected. Our Battery Management System (BMS) is intelligent and ensures everything operates as intended.

What are the different ways to recharge a Grid Point?

The Grid Point can be recharged in 3 different ways:
1. The alternator connection provides over 350 watts whenever the vehicle is running.
2. The largest Victron MPPT controller we use provides up to 600 watts when connected to a solar array. This is typically about 4 to 6 panels for reference.
3. The Xantrex charger takes charge from any A/C outlet and provides 1800 watts.

How weather resistant is a Grid Point?

We start with an all aluminum box and add weather gaskets for every hole cut. This ensures marine level protection against water ingress or corrosion, meaning the box can be used outside in the rain and elements. The venting on our enclosure is built to IP52 standards, and is protected from rain from up to 15 degrees from vertical.

How long does it stay charged?

When the system is turned off, the Grid Point can be isolated for 5 years and stay 80% charged. Our high end lithium batteries lose less than 3% capacity per year, so they can be left for an extended period of time and still provide power in case of emergency.

What is the maintenance?

There is no maintenance to perform. You can let the system sit for years and it will turn on by activating the master on/off switch. There are virtually no moving parts to wear out over time.