I now solar has been covered in other threads, but the search function isnt finding the answer im looking for.... I have a customer that has an existing split charge / LB install. Its an old school basic relay that takes its feed from the alt light, rather than a VSR. Is it possible to fit solar panels, and a 300w inverter to this system? Has anyone got similar? TIA
Can`t help with the electrickery side of things other than to suggest he invests in a good VSR and does the job properly . Prior to fitting solar I had a JK cheapo split charger , the alt trigger type which struggled to keep the LB charged so i plumped for a £50 Durite kit which was MUCH better but when i refurbed the van a cheapo 200w solar found its way onto the roof and proved to be an absolute game changer I can only suggest you speak to these very helpful bods and masquerading as a potential buyer to ask the question ... https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/
Charging of the leisure battery from the engine is separate to solar and it doesn’t matter which type of split charge relay is fitted. Solar panels need a controller, preferably a MPPT as they are marginally less inefficient than PWM and an inverter is a separate item that can be added. It’s a pretty standard set up. An alternator to charge the leisure battery when the engine is running, solar panels to trickle charge the leisure battery, when the sun is in just the right place and when there are no clouds, shade, bird droppings or leaves and an inverter to discharge the leisure battery as quickly as possible.
Yes it will work with a simple relay, better with VSR. Solar chargers just back off if there is another source of charge. I have a 10 amp maintenance mains charger built into my 600W inverter ( really nice product, sadly the product is NLA with such a small inverter and it was only £75) which often stops the Epever MPPT from doing anything.
Thanks all. The old split charge relay and wiring look pretty old and minging to be honest, so for the sake of a few extra quid, I will suggest vsr. Any recommendations for a decent MPPT?
I’m upgrading to a 180Ah LiFePO4 battery and I’m removing my 20amp Eco-Worthy MPPT solar controller, it’s as new and has had very little use, it’s in the original box and is complete with instructions. One of these.
Have a look at Victron battery to battery chargers that also have a solar input They do the job of a split charger and a solar controller all in one unit that’s full of clever electronics.
Surprised you cannot just reconfigure the charge controller for lithium battery - the Epever has a setting for that.
Trouble is that Victron make good but quite expensive products. If you are spending a lot of money then things like the Epever Upower 1000 are interesting - about £290 - it has 30A solar and 20A mains battery charging , and a 1000 watt inverter in one box. Ideal for those who insist on hair curler tongs off the solar cells But that box is quite large.
I probably could Mike but the solar panels are next to useless and I’m fitting a CTEK D250SE battery to battery charger to charge the lithium battery with the solar just for the few extra watts.
Yes they are pricey compared to cobbling together cheaper different systems. However how many people on here have had to replace their leisure battery every year because the cheaper systems aren’t optimal for keeping the leisure battery topped up. With the alternator switched relay systems they never fully charge the leisure battery. The voltage sensitive relays need matched starter and leisure battery to charge properly And a lot of the cheaper solar charge controllers are very inefficient. The battery to battery chargers will load the alternator to get maximum output and then distribute it exactly where it’s needed something a voltage sensitive relay can’t do. Sometimes it’s best to pay out for the best tool for the job in the beginning.
Nope - jolly good if you camp sans lekky , keeps my fridge and music going and that`s all i`m bothered about really ...
I don't put much demands on mine but it's been fine. I have VSR, the same MPPT as being sold above and a 100w panel coupled to a 65ah leisure battery and does exactly the same for me as Lasty's does for him. And never have a discharged battery regardless of how long I leave the bus.
Only if your bus bongs like a mournful bell tolling all day long. With a compressor fridge solar keeps up. With an absorbtion fridge forget it.
Apparently it’s main requirement will be to run a laptop and a light or two off grid.. is that viable with a simple solar panel / MPPT/ inverter setup?
Yep - assuming there`s daylight . Even in overcast conditions i get 2-3 amps - in good sunlight i`ve seen 8 but it averages about 4-6 , also depends on how much charge is actually needed to keep the battery `fresh` . Cheapo 200w panel ordered from the states (actually Chinese - £125ish inc tax) and a 20a Epever so nothing flash , just wanted to see what happened really but i`ve been most impressed So impressed that if this panel died tomorrow i`d probably be willing the shell out for a better , more efficient European one
Nope, not a chance. From two Eco-Worthy 100W monocrystalline semi flexible panels and a 20amp MPPT controller, in ideal conditions I’ve seen 1.2 amps, the slightest cloud or shade and nothing at all. These are the panels: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ECO-WORTHY-Monocrystalline-Flexible-Charging-Motorhome/dp/B013TYITBK You can probably guess which review is mine.
“We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.” You put them out of business with your review! Shame it didn’t work for you as others have rated it highly over a prolonged period of time. The woes of mixed reviews - always leaves me wondering what on earth to do of buy. Nothing & nothing maybe. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
