Advice on Expanding Solar Capacity on Bailey Autograph 79-4 (Roof Photo Attached)

[MerlinUK]

Hi all,

I'm looking to increase the number of solar panels on the roof of my 2017 Bailey Autograph 79-4 (Bella), but I’m finding it a bit tricky due to the layout of existing equipment on the roof. I’ve attached an overhead photo taken on 29th April 2025 to show the current setup.

Despite the roof being fairly large, there doesn’t seem to be much open space due to the positioning of the skylights, aircon unit, TV antenna, and existing solar panel. I’d really appreciate any advice or inspiration from fellow members, particularly from anyone who owns the same model and has already tackled a similar upgrade.

A few specific questions:

1. Has anyone successfully added more solar panels to this model? If so, how did you work around the limited space?
2. Are there any clever mounting solutions I might not have considered)?
3. Is it possible to upgrade to lithium batteries without needing a full rewire of the motorhome’s charging system? I'm wondering how plug-and-play this type of upgrade can be in a Bailey Autograph.

Thanks in advance for any insight — especially if you’ve done this on a 79-4 yourself!

Cheers,
Ian & Antonia (and Bella)

 

[enark]

A lot of good info shared last week

Solar panels

I am thinking of fitting 1 or 2 solar panels alongside my existing one, is it just a case of using duo style connectors on the roof to the existing wires to my MPPT or do I need to run extra wires to the MPPT ?

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Simon Meadwell]

One across the rear and maybe one each side of central skylight i would try.

 

[Lenny HB]

Without measurements it looks like you have plenty of space on the roof.
Looks like you can get a 100 watt panel either side of the rear rooflight and another 100 watr or maybe a 150 watt panel behind the rear rooflight.

No such thing as drop in replacement Lithium it's salesman BS.

As you are upgrading the solar providing you fit a decent solar controller like Victron that will take care of a lot of your charging.
If you haven't already got a B2B you will need to fit one & if you use EHU regularly you will need to fit a suitable mains charger for Lithium.

If in doubt have a word with RogerIvy or nigelivy at Off Grid, good prices & workmanship & a Fun discount.

Offgrid Power Solutions

Offgrid Power Solutions We are specialists in upgrading motorhomes & campervans to lithium batteries & installing Victron Energy systems. We’re here to help build the best offgrid electrical systems so you can focus on your adventure without stressing about how much power you have

offgridpower.solutions

 

[LiFePO4Convert]

Is it possible to upgrade to lithium batteries without needing a full rewire of the motorhome’s charging system?

Yes.

As my signature says, Take it one step at a time.

For starters, you need to find out what you have already.

Answer these questions and you will get some more detailed help:-
- Does you van have a B2B or a split charge relay to charge your leisure battery?
- Does your EHU charger have settings for a LiFePO4 (or Gel) battery?
- Does your solar controller have settings for a LiFePO4 (or Gel) battery?
- Does your battery box have room for one more additional batteries.

 

[MerlinUK]

I will endeavour for find the answers to all those questions.

 

[ChrisL]

Does your EHU charger have settings for a LiFePO4 (or Gel) battery?
- Does your solar controller have settings for a LiFePO4 (or Gel) battery?

Gel settings are not ideal for LiFePO4 batteries, most chargers on a gel setting will have an extended absorption phase of 8 hours or longer, LiFePO4 batteries require around 30 minutes per 100ah of capacity so why push 14.4 volts into an already fully charged battery? you'd be better using a standard lead acid setting, but not AGM because the voltages for those are higher.

 

[GerTee]

If in doubt have a word with @RogerIvy or @nigelivy at Off Grid, good prices & workmanship & a Fun discount.

Seconded. Excellent advice and service. Very happy with the setup that Offgrid installed for us.

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[The joker]

Hi all,

I'm looking to increase the number of solar panels on the roof of my 2017 Bailey Autograph 79-4 (Bella), but I’m finding it a bit tricky due to the layout of existing equipment on the roof. I’ve attached an overhead photo taken on 29th April 2025 to show the current setup.

Despite the roof being fairly large, there doesn’t seem to be much open space due to the positioning of the skylights, aircon unit, TV antenna, and existing solar panel. I’d really appreciate any advice or inspiration from fellow members, particularly from anyone who owns the same model and has already tackled a similar upgrade.

A few specific questions:

1. Has anyone successfully added more solar panels to this model? If so, how did you work around the limited space?
2. Are there any clever mounting solutions I might not have considered)?
3. Is it possible to upgrade to lithium batteries without needing a full rewire of the motorhome’s charging system? I'm wondering how plug-and-play this type of upgrade can be in a Bailey Autograph.

Thanks in advance for any insight — especially if you’ve done this on a 79-4 yourself!

Cheers,
Ian & Antonia (and Bella)



View attachment 1049759

1.In the process of fitting a solar panel on my 2019 79-4 but fortunately I don't have the air con unit so I can fit a residential 440w panel. If I was you I would get up a ladder and measure your spaces to give you an idea of what you can fit where as there are a lot of panels out there of variuos sizes.
2. A lot of people use a flexible adhesive to fix the panels down. Using Silka with aluminium angle.
3. I upgraded all of the wiring on mine as its a peugeot cab butchered onto a caravan wiring loom. So not that great I would replace/upgrade the wiring with each bit of kit you fit if I was you.
If you are technically minded and can turn your hand to anything go for it and ask bite size questions for each part of the project. If not refer to an expert like others have said. This sort of project is definitely not straight forward and not for the faint hearted. Though as previously said one step at a time, also do your research as it's not a one size fits all.

 

[LiFePO4Convert]

Gel settings are not ideal for LiFePO4 batteries,

Most things in a motorhome are a compromise.

But the Gel setting on an existing charger is OK for many of us who are trying to avoid the cost - and, more particularly, the work and risk of errror involved with replacing otherwise perfectly good existing chargers.

 

[ChrisL]

Most things in a motorhome are a compromise.

But the Gel setting on an existing charger is OK for many of us who are trying to avoid the cost - and, more particularly, the work and risk of errror involved with replacing otherwise perfectly good existing chargers.

This is the bit that I don't really understand, I know we all have budgets that we need to keep to, but paying £600 + for a battery and then risk shortening its life for £100 or less charger?

Edit: from the Ecotree website.

What is Overcharging?​

In short, overcharging occurs when the charging process continues after the battery cell has reached 100% charge. What happens if you overcharge liFePO4? Doing so can cause permanent damage to the battery pack. Most batteries have an inbuilt protection circuit to avoid this. It cuts off the supply of charging current once the battery’s voltage reaches its capacity.

Even when batteries have a protection circuit, there are often instances when this circuit isn’t configured correctly or gets damaged, resulting in excessive charging.

 

[Jabstatt]

Firstly check lithium battery prices carefully. They are really cheap now, not as oft quoted on here i am afraid.

I have a Bailey which has stuff all over the roof. I have 100W dedicated to the starter battery and 460 w in two panels feeding the lithium.

I use the gel setting and its been happy for two seasons so far. I did get Victron MPPT controllers and an about to fit a mains charger from Victron for just a bit more comfort.

My advice is just find a way and do it in stages. Its all protected and fused so what can possibly go wrong????

Here you go!

Tony

 

[Lenny HB]

Most things in a motorhome are a compromise.

But the Gel setting on an existing charger is OK for many of us who are trying to avoid the cost - and, more particularly, the work and risk of errror involved with replacing otherwise perfectly good existing chargers.

Sorry u don't agree, the gel settings on an EBL is 16 hours absorbtion which if far too long.
If you are going to spend loads of money on a Lithium why not treat it with respect it deserves.

 

[DandG5515]

Neighbour has same van with Aircon and sat dish. We fitted a single 200w across the back on metal brackets (not plastic corner). Only word of warning his is horrendous over weight on back axle because of all the accessories fitted by previous owner.

 

[LiFePO4Convert]

I use the gel setting and its been happy for two seasons so far.

My Sterling Power bateries have been using the Gel setting on two consecutive Hymer EBL 29/30 charger for at least 5 years now.

The batteries seem happy enough.

 

[LiFePO4Convert]

Edit: from the Ecotree website.

A quote from the user guide for the Ecotree LiFePO4 batteries in my mobility scooter :-

Any 12v charger can be used

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[ChrisL]

A quote from the user guide for the Ecotree LiFePO4 batteries in my mobility scooter :-

Also from the Ecotree website!

LFP Battery Charging Guidelines​

Lithium-iron phosphate batteries are the safest batteries on the market. It is easy to eliminate any possibility of overcharging by following the charging guidelines below.

• Optimal Temperature Range: Every battery has an optimal temperature range for charging and operating conditions. Make sure you charge the battery only in these optimal conditions. For lithium-iron phosphate batteries, the recommended safe temperature is between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F). When charging at higher or lower temperatures, there is no need for temperature compensation for voltage when charging a lithium-ion battery.
• Avoid Complete Charge and Discharge: Do not charge the battery to 100% capacity or discharge it to 0% to avoid the possibility of overcharging and over-discharging.
• Correct Battery Charger: Many users buy aftermarket chargers to save money rather than getting an authentic LFP charger. Poor-quality chargers can seriously degrade the battery since the charging voltage varies between chargers. Only use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, never use a lead acid battery charger to charge lithium batteries.
• Storage: Follow proper storage guidelines that come with the battery. For instance, some batteries should be charged or discharged to a certain level before storing them. With optimal; storage conditions for your liFePO4 batteries, they will work perfectly when needed again.
• Fast Charging: Fast charging may seem appealing, but it is never good for the battery’s health. The best way to charge the battery is slowly with the recommended charger. Fast charging provides high voltages to the battery, which can easily cause overcharging.

 

[LiFePO4Convert]

We could go on trading quotes all day (week?), but I think LiFePO4 batteries are a lot more tolerant than is often stated.

 

[ChrisL]

We could go on trading quotes all day (week?), but I think LiFePO4 batteries are a lot more tolerant than is often stated.

Well definitely contradictory information from Ecotree, I would agree that LiFePO4 batteries are more tolerant then lead acid varieties, I guess I would prefer to be a bit on the safe side with charging regimes after the last set (of 3) lead carbon gels only lasting just over 2 years!