Off grid solar mppt battery advice help needed

[Adammully]

Hi I'm looking at changing my solar panel mppt controller as the screen isn't working

Also looking at the best set up for longer offgrid

I have 4 x 100watt solar panels
2 x 100ah leisure batteries

And if you see the pictures this is what already came in my van when I bought it does anyone recommend any changes For a better lasting set up ideally I want to go to Europe off grid for a few months

Thanks in advance ☺

 

[Googlebot]

I use Votronic MPPT controllers, they also have a connection for the starter battery. Not cheap but haven’t let me down so far.

This would do it.

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I also rate the Victron kit, but more pricey.

Looks a decent setup you have.

 

[Adammully]

I use Votronic MPPT controllers, they also have a connection for the starter battery. Not cheap but haven’t let me down so far.

This would do it.

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

I also rate the Victron kit, but more pricey.

Looks a decent setup you have.

I was thinking one of these renogy ones, do you know what's the difference between them?

 

[Reallyretired]

If you've got space and payload, another couple of batteries would improve things, otherwise seems a reasonable set up. Is the big switch a battery isolation switch or something else.

 

[Adammully]

If you've got space and payload, another couple of batteries would improve things, otherwise seems a reasonable set up. Is the big switch a battery isolation switch or something else.

I think so I'm not 100% sure I'm going get some new batteries And also add some more what ah would you reckon I aim for?

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[Two on Tour]

I use Victron MPPT solar charge controllers and a Victron BMV 712 battery monitor as well as Victron EHU charger for our lithium battery.
All the Victron gear is bluetooth networked and all my devices monitor each other to give the best performance from each, and you can view and configure all of the devices from the Victron Connect app.

The Victron Smartsolar MPPT 100/30 would be a good replacement for you duff controller as it handles up to 440 watts of solar.

https://www.victronenergy.com/uploa...charge-controller-MPPT-100-30-&-100-50-EN.pdf

 

[Googlebot]

I think so I'm not 100% sure I'm going get some new batteries And also add some more what ah would you reckon I aim for?

As big as you can manage on space available. You could consider lithium for half the weight and twice the capacity roughly but it won’t be cheap.

 

[Adammully]

I use Votronic MPPT controllers, they also have a connection for the starter battery. Not cheap but haven’t let me down so far.

I also rate the Victron kit, but more pricey.

Looks a decent setup you have.

I was thinking one of these renogy ones, do you know what's the difference between them?

 

[Googlebot]

I was thinking one of these renogy ones, do you know what's the difference between them?

I have never heard of them I am afraid, other people with much more knowledge than me might be able to help.

 

[Phill D]

I think so I'm not 100% sure I'm going get some new batteries And also add some more what ah would you reckon I aim for?

have you tested your batteries so that you know that they need replacing or are you just going to do it anyway?

your space availability will drive what size batteries you get. As well as your wallet!!

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[Adammully]

have you tested your batteries so that you know that they need replacing or are you just going to do it anyway?

your space availability will drive what size batteries you get. As well as your wallet!!

Hi not yet will test them tomorrow had to subscribe sorry for the late reply

 

[Raul]

If budget allows, 830 quid for 200ah lifepo4, you will never need a battery again for the life of that van. Controller, as suggested, the victron 100/30 is spot on, and surely ditch that isolator imediatly if is for battery disconnect. It’s a AC rated switch and can’t handle high amp DC. Replace it with a blue sea 6006 battery isolator or similar for about 30 quid. Those batteries are used, don’t mix new with old if you care about your wallet.

 

[orridge]

If budget allows, 830 quid for 200ah lifepo4, you will never need a battery again for the life of that van. Controller, as suggested, the victron 100/30 is spot on, and surely ditch that isolator imediatly if is for battery disconnect. It’s a AC rated switch and can’t handle high amp DC. Replace it with a blue sea 6006 battery isolator or similar for about 30 quid. Those batteries are used, don’t mix new with old if you care about your wallet.

Raul do you have a link to 200ah batteries at that cost most I am finding are more like £1200.

 

[Raul]

(

Raul do you have a link to 200ah batteries at that cost most I am finding are more like £1200.

2 X 12V 100AH LITHIUM Heavy Duty Starting Deep Cycle Leisure Marine battery | eBay

With a manufacturer part number of SLAUMXLI100-12, this heavy duty, deep cycle battery is perfect for all your power needs. Its advanced lithium technology ensures long-lasting power and durability.

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I use ultramax myself since summer 2019, and few here, strong batteries, I have tested them personally on high load and high charge. No issues.

 

[Lenny HB]

I was thinking one of these renogy ones, do you know what's the difference between them?

Solar regulators are one of those items where you get what you pay for a 40 amp one at 100 quid is not going to be much cop.
Slightly cheaper than Victron are the Votronic MMP range I prefer them to Victron. They don't have the Bluetooth but they are dual output with a 1amp output to charge the starter battery and and AES output to switch the fridge to 12v when there is plenty of solar.

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[Two on Tour]

Tinker2 Swapped out his old lead acid batteries for a pair of the Ultramax 100Ah lithium's a while back and he is over the moon with them as well.

 

[Adammully]

If budget allows, 830 quid for 200ah lifepo4, you will never need a battery again for the life of that van. Controller, as suggested, the victron 100/30 is spot on, and surely ditch that isolator imediatly if is for battery disconnect. It’s a AC rated switch and can’t handle high amp DC. Replace it with a blue sea 6006 battery isolator or similar for about 30 quid. Those batteries are used, don’t mix new with old if you care about your wallet.

Is the victron 100/30 the one I need for 4 x 100watt solar panels? Also whats best thing to get a split charge or a b2b charger

 

[Googlebot]

Is the victron 100/30 the one I need for 4 x 100watt solar panels? Also whats best thing to get a split charge or a b2b charger

Yes, the Victron will handle 400 watts fine.

If you can afford it, a B2B is better than a split charge and will also have the proper charging regime. If you are going for lithium they are essential.

 

[funflair]

Is the victron 100/30 the one I need for 4 x 100watt solar panels? Also whats best thing to get a split charge or a b2b charger

I believe 100/30 is 100 volts and 30amp max so yes OK, B2B trumps a split charge especially if you have lithium to gobble up the amps.

 

[Two on Tour]

Also whats best thing to get a split charge or a b2b charger

When you say a B2B are wanting to charge your leisure battery from your cab battery/alternator or charge your cab battery from your solar/leisure battery ?

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[Adammully]

When you say a B2B are wanting to charge your leisure battery from your cab battery/alternator or charge your cab battery from your solar/leisure battery ?

I'm wanting to charge the leisure batteries from the cab battery/alternator in the most effective way as I've read the split chargers arnt as effective thanks

 

[Two on Tour]

I'm wanting to charge the leisure batteries from the cab battery/alternator in the most effective way as I've read the split chargers arnt as effective thanks

B2B is the way to go. I'm running a Sterling BB1260 which wacks in 50 - 60 amps to my lithium when needed.
Also in the Victron stable is the well respected Orion-TR 12/12V-30A which is available as an isolated or a non-isolated unit.

 

[Raul]

Yes Orion smart B2B 30A is a very good choice. A good cheaper alternative to that is victron Orion DC-DC 12-12 360w converter. It does the same as B2B except the smart Bluetooth settings. It has to be set via potentiometer with a small flat screwdriver. And it’s one stage only, for Lithium is what I use. But I would go for the smart Orion.

 

[Jev88]

Victron good especially with Bluetooth built in.

 

[Adammully]

How would I check if my existing batteries need replacing thanks

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[Googlebot]

How would I check if my existing batteries need replacing thanks

Put them under a known load and drop them to 50% charged. Leave to settle and measure voltage. Should be 12.06 volts.

It’s a faff but the only way to know for sure. Much easier if you have a shunt that measures it for you.

 

[Phill D]

Fully charge them and disconnect from the solar or chargers.
Put them under a load say 5+ amps a bulb or 2.
Check voltage regularly.
When down to about 12.1 v stop and allow to settle for a short while. Then check voltage again.
Note how long it took to get from fully charged resting voltage 12.7v to the 12.1 volts.
A quick calc then on amp / hour.
Then fully charge rest and do it again.

Compare the time taken to get down to 12.1v.
If there it takes considerably less time then the battery is probably on its way.

Its a bore but its probably the only way with basic multi meter.

Just done it with my leisure battery and did it 3 times and at the 3rd time it fell off quite a bit. So replaced.

 

[Phill D]

I forgot to mention ....

make sure you measure the current draw when you set the load so you can do basic calculations on AH draw off..

 

[BasherBaz]

Hi I'm looking at changing my solar panel mppt controller as the screen isn't working

Also looking at the best set up for longer offgrid

I have 4 x 100watt solar panels
2 x 100ah leisure batteries

And if you see the pictures this is what already came in my van when I bought it does anyone recommend any changes For a better lasting set up ideally I want to go to Europe off grid for a few months

Thanks in advance ☺

You may be interested in this article regarding the angle of solar panels and the difference it can make to output. The main discussion regarding them starts at 2 minutes 40secs. Depending on how yours are mounted and access to them this can be a cheap mod.