Too much Solar Power? (and other related questions)

[Joolsm]

We pick up our new MH soon and I want to instruct the dealer about adding solar panels. The MH will come with two 95AH AGM batteries (I think) and the plan is to replace those at some point with one or two lithium 200AH batteries. I want the installation to now to be able work with lithium in the future. I'm planning to ask the dealer to install two 200w solar panels. I like the Victron products so plan to use those if possible in the solar arrangement.
My questions are:
1) Is it possible to send too much power to AGM batteries? I've read that they don't do well with fast charging (?), so does the Solar charge Controller manage the charge for AGM well, even if there is too much charge for the batteries to safely take on board?

2) What size solar charger should I install? Victron 100/50?

3) Would I be better off just letting the dealer install what they want and forget about making it 'lithium ready'?

4) Does the system I'm planning make sense, with lots of off-grid use in a warm climate running fans most of the time and charging devices as the main usage?

Thanks for reading

 

[Pausim]

It sounds sensible to be LiFePO4 ready. How much payload have you got?

 

[Joolsm]

Heavy Chassis, so plenty (I hope!)

 

[PhilandMena]

There is an old adage, You can never have too much solar. Do it once and do it right. I would suggest a minimum of 400 w of solar and the Victron regulators are up there with the best. Lifepo4 have their own BMS I think which you may need to understand before fitting. As for AGM, the pure lead carbon are reported as being very, very good.

 

[funflair]

The Victron 100/50 has it's own LiFePO4 profile but is also user programmable if you want to fine tune it, on that basis it should be fine for 400 watts of solar and leave a bit for any future additions if you can find any more room, that set up would give you maximum 30A so I would say it will be fine for your AGM batteries in the interim.

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[The Wino]

Unless you're going to start using other electrical devices sounds to me like your going over the top on battery capacity and solar.
What's your anticipated load from the fans?
Do you have or want an inverter?

 

[Joolsm]

Unless you're going to start using other electrical devices sounds to me like your going over the top on battery capacity and solar.
What's your anticipated load from the fans?
Do you have or want an inverter?

We need to be able to run a hairdryer and also want the option to use a small induction hob or air fryer. I’m researching the inverter too but planning on around 1500-2000w.
The load on the fans is quite small (will check and edit later).

 

[mitzimad]

last person i would ask is the dealer collect the van and get it done somewhere else

 

[The Wino]

We need to be able to run a hairdryer and also want the option to use a small induction hob or air fryer. I’m researching the inverter too but planning on around 1500-2000w.
The load on the fans is quite small (will check and edit later).

In that case go for your original plan. Each to their own!

 

[DumfriesDik]

Really interesting thread. You will do well to scour YouTube. I am no expert. Volts also play a part with solar panels and charge controllers.

Induction hobs are the way forwards I think.

It would be interesting to hear what you do and how you get on.

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[Joolsm]

last person i would ask is the dealer collect the van and get it done somewhere else

That was my instinct…

 

[JockandRita]

That was my instinct…

I'd definitely go with that.

I have an almost unhealthy distrust regarding the abilities of dealers, to be capable only of taking your money..........end of.

Good luck getting the right installation for your off grid energy needs.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[grumps147]

There are a number of recent threads on this subject with loads of information in them that should be very helpful. I can't link them all, you need to do a search, but here is a link to one ..
.https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/ecotree-lithium-install.258705/

 

[funflair]

We need to be able to run a hairdryer and also want the option to use a small induction hob or air fryer. I’m researching the inverter too but planning on around 1500-2000w.
The load on the fans is quite small (will check and edit later).

We have an induction hob installed outside, the last thing you need when it's hot is the gas stove fired up hence the electric kettle as well, we can typically use close to 2kwh per day so up to 150ah. I would say at least 2000W inverter but personally 3000W

 

[headlight]

Joolsm where are you based ?

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[WildBunch]

In brief, Victron Kit is good, make sure the solar controller has both AGM & Lithium charging profiles, of course it should be MPPT.
Best to have a B2B to manage the alternator charge to the Hab batteries. Also remember Lithium batteries have a limited maximum output current, so you must consider this when sizing your inverter. The size of the solar panels may be limited by the space on the roof.
A lot to consider..good luck.

 

[Joolsm]

Joolsm where are you based ?

I live in Spain. Travelling to UK in September.

 

[Raul]

As much solar as you can, and if worried that may be to much charge for the battery, you can limit the charge amps in the victron settings, until you get your Lithium. AGM can take C/5 all day long, that’s 20a charge for a 100ah.

 

[headlight]

I was going to suggest giving Vanbitz a ring and discussing your requirements.
Then when you come to the UK in September you could take the motorhome to them for fitting.
You'll stay on their campsite for free and you'll get 10% discount for being funster.
Eddie the owner is a member on here.
They are fitting a 175 watt system for me next week.

 

[Bessy765]

Tom at RV installations did ours, 700 watts of Soar, Victron 200/80 2 x 100 Lithium. Just do 80 days in France no ehu and able to run the hab air con when really hot or to cool the bedroom at night, obviously within limits.

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[Joolsm]

I was going to suggest giving Vanbitz a ring and discussing your requirements.
Then when you come to the UK in September you could take the motorhome to them for fitting.
You'll stay on their campsite for free and you'll get 10% discount for being funster.
Eddie the owner is a member on here.
They are fitting a 175 watt system for me next week.

That’s already why I’m planning coming! I want an alarm fitted.

 

[headlight]

So you could kill 2 birds with one stone and have solar fitted at the same time maybe ?

 

[Joolsm]

So you could kill 2 birds with one stone and have solar fitted at the same time maybe ?

The thing is I have a 3000€ voucher to spend at the dealer (an incentive) and I figured solar panels and a decent charge controller would be worth doing. Along with awning, bike rack and a ceiling fan. Might get Vanbitz to fit me an inverter though…

 

[heliart]

last person i would ask is the dealer collect the van and get it done somewhere else

I've had a similar discussion, dealer was priced high, and not really the brand or config I wanted. Doing it afterwards in my case.

 

[Joolsm]

I've had a similar discussion, dealer was priced high, and not really the brand or config I wanted. Doing it afterwards in my case.

I’m going to request they use a Victron charge controller. I’m guessing that 2 200w panels will be pretty standard?

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