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Motorhome Solar Power System Issue
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<blockquote data-quote="condor22" data-source="post: 240817" data-attributes="member: 1932"><p>Fluffy,</p><p></p><p>I would advise against adding another battery at this point, they really do need to be of the same age, make, model and preferably batch.</p><p></p><p>Lithium Iron are better, but you will pay $1,800 for a 150AH, so that is one helluva expense considering your current needs.</p><p></p><p>Re wiring panels in series, yes that will work, but if you have a problem with 1 panel or any interconnecting cable, the whole system goes down.</p><p></p><p>For that reason, I use my 2 panels in parallel, each goes through a cushioned 10A circuit breaker and are then connected in parallel before the controller. That way I can isolate either or both. Apart from isolating 1 if faulty and still having the other in use until repaired, I have another reason for this.</p><p></p><p>I can also charge from a Redarc BCDC charger when driving, so I turn the panels off to avoid 2 lots of charging that may be running at different voltages or current, not to mention charging at too high a rate if both are running.</p><p></p><p>Although a bigger, heavier method, it is better to use 1 big Deep Cycle ie 1 x 350AH which may weigh 70-80kgs, than 3 x 120AH (which @ 30kg+ each is heavier in total) in parallel. That way there are no issues re compatibility or interconnection issues. Space and ability to install may be what decides using smaller batteries in parallel.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="condor22, post: 240817, member: 1932"] Fluffy, I would advise against adding another battery at this point, they really do need to be of the same age, make, model and preferably batch. Lithium Iron are better, but you will pay $1,800 for a 150AH, so that is one helluva expense considering your current needs. Re wiring panels in series, yes that will work, but if you have a problem with 1 panel or any interconnecting cable, the whole system goes down. For that reason, I use my 2 panels in parallel, each goes through a cushioned 10A circuit breaker and are then connected in parallel before the controller. That way I can isolate either or both. Apart from isolating 1 if faulty and still having the other in use until repaired, I have another reason for this. I can also charge from a Redarc BCDC charger when driving, so I turn the panels off to avoid 2 lots of charging that may be running at different voltages or current, not to mention charging at too high a rate if both are running. Although a bigger, heavier method, it is better to use 1 big Deep Cycle ie 1 x 350AH which may weigh 70-80kgs, than 3 x 120AH (which @ 30kg+ each is heavier in total) in parallel. That way there are no issues re compatibility or interconnection issues. Space and ability to install may be what decides using smaller batteries in parallel. [/QUOTE]
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Motorhome Solar Power System Issue
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