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Topic: Solar Panels and Battery - which?

joeytouring

09/7/2024 at 2:15pm
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I have a Renault Trafic which I am currently converting to a campervan. Any advice on the best way to set up a solar system with lithium battery? Thinking of adding a 100Ah lithium battery with 200W flexible solar panel. Does this make sense to run a small portable fridge (Decathlon 25L Total Freeze - not purchased yet), charge the laptop via 300W inverter, charge phones and run two led lights at night.

Any tips greatly appreciated.

marg6

09/7/2024 at 5:17pm
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can you provide a link to the fridge so we can check it out please, as normally you cant run these type of thing for more that a couple of hours before the battery is flat

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Capt Lightning

09/7/2024 at 6:06pm
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
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I believe the fridge is a compressor one and so will have a fairly low current draw. However, are you planning to install a 'conventional' split charge as well. I'm not sure how a split charge from the alternator, a solar panel and a lithium battery will all tie in together.

As for charging a laptop, are there devices that will allow you to charge it without adding in the inefficiency of an inverter?

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Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.

seanfdh

09/7/2024 at 8:03pm
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Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 09/7/2024
can you provide a link to the fridge so we can check it out please, as normally you cant run these type of thing for more that a couple of hours before the battery is flat

It's a compressor fridge.

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Sean

joeytouring

11/7/2024 at 10:22am
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I have been doing some more research so now have a better idea of things. Following your advice "Capt Lightning" - thank you - I have been looking into charging the laptop without an inverter but need to ensure the DC cable is compatible so will ask the manufacturer if they supply them.

The fridge is actually 35L and draws 30-40W.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/totalcool/totalfreeze-35-portable-fridge-freezer/_/R-p-a9074706-6bd6-44cf-9305-258ff39d33e2
Thanks for confirming it is a compressor "seanfdh"

I found this tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyRlA9o6dWE
which really helped me understand how it all fits together. So thinking of the following products:

A DCDC charger so can charge between lithium service battery and starter battery:
https://sterling-power.com/products/12v-to-12v-120a-dc-to-dc-charger-bb12120?variant=42737029677245

This kit which has a 200W solar panel and MPPT solar charger:
https://azeco.co.uk/product/200w-flexible-solar-panel-kit/

Regarding inverter, if necessary, I was thinking of ebay item:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144488142114

And for battery:

https://uk.renogy.com/12v-100ah-pro-deep-cycle-lithium-battery-w-bluetooth-renogy-one/
OR
https://azeco.co.uk/product/lithium-battery-lifepo4-100ah/

I was also thinking of getting a cheap battery off ebay but read that it is important to get a decent one?

birder99

11/7/2024 at 3:49pm
Location: Cambs
Outfit: Tin tent diddy tent BIG tent

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I would ensure that your mppt controller is or good quality. I've just had one fail, and unfortunately it was pulsing about 20v into my battery, which fried it. I'm now going to bite the bullet and build a Victron based system with its own display panel rather than faf about with my phone and Bluetooth to check charge levels and charge/discharge rates. The Sterling kit is also pretty good and their DC-DC charger has some nice features such as fridge or battery priority. If you intend to drive most days, you will find that the DC-DC charger will provide most of the battery charging that you need considering you only propose to have a 100ah battery.

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'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'

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