300w Solar And Camper Electric Set-up

[czmate1999]

Hi All,

Just talking through my electrical requirements for the conversion and what i would like is,

- 300w solar panel
- 160ah (at least) battery
- Mains hook-up
- for the leisure battery to be able to charge from the solar, mains or when the car is running
- the car stereo to be able to run from the leisure battery so that i can use it when the engine is off and not have the key in the ignition
- 2 x 12v plugs
- 2 x mains plugs
- 4 x USB plugs

What do you think of this set-up - would you add anything?

- Also not sure what battery to add dash cams into...

I would be very grateful if people could recommend any kit that would help me achieve this - so i know what to look out for with my convertor and also if anyone has run into any troubles with a similar set up.

Many thanks all!

CZ.

 

[Dellmassive]

Hold on . . . . Weve just done this recently..

Any1 got a link the recent thread?

 

[Dellmassive]

right im back in the office . . . . .

heres the link, start here > Best Off Grid Set Up

have a look through and post any questions back here . . . .



- 300w solar panel - What Solar Panel & Controller ?
- 160ah (at least) battery - Lithium Lifepo4 12v Batteries - - - Time For An Upgrade ? - - -
- Mains hook-up - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-3
- for the leisure battery to be able to charge from the solar, mains or when the car is running - Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
- the car stereo to be able to run from the leisure battery so that i can use it when the engine is off and not have the key in the ignition - (yes but apparently the timer still kicks in)
- 2 x 12v plugs - Installing 12v Socket /s - How Its Done -
- 2 x mains plugs - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-3
- 4 x USB plugs - Installing 12v Socket /s - How Its Done -

What do you think of this set-up - would you add anything? - depends on your requirements = living off grid? or just weekend camping on EHU?

- Also not sure what battery to add dash cams into... either . . . . but its best to run from an ignition feed so it doesnt run your battery flat in 24hrs. (unless you want it recording 24/7, then on a large leisure battery bank)

 

[Davenjo]

BlackVue Power Magic Pro allows you to connect a dash cam via a non ignition feed without killing the battery - I use one on my car to enable parking mode to run 24/7 - you can set the cutoff voltage - if memory serves mine is set at 12.4v.

 

[czmate1999]

right im back in the office . . . . .

heres the link, start here > Best Off Grid Set Up

have a look through and post any questions back here . . . .



- 300w solar panel - What Solar Panel & Controller ?
- 160ah (at least) battery - Lithium Lifepo4 12v Batteries - - - Time For An Upgrade ? - - -
- Mains hook-up - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-3
- for the leisure battery to be able to charge from the solar, mains or when the car is running - Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
- the car stereo to be able to run from the leisure battery so that i can use it when the engine is off and not have the key in the ignition - (yes but apparently the timer still kicks in)
- 2 x 12v plugs - Installing 12v Socket /s - How Its Done -
- 2 x mains plugs - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-3
- 4 x USB plugs - Installing 12v Socket /s - How Its Done -

What do you think of this set-up - would you add anything? - depends on your requirements = living off grid? or just weekend camping on EHU?

- Also not sure what battery to add dash cams into... either . . . . but its best to run from an ignition feed so it doesnt run your battery flat in 24hrs. (unless you want it recording 24/7, then on a large leisure battery bank)

Thanks @Dellmassive, only just on to the with batteries section... wow a lot of info... you have certainly done your homework and created a great resource!!!

My use will be in a camper. I would like to exist off grid for at least a week. Running a fridge, maybe additional cool box, lights, charging iPads/phones, etc

So looking at the below options...

Victron Lithium 12V - 160Ah Smart Battery | onBoardEnergy
Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410

Clayton Power UK - LPS Lithium Power Supply

My reasons for this consideration is the life of the battery and the fact that the batteries are more resilient. Potential advantages for me would be the ability to have an induction hob, possible microwave use off grid and a faster more reliable charge. As well as possibly running my 1700W coffee maker... Would that be possible with the victron batteries?

Another question is what controller and other equipment would I need for the above Victron setup?

So much more to read up on!!!

 

[czmate1999]

BlackVue Power Magic Pro allows you to connect a dash cam via a non ignition feed without killing the battery - I use one on my car to enable parking mode to run 24/7 - you can set the cutoff voltage - if memory serves mine is set at 12.4v.

Thanks, I'll investigate.

 

[Spookybear]

My reasons for this consideration is the life of the battery and the fact that the batteries are more resilient. Potential advantages for me would be the ability to have an induction hob, possible microwave use off grid and a faster more reliable charge. As well as possibly running my 1700W coffee maker... Would that be possible with the victron batteries?

Another question is what controller and other equipment would I need for the above Victron setup?


Just as a little input to this, I think you really are going to struggle on this in terms of what you want to run. On a recent install I have just completed, running 2x 230A wet batteries in 24v config, so at 230A, (which was not enough!! ideally I needed 4x 230A but the truck had been built & there was physically nowhere to put these), on testing, to run a 230v 1700W micro used approx. 80A of DC battery power through a 5kw Victron Quattro. Remember too as volts go up, amps comes down so as a rule of thumb this would be approx 160a on a 12v battery bank

Any more load than this asked for the generator which kicked in to load share. This one also had 4x 115w panels on the roof too for off grid charging. Again, ideally I would have liked more but not enough roof space. this one was getting shipped to Australia so a real shame I couldnt get more up there.

I think the battery power alone & control units, not including trying to actually get room for a 230v micro & hob in a T6 is going to be a real challenge. Dont get me wrong, everything is possible but maybe just have a rethink. You could end up spending a lot (spelt, a "ruddy" lot) & then being dissapointed.

The other thing, once you go to an integrated inverter, just be aware you have to have some form of isolating the inverter from the hook-up input/genny. Worse case scenario you can get a 230v feed coming back up the hook up male pins so very easy to get a shock, or the other scenario is if the hook-up is on & the inverter, if a fault occurs & you lose a connection you could have the potential to actually have 415v flowing through your van, your equipment certainly wont appreciate that lol

Some pics of said install, but I had an awfull lot more room to play with

Gratuitous pic of the Control system I design & build to any spec/layout

 

[czmate1999]

My reasons for this consideration is the life of the battery and the fact that the batteries are more resilient. Potential advantages for me would be the ability to have an induction hob, possible microwave use off grid and a faster more reliable charge. As well as possibly running my 1700W coffee maker... Would that be possible with the victron batteries?

Another question is what controller and other equipment would I need for the above Victron setup?


Just as a little input to this, I think you really are going to struggle on this in terms of what you want to run. On a recent install I have just completed, running 2x 230A wet batteries in 24v config, so at 230A, (which was not enough!! ideally I needed 4x 230A but the truck had been built & there was physically nowhere to put these), on testing, to run a 230v 1700W micro used approx. 80A of DC battery power through a 5kw Victron Quattro. Remember too as volts go up, amps comes down so as a rule of thumb this would be approx 160a on a 12v battery bank

Any more load than this asked for the generator which kicked in to load share. This one also had 4x 115w panels on the roof too for off grid charging. Again, ideally I would have liked more but not enough roof space. this one was getting shipped to Australia so a real shame I couldnt get more up there.

I think the battery power alone & control units, not including trying to actually get room for a 230v micro & hob in a T6 is going to be a real challenge. Dont get me wrong, everything is possible but maybe just have a rethink. You could end up spending a lot (spelt, a "ruddy" lot) & then being dissapointed.

The other thing, once you go to an integrated inverter, just be aware you have to have some form of isolating the inverter from the hook-up input/genny. Worse case scenario you can get a 230v feed coming back up the hook up male pins so very easy to get a shock, or the other scenario is if the hook-up is on & the inverter, if a fault occurs & you lose a connection you could have the potential to actually have 415v flowing through your van, your equipment certainly wont appreciate that lol

Some pics of said install, but I had an awfull lot more room to play with

Gratuitous pic of the Control system I design & build to any spec/layout

View attachment 51323View attachment 51313 View attachment 51314 View attachment 51318View attachment 51320View attachment 51319View attachment 51315 View attachment 51316 View attachment 51317 View attachment 51322

View attachment 51321

Wow, that all looks fantastic!!! Some one must have a serious off-grid need!

Wasn't thinking about a domestic power microwave just a 6-700watt one, like this 600w Microwave on Amazon. The 1700W was for a very occasional use coffee machine - but would only really potentially use of on EHU - it would not be a regular feature in the camper unless we were on a fairly local site that we knew could handle it. At the moment i am more testing the waters on what i can expect to achieve. The microwave would purely be a nice to have - as an occasional option when off grid but, if it can not easily be catered for within a reasonable budget then i am happy to rule it out.

So in my current conversion quote I have a relatively normal set-up priced in including a 160AH leisure battery and a 300w solar panel. I am considering changing the battery to one of the below and my question now is which controller and what else will i need to add to the system to get it all working and is all of that cost worth it?

Victron Lithium 12V - 160Ah Smart Battery | onBoardEnergy
Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410

As mentioned I am not experienced in all of this so my thanks to those who have replied so far and for your patience.

Best,

CZ.

 

[czmate1999]

So any thoughts?

 

[Dellmassive]

@czmate1999


So here is a challenge - to anyone that wants to take it up - to simplify the lithium battery camper question for those with no clue - myself included -

What would be needed for a complete system for a camper that would have a 300w solar panel and a minimum 160ah Lithium battery? and what would be the expected material cost to the closest £100 and what would be the expected install cost. To spice things up it would also be good to compare this to a traditional electrical install on a camper, again for both material and install costs...

Think that this might help a lot of people - wish i could answer it!!

 

[Dellmassive]

**************↑
So here is a challenge - to anyone that wants to take it up - to simplify the lithium battery camper question for those with no clue - myself included -

What would be needed for a complete system for a camper that would have a 300w solar panel and a minimum 160ah Lithium battery? and what would be the expected material cost to the closest £100 and what would be the expected install cost. To spice things up it would also be good to compare this to a traditional electrical install on a camper, again for both material and install costs...

Think that this might help a lot of people - wish i could answer it!!

**************
youve answered you own question . . . just add up the parts then add 10-20% for the install.

there is a wide range of prices on all the kit depending on the quality or brands.

here an example from @travelvolts

300w panel - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-14
160ah Lifepo4 - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-1
DC-DC with MPPT - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop
optional LBD - https://www.travelvolts.net/product-page/60-amp-battery-guard
install sundries. - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-11
install Labour. - just add up the parts then add 10-20% for the install.


rough eg (specs not vetted):

Redarc BCDC1240D
Qty: 1
£278.00

150 watt semi flex solar panel.
Qty: 2
£559.90

TN Power LiFePO4 battery 100ah
Qty: 2
£1,038.00

Wiring kit XL.
Qty: 2
£79.00

Solar cable 4 mm
Qty: 10
£13.00

Battery fitting kit
Qty: 1
£8.20

60 amp battery guard
Qty: 1
£61.95
Subtotal £2,038.05
Shipping £10.00
Tax £409.61
Total £2,457.66


then plus install labour

 

[Dellmassive]

↑
youve answered you own question . . . just add up the parts then add 10-20% for the install.

there is a wide range of prices on all the kit depending on the quality or brands.

here an example from @travelvolts

300w panel - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-14
160ah Lifepo4 - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-1
DC-DC with MPPT - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop
optional LBD - https://www.travelvolts.net/product-page/60-amp-battery-guard
install sundries. - https://www.travelvolts.net/shop-11
install Labour. - just add up the parts then add 10-20% for the install.


rough eg (specs not vetted):

Redarc BCDC1240D
Qty: 1
£278.00

150 watt semi flex solar panel.
Qty: 2
£559.90

TN Power LiFePO4 battery 100ah
Qty: 2
£1,038.00

Wiring kit XL.
Qty: 2
£79.00

Solar cable 4 mm
Qty: 10
£13.00

Battery fitting kit
Qty: 1
£8.20

60 amp battery guard
Qty: 1
£61.95
Subtotal £2,038.05
Shipping £10.00
Tax £409.61
Total £2,457.66


then plus install labour
Click to expand...
Thanks! Ok, so presumably i could swap out the batteries for this one,

Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410
Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410

Space will be at a premium in the van...

Or is this the better option,

LPS - Compact power supply with integrated li-ion battery
Lithium Power Supply

 

[Dellmassive]

yes you could swap out TN etc for the - Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410 (or any other)

these are fairly new and I've not seen them in action, they are a combo package of battery,charger,inverter,solar but even the big one is only 100Ah and £2.7K there not cheap (and that doesn't include any solar panels, cable or install either) (but a nice tidy compact solution) - LPS - Compact power supply with integrated li-ion battery

 

[Dellmassive]

@czmate1999 :

You are right. i like the idea of the victron battery with the 200AH capacity... stupid question but if i were to go with the set-up you suggested - but with the victron battery - would that still be able to function with the victron phone app? (obviously i like glittering, showy things)

 

[Dellmassive]

Yes, the Victron "Smart" range of stuff have bluetooth/APP including the - Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart

it looks like the App with the battery alone will report just the battery stats (voltage,temp,cell balance)

see here:

Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart - Victron Energy

as you add more Victron "smart" devices, the APP gets more powerful/us full (the above post shows the app working with a smart MPPT and the smart BMV, but also works on there chargers and much more)


You can download the Victron connect App and play with it as it comes with "Demo files" that you can play and mess-about with.

VictronConnect manual [Victron Energy]

.

 

[Dellmassive]

Yes, the Victron "Smart" range of stuff have bluetooth/APP including the - Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart

it looks like the App with the battery alone will report just the battery stats (voltage,temp,cell balance)

see here:

Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart - Victron Energy

as you add more Victron "smart" devices, the APP gets more powerful/us full (the above post shows the app working with a smart MPPT and the smart BMV, but also works on there chargers and much more)


You can download the Victron connect App and play with it as it comes with "Demo files" that you can play and mess-about with.

VictronConnect manual [Victron Energy]

.

cool, thanks. so it would be most useful with a victron MPPT and inventor then? any recommendations on model for my scenario. sorry to ask so many questions. Just love to get the best option on things and i love apps.

 

[Dellmassive]

cool, thanks. so it would be most useful with a victron MPPT and inventor then? any recommendations on model for my scenario. sorry to ask so many questions. Just love to get the best option on things and i love apps.

depends on your needs . . . but as a guide (if you want to go victron with the app)

300w panel - 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
200ah Lifepo4 - Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart - Victron Energy
800va inverter - Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct - Victron Energy
75/20 mppt - SmartSolar MPPT 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 & 100/20 - Victron Energy
15A EHU charger - Blue Smart IP22 Charger - Victron Energy
40A DC-DC with MPPT - REDARC BCDC1240D Battery - Battery Charger with MPPT 40A | SplitCharge.co.uk
optional LBD - Battery Protect - Victron Energy
install sundries. -

 

[Dellmassive]

depends on your needs . . . but as a guide (if you want to go victron with the app)

300w panel - 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
200ah Lifepo4 - Lithium battery 12,8V & 25,6V Smart - Victron Energy
800va inverter - Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct - Victron Energy
75/20 mppt - SmartSolar MPPT 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 & 100/20 - Victron Energy
15A EHU charger - Blue Smart IP22 Charger - Victron Energy
40A DC-DC with MPPT - REDARC BCDC1240D Battery - Battery Charger with MPPT 40A | SplitCharge.co.uk
optional LBD - Battery Protect - Victron Energy
install sundries. -

@Dellmassive Many thanks. really appreciate it!!! I promise i won't bother you for a while!!

 

[Dellmassive]

Lol.... I'll move your bits over to a new thread tomoz to help clear this one up a bit.

Thanks - maybe back to this thread? 300w Solar And Camper Electric Set-up

---

have priced things up at around £2.6k (assume i do not need the redarc mppt as the other bits cover that off?)

300W SEMI-FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANEL - £599 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410 - £1389 Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V/200Ah Smart BAT512120410

Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter 12/800 230V VE.Direct UK & Bluetooth Dongle - £317.1 Victron Energy Phoenix Inverter 12/800 230V VE.Direct UK & Bluetooth Dongle

Victron Energy Smart Solar MPPT 75/15 - SCC075015060R - £106.41 Victron Energy Smart Solar MPPT 75/15 - SCC075015060R

Victron Blue Smart IP22 Bluetooth Battery Charger - 12V 15A, 3 output - £153.3 Victron Blue Smart IP22 Bluetooth Battery Charger - 12V 15A, 3 output

Victron Energy Smart Battery Protect 12/24V 100A - BPR110022000 - £72.8 Victron Energy Smart Battery Protect 12/24V 100A - BPR110022000

Total - £2,637.61 (plus install and sundries)

The only issue is the peak wattage on the inverter, i guess i would need a bigger one for what i mentioned i would like to achieve in the other thread...

hmmmmm... what to do....

 

[Dellmassive]

@Bryn23 :

Victron are due to release their new dc-dc charging range in November, it will be interesting to see what they offer