Post by jd and (blunt instrument) on Jan 29, 2022 13:39:20 GMT
690ah AGM batteries (2 years old)
640 watts solar
50amp solar controller
Victron multiplus inverter charger
I installed a 100ah lifepo4 battery into my system. It was a simple drop-in replacement, requiring no alteration to my present set up.
I installed the lifepo4 in the main cabin and used 16mm2 cable (I will probably change this to 25mm2) to connect to the main bank (two 4 metre lengths). I used a kill switch on the red feed to enable me to turn the battery off. The red lead connected to the agm, and the black lead to the service side of the Victron shunt, (this enables me to separate the agm readings via Bluetooth from the BMS readings on the Lifepo4).
The reason for the kill switch? It enables me to turn the battery off when cruising, thus saving the faff of keeping the alternator cool.
I use a generator to charge during winter, along with whatever help I can get from the solar.
The Lifepo4 has been installed for almost a week.
I wake up every morning to a 100% full agm battery bank.
My generator usage has dropped from 3-4 hrs a day to 1hr. (quite a saving, especially with present fuel prices).
The total cost to me has been £480. The saving on petrol will without doubt eventually pay for the install.
If you tend to install your own batteries, you will be competent enough to add a lifepo4.
640 watts solar
50amp solar controller
Victron multiplus inverter charger
I installed a 100ah lifepo4 battery into my system. It was a simple drop-in replacement, requiring no alteration to my present set up.
I installed the lifepo4 in the main cabin and used 16mm2 cable (I will probably change this to 25mm2) to connect to the main bank (two 4 metre lengths). I used a kill switch on the red feed to enable me to turn the battery off. The red lead connected to the agm, and the black lead to the service side of the Victron shunt, (this enables me to separate the agm readings via Bluetooth from the BMS readings on the Lifepo4).
The reason for the kill switch? It enables me to turn the battery off when cruising, thus saving the faff of keeping the alternator cool.
I use a generator to charge during winter, along with whatever help I can get from the solar.
The Lifepo4 has been installed for almost a week.
I wake up every morning to a 100% full agm battery bank.
My generator usage has dropped from 3-4 hrs a day to 1hr. (quite a saving, especially with present fuel prices).
The total cost to me has been £480. The saving on petrol will without doubt eventually pay for the install.
If you tend to install your own batteries, you will be competent enough to add a lifepo4.
