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Vic_Bc's avatar
Vic_Bc
Explorer
Jun 28, 2014

Converting to Solar/AGM

Hey folks,

I just recently installed 2x 95W Solar Panels, 1000W pure sine wave interver interver fuse, and regulator

I'm looking to upgrade my house batteries to a bank of two lifeline 6volt (400aH) wired in series. I'm a bit concerned as I currently only have one flooded deepcycle for a house battery which is charged by the alternator and when plugged into shore power.

Do I need to change the charger? I'm not that tech savvy when it comes to electricity, this is a whole new venture for me. My friend is an electrician and he mentioned I could run an extension cord from my male plug (that is used to connect to shore power) to my inverter so all the outlets inside work (they currently only work when plugged into shore power). I'm just a little concerned that double charging the battery might get messy.


Also, I'm changing to AGM which I now need to keep an eye out for overcharging, correct? The solar regulator will take care of that. I was told there should already be a regulator installed for when I'm plugged into shore power? (I drive a 1990/1991 Dodge Islander. It also leaves the issue of the alternator, do I need to change everything as the house battery gets charged while I'm driving as well.

I'm just trying to make this switch to AGM smooth. I hope my questions are clear.

Thanks for your time

-Dustin
  • Vic_Bc's avatar
    Vic_Bc
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    RJsfishin wrote:
    You're making it complicated.
    Change to AGM if you don't want the most amps for the bucks.
    Add the solar.
    Don't change anything else, except turn off your converter/charger when shore power is connected to inverter.


    I'm changing to AGM as the only spots for the batteries are inside and there's not a very good ventilation, and I'm installing a pretty high powered sound system so that 400aH is pretty sexy. (was the "dont want" a spelling mistake or is there a better way to high amount of aH?)

    I may have misread something but I was under the impression that there are chargers for certain battery types. But if that's not the case that takes a load off my back.


    When I got the RV there was no manual, so I will have to look into how to turn off the charger/converter. They do sell http://gpelectric.com/products/30-amp-pre-wired-transfer-switchTransfer switches which looks like solves all my problems, so that might be something I need to look into.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    You're making it complicated.
    Change to AGM if you don't want the most amps for the bucks.
    Add the solar.
    Don't change anything else, except turn off your converter/charger when shore power is connected to inverter.

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