Solar panels and lithium batteries
We are thinking of installing 2 solar panels and replacing our deep cycle batteries with lithium batteries. Big cost but if it gets us where we don't run out of power with our current set up it might...
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The panel will show full long before a hydrometer will show full (A temperature compensated hydrometer is the only way to be 100% sure of full on flooded wet cells) you might want to test using one of those.. Resting voltage is also a good indicator but you must DISCONNECT the battery for a while before measuring. Else you see only "Surface charge" or the converter output.
I'd recommend the hydrometer. Auto stores still have 'em in many cases.
The major advantage of LI is that you can run 'em down near zero before they reduce voltage.. Just make sure you have the proper solar controller.
Also you need to do a bunch of math to decide
How many watts do we use per day
How many watts will the panels actually produce (Figure half their rating)
and the loss in the charging cycle. MPPT controllers Maximum Power Point Transfer) will charge fastest .
I'd recommend the hydrometer. Auto stores still have 'em in many cases.
The major advantage of LI is that you can run 'em down near zero before they reduce voltage.. Just make sure you have the proper solar controller.
Also you need to do a bunch of math to decide
How many watts do we use per day
How many watts will the panels actually produce (Figure half their rating)
and the loss in the charging cycle. MPPT controllers Maximum Power Point Transfer) will charge fastest .
