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How is this for a power system? Solar vs battery balance?

LosAngeles
Explorer
Explorer
How is this for a power system? Solar vs battery balance?

Hi all

Have owned a couple RVs, and now designing (with Hallmark) a 9.5’ Everest pop up truck camper.

How is this for the balance of 200 watts of solar and 200 amp hours of (probably Lithium) batteries?

I’m aware that the Lithium are very expensive, but they can be run down to 90% depleted without any damage….. plus they last many times longer than wet cells, so in the really long run, probably (hopefully) no more expensive. The Battleborn batteries (likely get these) have a built in battery management system that makes sure the battery can be used (or discharged) at temperatures as low as -4°F. However, the battery will not accept a charge below 25°F. The BMS also makes sure they dont over charge or under charge.

Planned system:

Propane for stove…. and Truma Combi. (hot water and air.)
(of course 12v needed to run the Truma Combi too)

7.2 CU side by side. 2 way compressor. Novacool RFS7501 fridge.

Maxx fan.

Interior LED lights.

Solar System: 2 X 100 Watt Soft Panels on roof.

Xantrex 817-2080 Freedom XC 2000, 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave 12 Volt Inverter/Charger

Victron BMV 712 Battery Monitor w/ Bluetooth Lifepo4 Ready

2 (two) x Battleborn 100 amp hour (each) Lithium

Other occasional loads:
Small microwave. Blender. computer maybe.

We camp 4 seasons…. sometimes below freezing. Sometimes higher altitudes. Sometimes in cloudy Pacific NorthWest. So the ability to discharge the Lithuim 90% with smaller bulk and weight has advantages.

We mostly boondock. We prefer the quiet.
Occasionally we stay someplace for 2 nights, but often drive around a bit, to explore, each day (so the F350 would also help charge up the batteries)

Thanks for any and all thoughts.

J.
47 REPLIES 47

naturist
Nomad
Nomad
This guy would suggest that you would likely want more solar for that much battery.

https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/the-classic-400-watt-rvs-vans-buses.html

jplante4
Explorer II
Explorer II
That would work for summer camping, but I would double the batteries and solar for four seasons. I think the Combi will suck those 2 Li batteries down on just moderately cold nights. That would also cut down on the genny time to recharge.

That's just a quick look. Get the amp draw off the specs for the Combi and figure it'll run 50% on freezing nights.

This topic might get more replies over in Tech Issues. Let me know if you want it moved.
Jerry & Jeanne
1996 Safari Sahara 3530 - 'White Tiger'
CAT 3126/Allison 6 speed/Magnum Chassis
2014 Equinox AWD / Blue Ox

bwlyon
Explorer
Explorer
I’m not an expert on anything. With that said, depending on how you use your power you may need an extra solar panel or two to keep your battery charged! But like I said I’m not an expert!