Hey everyone! I'm working on upgrading my 1997 Gulfstream Class A RV by adding a solar system. I currently have the usual setup for late '90s RVs: two lead acid batteries linked to the engine battery/alternator, a generator, and an old LED monitor panel. My plan is to install solar panels to hopefully eliminate my dependence on the generator completely. I've put together a list of components based on my research about Victron systems and I'm trying to figure out if I'm overengineering it or if there are any items I can skip. Here's what I have lined up:
* Sasquatch Power 220W Solar Panel
* Used Samlex 3000w inverter
* 400Ah of Lead Carbon batteries (for cold weather performance instead of lithium)
* Victron Energy - Blue Smart IP65 Charger 6V/12V-1.1A 120V NEMA 1-15
* Victron Smart Shunt
* Victron Energy Cerbo GX
* Victron Energy VE.Bus BMS V2
* Victron Energy Smart Battery Protect 12/24V-65A
* Victron Energy GX Touch 50
* Victron Energy Lynx Distributor Bus Bar
* Victron Energy Orion-TR Smart 12/12-18 (220W) Isolated DC-DC Charger
* Victron Energy SmartSolar 100/50 MPPT solar charge controller
* Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor
This is adding up to around CAD$5-6000. I'm really curious if I'm going overboard with this setup, so any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
It looks like you're on the right track, but I really recommend steering clear of lead carbon batteries. If you can keep your batteries inside a heated area, go for lithium (LiFePO4) instead—especially with the cold weather in mind. You can also save some cash and complexity by sticking with a Victron inverter since it’ll integrate seamlessly with your other Victron devices. It can also function as an inverter/charger, letting you skip an additional shore charger. Plus, did you know you can just DIY your Lynx power in for less than the cost of the distributor? Just a few nuts and bolts will do the trick! How many of those 220W panels are you planning to use, by the way?
I'll be starting with four of the 220W panels, just to get things rolling.
Honestly, your setup is definitely on the complicated side. If everything isn't perfectly configured, it can lead to a lot of frustration down the road. The BMV-712 is great but somewhat redundant if you have a Cerbo and another smart shunt. So, consider simplifying a bit. It's always better to have a system that works like a charm than to have a complex one that might become a headache! If you need more tailored advice on putting this together correctly, feel free to reach out!
Lead carbon is cheaper upfront, but if I go for heated LiFePO4 batteries, I can only afford about a third of the 400Ah capacity. Can you sell me on why it's worth spending that extra cash?