I'm planning to install a solar system in my camper, which I'll be leaving on my property up north. I'll be visiting every other weekend from spring to fall, and I want to keep the fridge running so I can store essential items without having to transport them back and forth. I'm still new to solar systems, so I'm looking for advice on how to ensure my setup stays safe and efficient while I'm away, especially regarding regular battery usage. I'm starting from scratch with my system, so any tips on what I should consider would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
A major concern with solar installations is the connections, especially the cable terminals. Over time, temperature and humidity can cause those metal connections to loosen, which might lead to overheating. It's a good practice to check and retighten all terminals every six months. Besides that, the reliability of the rest of your setup really hinges on the quality of your cables and equipment, so make sure those are up to par!
There are a few things to consider based on your location and battery type. If you’re in a place where temperatures drop below freezing, you'll need to think about how to keep your batteries functioning properly. For example, using LiFePO4 batteries can help as they have some self-heating capabilities. You also need to ensure your system has enough storage capacity to keep the fridge running without solar or grid backup. If you can monitor your system remotely, that would be ideal. Otherwise, think about having a generator ready to kick in if the batteries get too low to prevent food spoilage.
Currently, I use two lead-acid batteries with a sufficient solar setup that keeps the batteries above 12.3 volts at night and charges them during the day. I run a propane fridge drawing 1.8 amps per hour without any issues. I'd suggest having a good solar controller with features like circuit protection and low battery cut-off to make it safe while you're away. You could also consider installing solar-powered security cameras to keep an eye on things! Happy to share links for good solar controllers if you're interested.
I plan to disconnect everything before it gets too cold in the fall and will take the batteries home. I've read a lot about overcharging being an issue, especially since the fridge would be the only load while I’m away.