I'm building a school bus conversion to live in full time and I'm torn between using a 12v or a 48v system. I've already bought three 12v batteries (SOK SK12V314PH | 12V314Ah) because I was concerned that prices might rise due to tariffs. Now I'm wondering if I should just grab a fourth battery to set up a 48v system or stick to the 12v setup. Any advice?
3 Answers
You should definitely check if those batteries can be wired in parallel with a compatible BMS. If that’s doable, adding a fourth battery for a 48v system sounds like a solid plan!
Going with 48v is beneficial if you'll primarily use an inverter for AC power and not rely heavily on 12vdc appliances. Just keep in mind that if you split the batteries into separate DC systems, you might face balancing issues when charging. Also, using a 48v to 12v converter can lead to energy losses. A 12v setup is better for using mostly 12v lights and appliances with a corresponding inverter.
If you're looking for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, just stick with the 12v system since you already have the batteries. No need to overcomplicate things!
If cost isn't a big deal, would you still recommend 12v over 48v? I want to avoid unnecessary expenses but I'm willing to invest more if it makes sense for my needs.
I can reach out to the manufacturer to confirm, but from what I know, they should work in parallel for a 48v setup. It’s listed on some sites that sell them, though their official site doesn’t specify it.