Thoughts on My Campervan Battery Setup?
Asked by WanderingNomad42
Hey everyone! I'm starting a campervan build for full-time living and I want to ensure my electrical setup is solid. My biggest power draws will include an induction cooker, kettle, and an air fryer, as I'd love to cook a roast sometimes. I'm also planning to have a large 200L fridge, a small TV, laptop, fans, and possibly an A/C for the warmer months. Here's the current plan: I'm thinking of using 4x 300Ah lithium batteries wired in series for a 48V system. I'll fit three 405W solar panels on the roof, connecting them in parallel to avoid issues with partial shading. I'm also getting the Victron Energy EasySolar-II 48/5000/70-50 MPPT 250/100 GX because I want enough power to run multiple appliances without a hitch. Plus, I'm adding a Victron DC-DC charger to harness energy from the car as well. I'd love your feedback! Are there any major flaws in this setup or things you think I should reconsider?
Answers
You might want to think about adding optimizers for each panel just in case one gets shaded; it really helps with performance. Some folks say it’s less of a concern if you wire panels in parallel, but better safe than sorry!
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I recommend sticking with 48V batteries. I've had my fair share of problems with series wiring and balancing, which can be a real headache. It might be worth it to prioritize 48V for reliability.
CuriousCamper: This! But I hear 48V batteries can be pricey, right? What’s the situation with their balancing issues?
WanderingNomad42: Thanks for the tip! Yeah, I’ve noticed the cost is higher, and the biggest 48V ones I've spotted are only 100Ah, which means I’d need multiple. Is that balancing really a big pain?
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WanderingNomad42: Is it still necessary to use optimizers if the panels are in parallel? I thought it was more an issue with series wiring.