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?
2 Answers
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.
This! But I hear 48V batteries can be pricey, right? What’s the situation with their balancing issues?
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!
Is it still necessary to use optimizers if the panels are in parallel? I thought it was more an issue with series wiring.
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?