SSTraveler
2014 LTV Unity Murphy Bed
The final parameter to consider, is Solar charging. I did not take the Leisure solar option, but rather wanted to install my own system which is much superior to what Leisure offers. The best part is that I did it myself, for a fraction of what Leisure is charges! I currently have 200w of Renogy glass solar panels, Victron SmartSolar 100/30 Bluetooth MPPT and Victron BMV-712 battery monitor. I have 2-Renogy 100w monocrystalline compact glass panels wired in parallel, which means the output voltage form each panel does not add, but the output amperage does. So their output to the solar controller is about 17v and 12a. Lithium batteries need a higher voltage to push the charging amps to the battery. Therefore I need to wire my panels in series, which means the voltage adds but the amperage doesn't. So that would give me about 34v and 6a panel output. I'd really rather have at least 10a output. So I think I will add 2 more Renogy 100w monocrystalline compact glass panels, with each pair wired in series (34v/6a) and then those 2 pairs wired in parallel (34v/12a). This will suit me well. I really consider solar to be more for maintenance, Leisure Travel Vans just don't have the roof space for any sizable solar contribution. So for me 400w is fine and since solar panels aren't covering every available space on my roof I can still move around it to clean the panels and the roof, and do maintenance.
For those who did take the Leisure solar option, my advice is to replace the flexible panels, since they have been proven to damage your roof, with longer lasting, more efficient, higher quality monocrystalline glass panels and replace the GoPower PWM solar controller with a Victron 100/30 SmartSolar MPPT Bluetooth Controller. The Victron controller has an advanced Lithium battery setting and is highly reliable and the most efficient battery charger on the market, IMHO!
Installing a better solar system isn't that hard and can be done without drilling any new holes in the roof. If you search the Unity section of the Forum, you'll get lots of installations to pick from and pattern your own installation after. The elements of the solar system that Leisure installs can support up to 400w of panels with no other changes. So it's very easy to expand a 200w option to 400w. At a minimum, I recommend replacing the GoPower controller, since it is a very poor quality device for Lithium battery charging. It's very easy, the 4 wires connected to it simply attach in the corresponding positions on the Victron controller. Here is a picture of the back of the GoPower, as you can see it's just 4 wires. You should also take the opportunity to add 30a circuit breakers (can also be used as an on/off switch) to both sides of the controller so you protect the wiring and have the ability to isolate the panels and/or controller from the batteries. You can damage a solar controller if you do not disconnect the panels output to it before disconnecting the batteries. The panels can burn up the controller making it the load when the batteries, which are the actual load, is disconnected first. Then reverse to put the panels back on line (connect batteries, connect controller, connect panels). Without circuit breakers or switches and fuses the only way to stop the panel output power is to cover them from the sun. Quite a hassle!
For circuit breakers on both sides of a new Victron solar controller you should consider one of these styles, https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surfac...lja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 or
https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surfac...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==.
It's important to get a dc circuit breaker that is rated for up to 72v because depending on how you wire your panels together, 400w could have as high an output voltage of 64v (24a). Since the Victron controller is Bluetooth enabled you don't need to install it so its visible, because you read it's data from a Bluetooth connected device like your phone/tablet. You just want to be able to get to it and the circuit breaker when you might need to. I installed mine in my TV cabinet. I added magnets to my fire extinguisher so it's easily removed for access!
I think I've covered everything you need to consider/know when planning to switch to Lithium battery(s) and/or modifying your coach electrical system to expand the use of the Lithium battery(s) to more or all of the coach's equipment! Now on to defining and buying everything you need for the installation, and the actual installation! Stay tuned for my installation of a Lithionics 315ah battery, Sterling 30a DC-DC charger, Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000w with Remote Display, and the addition of 200w of Renogy solar panels on another thread!
For those who did take the Leisure solar option, my advice is to replace the flexible panels, since they have been proven to damage your roof, with longer lasting, more efficient, higher quality monocrystalline glass panels and replace the GoPower PWM solar controller with a Victron 100/30 SmartSolar MPPT Bluetooth Controller. The Victron controller has an advanced Lithium battery setting and is highly reliable and the most efficient battery charger on the market, IMHO!
Installing a better solar system isn't that hard and can be done without drilling any new holes in the roof. If you search the Unity section of the Forum, you'll get lots of installations to pick from and pattern your own installation after. The elements of the solar system that Leisure installs can support up to 400w of panels with no other changes. So it's very easy to expand a 200w option to 400w. At a minimum, I recommend replacing the GoPower controller, since it is a very poor quality device for Lithium battery charging. It's very easy, the 4 wires connected to it simply attach in the corresponding positions on the Victron controller. Here is a picture of the back of the GoPower, as you can see it's just 4 wires. You should also take the opportunity to add 30a circuit breakers (can also be used as an on/off switch) to both sides of the controller so you protect the wiring and have the ability to isolate the panels and/or controller from the batteries. You can damage a solar controller if you do not disconnect the panels output to it before disconnecting the batteries. The panels can burn up the controller making it the load when the batteries, which are the actual load, is disconnected first. Then reverse to put the panels back on line (connect batteries, connect controller, connect panels). Without circuit breakers or switches and fuses the only way to stop the panel output power is to cover them from the sun. Quite a hassle!
For circuit breakers on both sides of a new Victron solar controller you should consider one of these styles, https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surfac...lja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 or
https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surfac...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==.
It's important to get a dc circuit breaker that is rated for up to 72v because depending on how you wire your panels together, 400w could have as high an output voltage of 64v (24a). Since the Victron controller is Bluetooth enabled you don't need to install it so its visible, because you read it's data from a Bluetooth connected device like your phone/tablet. You just want to be able to get to it and the circuit breaker when you might need to. I installed mine in my TV cabinet. I added magnets to my fire extinguisher so it's easily removed for access!
I think I've covered everything you need to consider/know when planning to switch to Lithium battery(s) and/or modifying your coach electrical system to expand the use of the Lithium battery(s) to more or all of the coach's equipment! Now on to defining and buying everything you need for the installation, and the actual installation! Stay tuned for my installation of a Lithionics 315ah battery, Sterling 30a DC-DC charger, Xantrex Freedom XC Pro 3000w with Remote Display, and the addition of 200w of Renogy solar panels on another thread!
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