After testing out various battery types and systems we are very happy with our latest setup. What we now have is a DC to DC charger, a normal Lead Carbon battery and a large 280Ahr Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. The DC to DC charger also has a solar MPPT controller built in allowing our solar panels to assist in keeping batteries charged. This gives us a single box to control everything. The way it works is as follows; The alternator charges the Lead Carbon battery, the same as in most cars, boats etc. The input to the DC to DC charger is also connected to this battery. When the Lead Carbon battery is charged the box draws power from it and diverts it to the Lithium Battery. It processes the power so that the voltage is ideal to charge the Lithium Battery and it controls the current up to a maximum of 60 Amps. This is much kinder to the alternator (in our case we have a 100 amp alternator for the domestic supply) and ensures the maximum charge is delivered to the Lithium Battery when the engine is running. When the engine is off the solar panels supply power through the box and this is processed to keep the batteries topped up when the boat is moored up. Another feature is that the Lithium Battery has Bluetooth connectivity so all the data can be read via a simple App.
Shopping List
1 x DC to DC Charger with MPPT solar DC1212-6030. Supplied by Photonic Universe RRP is £349.99
1 x 280 AH LiFePo4 Battery – Supplied by Eco-Worthy RRP is £369.99
1 x 110 AH Lead Carbon ultra deep cycle battery – Supplied by Amazon RRP is £189.99
3 x Circuit Breakers (2 x 80 Amp and 1 x 30Amp) – Supplied by Photonic Universe RRP is £34.99 each
Cable 25mm2 black and red from £8 per metre
Total £1014.94 plus cabling and crimp terminals.
If you are looking for a similar system for your boat, van or camper call us we can adjust the specifications to suit your particular needs and offer a discount on these prices if you purchase directly from us.
