I looked through the website and could not find any suitable answers. Perhaps my questions are too nuanced and would be better elsewhere. Thanks for your patience, time, and effort!
- I am in the process of converting a small school bus into an RV.
- I want to power as much as I can from solar.
- I don't want the option to charge my batteries from my engine.
- I've used a few calculators online and they suggest 1000-1400w of solar panels.
- 1000w of panels seems reasonable.
- I'm going to use Lithium batteries
Power Audit table from explorist.life
I have been looking into either 2-4 these batteries ((Enduro LiFePO4 12.8V / 300Ah / 3840Wh))
As I understand it, a 24v might be best for me, in which case I could run 2 sets of 2 batteries in series to achieve "24v" (25.6v) batteries with 600 AH in total
I only have ~18' of roof available, and I'd like some of that space to be used as a roof deck. Thus I've been looking into larger solar panels and using 3 or 4 of them, such as 3 of these panels, or something like it, would work well, as far as I can tell.
| Watts (STC) | 360 W |
| Max Power Voltage (VMPP) | 34.31 V |
| Max Power Current (IMPP) | 10.49 A |
| Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) | 41.18 V |
| Short Circuit Current (ISC) | 11.04 A |
| Max System Voltage (UL) | DC 1000 V |
Solar panel table from above link
I have heard that large solar panels have high volts, therefor, could be easier to integrate into or might require a 24v or 48v system
I have been looking at using the victron easy solar or a larger version of easy solar
Q#1 If I am using 3 of these panels, will these work well in a 12v system, or should I make a 24 or 48v system? Do you suggest against large panels?
Q#2 Assuming going with your suggestion from above, what battery configuration would work best?
Q#3 With your suggestions above in mind and my preferences above, which Victron pieces will work best for my needs? Where possible, I would prefer a piece of the system that could accommodate more solar panels and/or batteries later as my needs change.
Please let me know if I have to use specific size panels, a particular type of charge controller, charger, etc
