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Novice user: Now using lithium battery and 100 W solar panel
Robyn
Member Posts: 7
Hi all.
I am fairly new to the whole trailer/RV thing, and trying to learn as much as I can. I had been struggling with trying to keep my original battery charged long enough to keep my cooler going for even a couple of days on my 2018 Tag. There was a good chance the battery needed replacing, but I have never been happy with the whole thing even when new, so I decided to investigate. A 40W solar panel didn't quite cut it so, using a lot of the information on this forum and other sources, I made the switch to a lithium battery (fit perfectly in the existing box) and a 100 W solar panel. Wow, works like a charm. Just got back from four days of camping and my battery never dipped below 13.3 V (except down to about 12.9 when the cooler was running). I am thrilled. Here is what I bought, and I did not need to change out the original converter.
https://ca.renogy.com/products/solar-panels/
https://www.eco-worthy.com/collections/12v/products/lifepo4-12v-100ah-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery
I hope that is helpful, and thanks again to those who have posted here. It was all so very helpful.
Comments
That's great to hear.
Which of the Renogy 100W panels did you choose? Did you get the "suitcase" with the controller included?
Keep in mind that the voltage vs state of charge curve for a lithium battery is much flatter than that for a lead-acid battery. So voltage is not as good an indicator of charge.
@Robyn - Voltage is not the best way to monitor your new lithium battery or any battery, I understand that the voltage reading persists until the lithium battery is almost depleted. A shunted battery monitor is really the best way to monitor and maintain your lithium battery
Sharon - Westlake, Ohio | 2017 TaB CSS - Forum Administrator
Thanks for the intel on the shunted battery monitor. I had no idea, so will be ordering one today.
My shunt setup, I have since replaced the battery with a 100ah Lithium using a Renogy 200ah solar suitcase when off grid. I have mounted the monitor on the kitchen wall. It is quick to view how the battery is working. I have set the monitor to 80ah for safe draining.
Thanks for this. Very helpful. I see that the Renogy Smart battery allows monitoring without the use of a shunt... if I am reading that correctly. But I have already committed to a "not smart" battery, so I guess the shunt will be the way go. Thanks everyone for posting!
Curious, can the existing solar panel that comes with the 2023 T@G XL be used with the LiFePO4 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery? I "think" the stock panel has a 100 watt rating. Thanks in advance.
Update - The 2023 T@G XL comes with a 135W solar panel.
Bottomline - Yes.
One 100 watt panel may not be enough long term with a LiFePO4 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery if you have a draw like a refrigerator or fan tastic vent fan. It will get you around 4-5 days.
@GulfCoast: Yes, I did get the Renogy 100W suitcase.
@aBiNeR: My trailer did not come with solar power, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I am not really the right person to ask. I know the solar panel I bought is good with any 12V battery.
@JamesDow: 4-5 days is certainly more than the 18 hours I was getting before. What do you recommend? A higher-watt solar panel? 200W? I only use it for the Norcold fridge.
@Robyn Any panel needs to be in the sun AM to PM. A longer extension for your suitcase may assist. 3-4 times a day, things will need to be moved.
My camping is often in desert (+100°) so sun not an issuse usually. By just Norcold, that is what I aim for 95+% for. No overhead fan. 100 watt Renogy suitcase really will not provide enough long term. One solution that helps is in the link below. Now I can add two other solar panels which will help.
Search this forum for lots more information.
Best Camping!
https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/1763/increase-solar-output-by-60-using-renogy-100-watt-solar-suitcase#:~:text=by%2060%25%20using-,Renogy,-100%2DWatt%20Solar
Thank you James and Robyn (and all)!
"Curious, can the existing solar panel that comes with the 2023 T@G XL be used with the LiFePO4 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery? "
@aBiNeR, yes. No problem at all.
Thank you, GulfCoast!