hymer 544 solar fitting any advice

redhand

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Planning to fit solar to my 2000 B544 LHD and wondering if any one has done similar to this
I plan to fit one 150w transversely at front run wiring thtough right side cupboard and down to electroblock 99 connect using LR1218 then run wiring to battery below drivers seat with a second if necessary behind drivers seat
 
I also have a 2000 544, mine is the Classic. Also LHD. I fitted a 140w solar panel. It is a flexible panel bought from Photonic Universe. Mine is mounted to the right side space between the side of the van and the skylight and the cable enters via a entry gland and into the first overhead cupboard. The cable routes to the Electroblock via an LR1218, much as you describe. This is a simple connection that ensures both leisure and van batteries receive charge from the solar panel. I have a single 110ah leisure battery but have flirted with the idea of a second battery under the passenger seat. To date I have not really needed more battery capacity, but I am fairly frugal with power. The whole job took me an afternoon.
 
Just curious about why you are thinking running wires to the battery. If you connect correctly to your EBL, no additional wiring to batteries is necessary. Or am I missing something with what you intend to do?
 
Thanks for correction. Think i may have confused myself no need for wiring to leisure battery, the wiring i mean is if I install 2nd leisure battery.
The LB it came with is a Bosch L5 deep cycle ?ah, it lasts couple of nights light use, so not ideal if you want to stop a while
 
If you have an EBL and are installing more/bigger batteries check charge rates if you use EHU. Most EBL's are rated at 18A so are good for 180AH of battery or a touch more, (I think someone said allow 20A for started battery but may have that bit wrong).

I don't think the only difference between the LR and the LRM is the float charge rates is it Graham, isn't the LRM more efficient (better harvesting) than the LR due it being MPPT?

EDIT: A lot more cost for the LRM though
 
I am not an expert on batteries and much depends on your consumption. However, if you have a decent battery with sufficient amp hour rating and a 150w solar panel, it is likely to keep charged in reasonably sunny conditions. I have not found any problems with my 140w panel and a 110ah battery but, as I said, I am cautious with my consumption. Additionally, as my Hymer is not winterised I don't tend to use it much in the winter months when my consumption would be greater and bright conditions are less prevalent. My advice, for what it is worth, is to upgrade your LB, fit the panel and see how it goes. Unless, of course you want the certainty of the additional capacity that a second battery will give you. No wrong or right answer to this.
 
Our usage is very low compared to many just lighting , water pump and occasional tv/dvd so I plan to fit panel then upgrade LB as necessary
thank to àll
 
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