Coverting to Lithium.

[Wanders from Glos]

We are increasingly finding we prefer aires to sites and camper stops when we are exploring, although when we want R&R we go to a site with a pool. We are also planning a trip to Scandinavia next year where wild camping is very easy. Consequently we are contemplating upgrading our leisure system.

Currently we have a 150kw solar panel with a four year old 95ah lead acid battery and a PV Logic MPPT controller. The solar also charges the vehicle battery. We don't want to add a second solar panel for weight reasons. We rarely stay anywhere for longer than four days so typically we want to be capable of staying off grid for that long. I don't think our usage is massive, we have a 3 way fridge and cook on gas. We use the TV for films, Netflix, iPlayer etc., will want to be able to charge devices and we have MiFi. Our 240v needs are to charge bike batteries, my laptop and my wife would like to use the hairdryer (sadly I don't have enough hair).

I am no Lenny (although I also get palpitations of the wallet) and don't feel I know enough about the subject to do the work myself so I will use a specialist. I have heard Vanbitz are good, but I'll speak to at least one other supplier. I am thinking of getting one Lithium battery as large as is realistic for the solar to top up, but I will also want it to charge when we drive and are plugged in. I'm contemplating whether to get an inverter fitted or just buy one of the off the shelf units you plug in when hooked up.

I'm probably going to ring a couple of suppliers today but would be interested to hear everyone's thoughts. Does the 15kw solar limitation mean it is not viable?

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Worth speaking to Off grid power solutions who do funster discount.

Lithium and a fair size of it would work. Big enough and you could even recharge the bike. Have a good B2B to refill the Lithium when you move. The 150W solar in summer is probably enough for normal day use when you don't try and use bike recharge and hair dryer heavy appliances so large Lithium gives you all you need for the extra use between moves.

Proper wired inverter essential for higher loads of hair dryer and stuff, cigarette lighter socket won't handle load.