Finally the new camping solar system is nearing completion.
The parts are mostly together ; still missing the battery cutoff/breaker switch and the cable to program the MPPT solar controller (to make it fully compatible with the LiFePo4 battery)...
The goal; to put together a vehicle portable solar system with enough capacity to run the portable refrigerator for tent camping trips.
The components;
Two 50 watt Renogy brand solar panels (from a previous project) I expect that many brands will work, piano hinged together making a suitcase style 100 watt assembly. This makes them somewhat easier to transport added 2 aluminum side to side supports per panel to help distribute the forces and, hopefully, make them a bit more damage resistant. (Still need to find/buy/make; props to point it at the sun, a latch and handle.) weight, so far, approximately 25 pounds (Which I consider a bit on the heavy side)
A reBel brand 100 Amo Hour lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo$) battery; lighter and more usable capacity than lead acid. weight approximately 24 pounds.
Small, modified (obsolete) Harbor Freight 80 watt inverter; to provide 110volt power for LED lights, bug zapper and USB power to recharge USB toys.
An Epever MPPT, 20 amp, solar charge controller (Trace 2210AN); note the adds claim lithium battery compatibility BUT the user needs to purchase an extra interface cable (not mentioned... Surprise!) and download software (free) then reprogram some parameters (finding acceptable parameters is a bit of a pain, haven't yet received the cable). weight a couple of pounds.
I purchased some 10 gauge red and black cord along with plugs to connect the panels and some Anderson connectors to make repeated connections and disconnections easier. Note the standard plugs n the solar panels are not easy to disconnect; I will either replace them with something better or modify them by cutting off the latches). The initial length of the cord is 15 feet.
Spent a bit of time considering how to put all the parts together ye keep it easy to move;
Ended up using some 1/4"Lexan to mount the controller and Anderson connectors (one for the panels and one for the 12 volt connection the the portable camping refrigerator/freezer). to the battery using some aluminum angle andself stick Velcro for ease of disassembly.
Initial, trial, assembly is now complete (with the parts that I have)...
Kind of a fun little project so far (hoping the cable and software work...)
Enjoy!
The parts are mostly together ; still missing the battery cutoff/breaker switch and the cable to program the MPPT solar controller (to make it fully compatible with the LiFePo4 battery)...
The goal; to put together a vehicle portable solar system with enough capacity to run the portable refrigerator for tent camping trips.
The components;
Two 50 watt Renogy brand solar panels (from a previous project) I expect that many brands will work, piano hinged together making a suitcase style 100 watt assembly. This makes them somewhat easier to transport added 2 aluminum side to side supports per panel to help distribute the forces and, hopefully, make them a bit more damage resistant. (Still need to find/buy/make; props to point it at the sun, a latch and handle.) weight, so far, approximately 25 pounds (Which I consider a bit on the heavy side)
A reBel brand 100 Amo Hour lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo$) battery; lighter and more usable capacity than lead acid. weight approximately 24 pounds.
Small, modified (obsolete) Harbor Freight 80 watt inverter; to provide 110volt power for LED lights, bug zapper and USB power to recharge USB toys.
An Epever MPPT, 20 amp, solar charge controller (Trace 2210AN); note the adds claim lithium battery compatibility BUT the user needs to purchase an extra interface cable (not mentioned... Surprise!) and download software (free) then reprogram some parameters (finding acceptable parameters is a bit of a pain, haven't yet received the cable). weight a couple of pounds.
I purchased some 10 gauge red and black cord along with plugs to connect the panels and some Anderson connectors to make repeated connections and disconnections easier. Note the standard plugs n the solar panels are not easy to disconnect; I will either replace them with something better or modify them by cutting off the latches). The initial length of the cord is 15 feet.
Spent a bit of time considering how to put all the parts together ye keep it easy to move;
Ended up using some 1/4"Lexan to mount the controller and Anderson connectors (one for the panels and one for the 12 volt connection the the portable camping refrigerator/freezer). to the battery using some aluminum angle andself stick Velcro for ease of disassembly.
Initial, trial, assembly is now complete (with the parts that I have)...
Kind of a fun little project so far (hoping the cable and software work...)
Enjoy!
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