600w solar, DIY 280ah 24v LIFEPO4 build thread for travel trailer.

[Jusbechillin]

Here we go!

Today I’m going start mounting the panels. The battery cells are still in transit from China (via alibaba). This weekend we’ll see how far I get with the rest of the project.

here’s the list of equipment:
8 3.2v 280ah prismatic cells from Shenzhen Luyuan Technology Co.).

overkill solar BMS 100a 8s for LifePo4.

CellMeter 8 battery voltage capacitor checker/balance discharged/servo tester

samlex evo 2224 inverter/Charger with matching remote control. 40amp breaker.

Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 charge controller.

victron battery sense.

Dc/dc 24v to 12v 30 a 450 watt converter. 30 amp fuse.

6 Rich Solar Poly 100w 12v solar panels with 10 gauge wire to the charge controller.

300 amp mrbf terminal main fuse.

1awg wire for inverter and charge controller.

2 Blue Sea MRBF fuse block (300amp rated).

2 Blue Sea E-series battery switch (300a continuous rated).

 

[MisterSandals]

Looks good. Make sure you have the panels oriented so the connections are as simple as possible.
I am guessing with a Victron 100/30 your panels will be 2s3p or 3s2p. Finding the central point where the parallel combiner works will be key.

 

[Jusbechillin]

First I laid the panels out and decided how I wanted them arranged on the roof. Then I attached the brackets and cleaned the roof with alcohol and a rag. I put VHB tape underneath each bracket and then suck the panels in place.

I had seen a video online where someone screwed directly through another piece of VHB and the tip of the screw magically got enveloped in the VHB. Well,That didn’t work for me. Instead the little piece of tape just stretched and bunched up until it was wrapped around the screw. So I ended up removing the little squares of tape and screwed right into the bracket.

Next, I will use lap sealant over all of the screws and brackets.

Going to take a break from the heat and enjoy a nice glass of water. Then I’ll get back at it!

 

[Jusbechillin]

Looks good. Make sure you have the panels oriented so the connections are as simple as possible.
I am guessing with a Victron 100/30 your panels will be 2s3p or 3s2p. Finding the central point where the parallel combiner works will be key.

The red circles show where the connections come from the panels.

 

[Jusbechillin]

I wired the panels 2s3p and then wrapped the Wired’s in 3M vinyl tape. Does anyone have any feedback if this was a good idea or not? Do people just leave there wire exposed to the sun, or do they protect them somehow?

Also, I drilled through the ceiling and ran the wires through a waterproof roof entry gland (connected to the roof with VHB tape).

Im going to end up routing the 10awg wire through cabinets, and then under the mattress and then into the storage under the bed where most of the components will be housed.

 

[Jusbechillin]

I just realized I didn’t put a wire grommet to protect the wires going through the roof. I’m going to add grommets everywhere I can still access to make sure the wires don’t chafe. But to fix the one on the roof I would have to pry the entry gland off the roof which is attached with VHB tape. I think I’m going to risk leaving that one as is...

 

[Tball]

Nice setup and great progress in a single day. I went out, looked at my 5th wheel then turned around and went back in the air conditioning LOL

 

[Jusbechillin]

Here's the updated diagram. I moved the placement of one of the on/off Switches. Also, the buck converter isn't in the picture because I'm going to locate it near the DC distribution panel instead of storing under the bed with the rest of this. So the empty banks on the MRBF fused bus bars will supply power to the Buck convertor.

Also, not noted in the picture:
The main fuse which is an MRBF terminal mount on the battery positive is 300 amps.

The MRBF fuse to the buck convertor will be 30 amps.

 

[Jusbechillin]

Made a little more progress:

• Finished applying lap sealant.
• Mounted some of the components in the box under the bed. It’s awkward to find a way to mount everything that allows me to access all the terminals/connections without being a contortionist.... I’m also going to install two A/C return vents in the box for ventilation.

 

[Tball]

Dude, you're my hero of gettn sh!t done! Are you anywhere by Idaho? If it wasn't 500 million Scoville and air quality that could kill a rhino I would be out there too! Keep up the great work!

 

[Jusbechillin]

I’m not sure what you’re worried about, the high today here was 114 and pretty humid too since it’s monsoon season! Just get out there!

 

[Tball]

60 knot winds put a damper to that lol

 

[Jusbechillin]

Yeah that would be tough to work with!

 

[CompMan2020]

Looking really nice! Awesome work!

 

[HRTKD]

If you used PV rated wire then there is no need to wrap it.

For under the mounting brackets, I use Butyl Tape. It's the same stuff that is used on all the exterior molding on your RV. If you really want to get into the overkill category, Eternabond makes a double-sided tape that is just about the right width for under the brackets. Unfortunately, you could run into the same problem of it wrapping around the screw like your VHB tape did.

If you're not familiar with Eternabond, it's the stuff you should always carry for emergency roof repairs. It's like VHB on steroids. My trailer is 14 years old. A few more years and I'll have the entire roof covered in Eternabond patches.

I took a similar picture of all the supplies I bought for the project. I'll be starting my install soon. I had to fix some issues with the roof first.

Our installs are very similar. I even have the same Dewalt tool bag.

 

[vtx1029]

If you used PV rated wire then there is no need to wrap it.

For under the mounting brackets, I use Butyl Tape. It's the same stuff that is used on all the exterior molding on your RV. If you really want to get into the overkill category, Eternabond makes a double-sided tape that is just about the right width for under the brackets. Unfortunately, you could run into the same problem of it wrapping around the screw like your VHB tape did.

If you're not familiar with Eternabond, it's the stuff you should always carry for emergency roof repairs. It's like VHB on steroids. My trailer is 14 years old. A few more years and I'll have the entire roof covered in Eternabond patches.

I took a similar picture of all the supplies I bought for the project. I'll be starting my install soon. I had to fix some issues with the roof first.

Our installs are very similar. I even have the same Dewalt tool bag.

Yeah that Eternabond is killer stuff!

 

[Prefersdirt]

I have seen those busbars someplace, but dang if I can find them again. Do you recall where you found them? I like the covers coming with them as protection from OOOPSIES.

Great job!

 

[HRTKD]

I have bus bars from Fastronix that have covers. Mine are black and red though, not clear. They look the same as the ones you can get at the Bay Marine Supply website.

Amazon.com

Bus Bar - 4-Stud 250 Amp

Durable, affordable 4-post bus bar, rated at 250A @ 12 VDC, 48VDC max. See us for all of your marine and RV wiring.

baymarinesupply.com

 

[Jusbechillin]

I have seen those busbars someplace, but dang if I can find them again. Do you recall where you found them? I like the covers coming with them as protection from OOOPSIES.

Great job!

I bought them from amazon.

Amazon.com: Blue Sea 5196 Fuse Block MRBF 3Circ Common: Automotive

Buy Blue Sea 5196 Fuse Block MRBF 3Circ Common: Fuse Boxes - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Jusbechillin]

The battery cells came in today!
33 days from the day I ordered from ALIBABA.
I’m excited to get home and unpackage them...