user 37446
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Hi,
Having read a lot of threads from others who understand this whole battery recharging thing better than I do, I still have a "basic" question that I'd like your thoughts on please:
(I am still S&B currently however am planning to succeed at this so am writing notes and researching a lot). Figuring on two 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries, wired in parallel, and then make sure to have about a 1:1 solar watt to battery amp ratio, with cycling down to appx 75% SOC nightly.
Option 1 - depend on large gauge (0-4) stranded copper cabling from the alternator through the c. duty solenoid to bulk charge (figuring no more than 30-60 minutes of driving, not idling, a day).
Option 2 - a 12 volt to 12 volt charging system (perhaps a CTEK D250 with the additional 80 amp Smartpass system, about $450) which could then be used as both an mppt controller and multi-stage smart battery charger?
Pro's: It seems that the cost of an average Morningstar or equivalent 20-30 amp MPPT controller, the extra heavy guage copper wiring, all the fittings, crimps, fuses, labor, a 200 amp Cole Hersey type quality cont. duty solenoid could be about the same cost as simply buying the 12v to 12v (CTEK) system and forgoing all the previously mentioned stuff.
Cons: Location of the 12v to 12v unit (usually pictured close to the starting battery) which means the CTEK and its built-in MPPT controller are also now under the hood for heat and wiring purposes, a distance away from the solar leads and the batteries/inverter. (All the Aussies videos were showing SUV's or pickups with much more engine bay room, never in a van.)
I dont want to overthink this, and I remember a statement from Sternwake on a thread saying that batteries are to serve us, not the other way around...
I just am aware (thanks to the ever helpful forum) that most standard alternator charging systems dont bring the house batteries up to 100% SOC due to the voltage regulator limitations (13,4 ish). Plus my extended time up here in Canada and the PNW often has me dealing with relatively poor solar conditions (like at the present). Since I dont plan on using shore power or a generator, those options for recharging are out.
Thanks for any replies. Maybe this will help someone else out too.
Having read a lot of threads from others who understand this whole battery recharging thing better than I do, I still have a "basic" question that I'd like your thoughts on please:
(I am still S&B currently however am planning to succeed at this so am writing notes and researching a lot). Figuring on two 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries, wired in parallel, and then make sure to have about a 1:1 solar watt to battery amp ratio, with cycling down to appx 75% SOC nightly.
Option 1 - depend on large gauge (0-4) stranded copper cabling from the alternator through the c. duty solenoid to bulk charge (figuring no more than 30-60 minutes of driving, not idling, a day).
Option 2 - a 12 volt to 12 volt charging system (perhaps a CTEK D250 with the additional 80 amp Smartpass system, about $450) which could then be used as both an mppt controller and multi-stage smart battery charger?
Pro's: It seems that the cost of an average Morningstar or equivalent 20-30 amp MPPT controller, the extra heavy guage copper wiring, all the fittings, crimps, fuses, labor, a 200 amp Cole Hersey type quality cont. duty solenoid could be about the same cost as simply buying the 12v to 12v (CTEK) system and forgoing all the previously mentioned stuff.
Cons: Location of the 12v to 12v unit (usually pictured close to the starting battery) which means the CTEK and its built-in MPPT controller are also now under the hood for heat and wiring purposes, a distance away from the solar leads and the batteries/inverter. (All the Aussies videos were showing SUV's or pickups with much more engine bay room, never in a van.)
I dont want to overthink this, and I remember a statement from Sternwake on a thread saying that batteries are to serve us, not the other way around...
I just am aware (thanks to the ever helpful forum) that most standard alternator charging systems dont bring the house batteries up to 100% SOC due to the voltage regulator limitations (13,4 ish). Plus my extended time up here in Canada and the PNW often has me dealing with relatively poor solar conditions (like at the present). Since I dont plan on using shore power or a generator, those options for recharging are out.
Thanks for any replies. Maybe this will help someone else out too.