Van of enormous power Mk 4

[Joeboy]

A new definition of a goosed LB. 1.35V reading and 5 cells baked dry!

On the upside the alternator is putting out a consistent 14.5V. I've topped the battery up and I'm charging it just to see what it will do.

There's stuff growing in there (lead sulphate). Where's Clockmanfra when I need him?



Braided a few thin gauge wires together to hook up to the load side of the Victron controller. I'll hook up a usb splitter to it so we have 24/7 5V system stuff, no more than that off this on AC. The unit is now in place hidden under a small platform.



For greater loads we'll go to the inverter. It is in, as is the PV breaker so just waiting on DC cables and a couple of busbars. Once that's all in place and connected I'll put the panel(s) up.



I've got a spare 80Ah LB battery out of the Bongo. I'll see if it fits and can be the test unit for further decisions.

Yusana spare LB fitted and charging. We'll see if it holds anything overnight.

[Joeboy]

That green battery is an absolute beast. Checked the battery space and I could fit in a battery 350mm long x 180mm deep x 240mm high with minimal movement of surroundings.

Also found info that lifepo4 won't charge below zero deg without a heater or needs to be mounted inside the habitation space. I can see this becoming a LA battery deal for simplicity to cover my Winter adventures. There are LA batteries out there claiming 130Ah in low discharge conditions that would fit. Might even squeak in a 150Ah if the dimensions aligned. 75Ah useable, sounds good!

Opened a PayPal case on Ecoworthy today as I've not had an email reply of any type and I've sent 3 polite mails on the non starting panel. The nice lassie from last week's phonecall said expediting team would be in touch. Naw they hivnae.. gies ma panel.

[Joeboy]

Small adhesive test ongoing to see if I already have an awning type adhesive. Swmbo found an old windbreak so we'll layer it up once we find a good gripper.



Busbars arrived this morning and fitted.



Still heard nothing back from Ecoworthy.

So tweaking wee bits and bobs as I go.

[Joeboy]

A pleasant surprise when opening curtains this morning. DC cables had been dropped off at back door.



I've had a very nice day rolling about under the van running them in, all good !

Powered up OK


Power also OK in from alternator


Narrowly missed my chance to test the working panel as the weather came in and closed the door. Hopefully tomorrow.

It's absolutely lashing down now! Van will run for an hour and we'll see what sort of charge we get.



Edit-The weather cleared a little, first power off the working panel, 9W's!

It ain't much and I'm still short a panel but those 9W's make the van an offgrid van. Adventure awaits!

[Joeboy]

My advice would be to avoid Ecoworthy if in the market for van panels.. Out of 30 phonecalls I got through once, I sent 4 e mails. I raised a dispute in PayPal and then amplified it to a claim.

I think they are a UK warehouse with a couple of staff and the bulk of the office work is run through a China office of indeterminate size.

Ecoworthy finally got in touch this morning apologising for being so late, a tracking number for the new panel will be with me soon and could I cancel the PayPal.claim?

As ever in life and sadly, a big stick works.

"Hi，
Sorry for the late reply.
I will send a new 195W panel replacement to you.
It will be soon arrived. Could you try to first cancel the Paypal dispute? I will send a tracking number and carrier to you soon.
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Nia
Customer Service | Eco-Worthy "

Panel 1st, claim closure later I replied.

The first panel goes up top today when the rain stops. Going to give the roof surface a hard scrub to increase its reflection ability for the bifacials. Today's goal is to exceed 9W output!

[Joeboy]

First 195W bifacial is up, on, secure and outputting a mighty 27W in rainy, dull conditions. Held in place with 50 tywraps and 2 back up JC emergency lanyards.














I like the Victron software, if there's any sun later on I'll see the peak.


I don't think the roof has been touched since new. Although it cleans up well.





I'll get the whole roof cleaned and check for damage. Found 3 small cracks already in the section I cleaned before mounting panel.

[Joeboy]

I'm off the idea of using the mild steel X brace I found in a shed for half of the second panel mount. No matter how much I coat it. It will eventually bleed through rust?

I think I'll Instead use a timber brace very much soaked in preservative. I can mount this with stainless screws and once I've drilled the roof rack for the s/s screws to pass through I can pump the holes full of silicone sealer. There won't be any rust and it should last at least a decade going on my other treated timbers.

[Fintray]

You might weaken the roof rack, I'd clamp to it rather than drill through it.

[Joeboy]

You might weaken the roof rack, I'd clamp to it rather than drill through it.

Good idea. I've used stauff clamps but they'd be overkill for this. Will try the inver electrical factors on Monday.

Edit- these would do the job.

[Joeboy]

Defo LA this time around. Just scored a 100Ah 3mth old battery for £50. Guy has upgraded to lifepo4 as he's a more serious offgrid regular vanner.

Better upgrade my bulbs to led inside!

Running total
£165 Bifacial 195W panels 2 of
£34 DC isolator, cable entry & Y's
£130 1kW inverter
£67 MPPT Charge controller
£64 25mm sq cable (12 mtrs, other project covered)
£14 busbar x 2
£12 battery isolation switch
£10 pack of 100 cable ties
£50 100Ah LB (3 months old)
£546

Does that seem OK for price? £550 to add solar offgrid capability... I could have knocked £100 off it with a big CPS panel but would have covered at least one of the two skylights... I'm not sure I quite expected it to rack up that high... Damn good phone charging system though!