Solar Panel DIY on 2021 Newmar New Aire 3543

[TheFu]

Also, it has been suggested elsewhere that the Victron MPPT can have its float voltage set such that the MPPT will go to float when the shore/gen/alternator power is charging the batteries because that charger will create a higher voltage that the MPPT will sense and go into float. I have to research this more but it seems reasonable. That said, having a true lockout just seems simpler and safer once set up. Thoughts?

[Generator]

TheFu

Looks good. Both approaches will likely work well.

Reality Check and Disclaimer!

This scheme is essentially how I am approaching solar charging. I subscribe to the theory that the solar charger should never be paralleled with the alternator when driving, or with the Xantrex charger when on shore power or generator.

However, many DIY'ers have simply wired the output of their solar charger directly to the house battery terminals and let the solar charger and charge bridge (or BIM) sort out the details for themselves. The theory is that the internal resistance of the batteries will limit charging current, and that the solar charger's charging algorithm will provide just the right amount of voltage and current at the right time, even when a secondary charging source is present.

So, before you go out and buy components, do some more research on this. Particularly since your batteries are AGM. You might be able to save some wiring headaches as well as simplify operation.

There are other issues that you will need to address. For one, the NA has three connections to the negative side of the house battery bank. You will need to come up with a way to install a shunt in the negative connection to monitor battery currents etc. Combining the three connections into one may be a challenge and will probably require you to create a DC distribution bus somewhere in the coach. Look at Victron Lynx Distributor and Victron Lynx Shunt as possible answers.

Cheers

[TheFu]

Originally Posted by Generator

TheFu

Looks good. Both approaches will likely work well.

EXCELLENT! Thanks!

Reality Check and Disclaimer!

Originally Posted by Generator

This scheme is essentially how I am approaching solar charging. I subscribe to the theory that the solar charger should never be paralleled with the alternator when driving, or with the Xantrex charger when on shore power or generator.

I am thinking this is likely a much more full proof way. The only time I might want this not to be the way to do this is when shore power is just 20A and I might want to augment that with solar as opposed to replace it with solar (which would require disconnecting the outside power cord). If I do it this way, it is not that difficult to bypass/jumper the relays down the road if I so wish, or if I want to try out the "automatic" way and see how it goes.

Originally Posted by Generator

There are other issues that you will need to address. For one, the NA has three connections to the negative side of the house battery bank. You will need to come up with a way to install a shunt in the negative connection to monitor battery currents etc. Combining the three connections into one may be a challenge and will probably require you to create a DC distribution bus somewhere in the coach. Look at Victron Lynx Distributor and Victron Lynx Shunt as possible answers.

Cheers

Already ahead of you. I have already installed the Victron Shunt and am currently working on the edit of the video for my new channel. Here is a snap from that video.