Renegade Solar Panel Install - Mike Mas

[Idleup]

Hello - Thanks for the reply - its actuality very easy to do the install . I would recommend you watch some Youtube videos on installations. In brief, you'll hook the solar set to the wire pair on the roof which hooks to the solar controller. The controller is also wired to the battery set. I would recommend a Victron controller its Bluetooth so you'll be able to monitor exactly what the panels are doing as well as the batteries status.


I just finished another lithium installation and solar on a Canyon Star - here's the link below there's a lot of good infor on panels as well.

5112 dual Voltage Lithium System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxSS44przNs

Stay Safe - Mike

[rolick22]

My setup with the stranded 8D battery works very well during daylight hours, keeps the fridge going all day. I have not tried it at night.

[Idleup]

Originally Posted by rolick22

My setup with the stranded 8D battery works very well during daylight hours, keeps the fridge going all day. I have not tried it at night.

Thanks for the reply - do you have any solar panels for the house batteries now?


Thanks Mike

[rolick22]

Originally Posted by Idleup

Thanks for the reply - do you have any solar panels for the house batteries now?


Thanks Mike

Yes there are 525 Watts of solar (three 175 Watt) panels on the roof.

[jpaton]

Hi, Mike (Et Al):
We have a 2021 Verona LE 40LRB with the (3) factory solar panels installed.

This coach came with AGM-batteries that went into service 2-years ago and are currently unable to start the generator when under AGS (Auto-Generator start) mode and bon docking (after 5-hours). It’s time to go Lithium.
This coach has (3) roof-top panels (170 watts each), Magnum Inverter (MSH3012RV), Jaboni 30 amp MPPT, and the (3) BCI Group 8D (XP8D-330) AGM’s previously noted as coach batteries. There are also (2) start batteries. I think there is also a unit that charges the coach batteries off the main engine that I have not listed. I understand that we may want to replace most/all of these units to achieve lithium charging point(s). Not looking to run the a/c or microwave off solar; so, a “lite” system should do. Hoping to use only the (3) panels we currently have.

Can anyone provide us with a “list” of what we should replace?

[rhealy]

Originally Posted by jpaton

Hi, Mike (Et Al):
We have a 2021 Verona LE 40LRB with the (3) factory solar panels installed.

This coach came with AGM-batteries that went into service 2-years ago and are currently unable to start the generator when under AGS (Auto-Generator start) mode and bon docking (after 5-hours). It’s time to go Lithium.
This coach has (3) roof-top panels (170 watts each), Magnum Inverter (MSH3012RV), Jaboni 30 amp MPPT, and the (3) BCI Group 8D (XP8D-330) AGM’s previously noted as coach batteries. There are also (2) start batteries. I think there is also a unit that charges the coach batteries off the main engine that I have not listed. I understand that we may want to replace most/all of these units to achieve lithium charging point(s). Not looking to run the a/c or microwave off solar; so, a “lite” system should do. Hoping to use only the (3) panels we currently have.

Can anyone provide us with a “list” of what we should replace?

I have a 2021 38 Verona LE and converted to lithium within 6 months of my purchase so I could achieve going through the night without having the generator start. It’s worked great. No regrets.

I purchased 4-100amp Battleborn batteries, a Victron shunt, and the LI BIM 225. Battleborn did not make the 270amp batteries at the time nor did they have the heated versions. Mine were installed in the same battery bay with room left over. Zero issues. Brandon is a great contact at Battleborn.

[jpaton]

Thanks, RHealy:

Did you change/modify/replace anything else?
Specifically:
-solar charge controller (changed unit or settings)?
-inverter (still using the stock Magnum. Did you change any settings)?
-start batteries (still using the AGM’s)?

Or, was everything “plug & play”?
I.e. did you just replace the BIM, batteries, and shunt?

Thank you very much for your reply.

[rhealy]

Originally Posted by jpaton

Thanks, RHealy:

Did you change/modify/replace anything else?
Specifically:
-solar charge controller (changed unit or settings)?
-inverter (still using the stock Magnum. Did you change any settings)?
-start batteries (still using the AGM’s)?

Or, was everything “plug & play”?
I.e. did you just replace the BIM, batteries, and shunt?

Thank you very much for your reply.

JPaton, I am happy to assist. See below:
-My solar charge controller has a lithium battery option on the Firefly. It was as simple as changing the battery type to lithium from AGM.

-The Magnum inverter was lithium compatible. However, most settings need to be changed. Magnum is very customer friendly and walked me through the new settings on the phone while I made the changes. Works great.

-I kept my existing chassis batteries. The Li-BIM 225 is capable of handling both.

In summary, really straightforward. The upgrade was huge in usability of the coach for boondocking. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Good luck.

[jpaton]

R.H. Thanks for the information.
RE: the inverter; did the setting change to lithium charging require you to purchase a “remote” from Magnum?
Everything looks really easy and straight forward.
Thanks for your help.

[rhealy]

Mine came with the Magnum remote. My inverter settings are not tied into the Firefly. Without the remote wired control panel, there would be no way to change the settings. Everything regarding the inverter was standard from Renegade. No other pieces of inverter equipment had to be purchased or upgraded in any way. Only requirement was to change the “custom” settings through the remote. Hope this helps.

[jpaton]

Ok, that makes sense and what I thought.

To summarize:
1) Change solar charge controller settings to Lithium via the Firefly.
2) Buy a remote for the Magnum Inverter and change charge settings to Lithium.
3) Replace the BIM with a Lithium compatible unit (just bolt it in: plug & play).
4) Replace the house batteries with Battleborn or equivalent lithium’s.
5) Add in a Shunt allowing monitoring of the new system.

Am I missing anything?

R.H.: Thank you very much for your help.

[rhealy]

Originally Posted by jpaton

Ok, that makes sense and what I thought.

To summarize:
1) Change solar charge controller settings to Lithium via the Firefly.
2) Buy a remote for the Magnum Inverter and change charge settings to Lithium.
3) Replace the BIM with a Lithium compatible unit (just bolt it in: plug & play).
4) Replace the house batteries with Battleborn or equivalent lithium’s.
5) Add in a Shunt allowing monitoring of the new system.

Am I missing anything?

R.H.: Thank you very much for your help.

I don’t think you need step 2. You should already have an MRC remote display in the cabinet above the windshield. The entire Magnum package should be in place to handle the conversion to Lithium.

[jpaton]

You are absolutely right.
I found that “remote” after making the last reply.
Thanks for your help, R.H.
This looks very easy.