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08-29-2024, 09:42 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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Local Solar install
Looking for quality solar install from Anchorage or Matsu area within the next month. I have Jaboni roof module and unterminated wires behind panel in main cargo area with the 1000W inverter and a transfer switch with 2 lead acid 27 grp batteries providing maybe 90a. I believe my residential refrigerator is the only thing inverter is powering and currently fridge is eating up power causing nightly generator power before bedtime if boondocking. I'm thinking a couple 200 or 400 watt panels, hard or flexible. Question: should I go for 2 more lead acid batteries or convert to Lithium. Obviously cost is a concern but looking for some boondocking options for our 6 month trip starting 1 Oct from AK to all over the lower 48. Thanks
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08-30-2024, 09:23 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,625
M.O.C. #30417
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Welcome to the MOC
First and foremost without question, upgrade to lithium! The prices are way down. Here's one example: https://www.temgot.com/collections/1...epo4-batteries
__________________
Tony & Donna & the best dog ever, Murphy.
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, 720 watts Solar, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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08-30-2024, 01:13 PM
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#3
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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Thanks Foldbak! Those prices look pretty good. A common problem up here in Alaska is product availabiltiy and high cost for shipment.
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08-30-2024, 06:54 PM
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#4
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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I have the PD4575K18LS8 Power Converter. I do not believe after removing cover that there is a Lithium/Lead Acid battery switch. I guess that answered my question on staying with LA batteries until replacing the converter.
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08-31-2024, 09:00 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,917
M.O.C. #24086
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You do not have to upgrade the converter.
We switched to lithium 5 years ago and have the original converter (non lithium ready). It gets the batteries (452Ah) to about 80%. Which is fine when not boondocking. We also have 800w of solar panals (200w each). The MPPT is set for lithium. Before boondocking we charge the batteries to 100%.
Do not buy flexible panels. They don't last.
Since you live in Alaska, you need to know the further North you go, the less sun you get. You may not get the output your panels are rated for without tilting them (Renogy tilt mount brackets are good).
Also, you cannot charge lithium batteries if they are below freezing. I made battery heaters for mine.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...90#post1255190
Excellent article on lithium batteries
How to find happiness with lithium batteries
https://www.solacity.com/how-to-keep...tteries-happy/
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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09-01-2024, 12:25 AM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 230
M.O.C. #32230
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A few additional things to consider is what you expect to run while you’re in the lower 48 for winter months.
If you keep the 1000W inverter, you’re probably limited to your res fridge, TV, charging phones and laptop. (You’ll also need an enough reserve Ah capacity for lights, slides/jacks that aren’t connected to the inverter.
A hair dryer, coffee maker, or electric fireplace are usually 1400W each but could be more depending on brand/model. Thinking you won’t need AC even if you’re going to the southwest.
Saying all the above bc your power needs will drive your inverter size, Ah needed, charge controller, and solar wattage to keep up. Your shop will probably ask you this.
If you decide to run more items, you’ll need to upsize your inverter or add a second higher wattage inverter. Your shop could quote both ways.
You could “copy” a 200i or 400i system.
You could always start with regular batteries and upgrade to lithium later.
If AK is expensive, it might be worth getting quotes in the lower 48 where you could schedule an install at the front end of your trip in ID, WA, OR? Maybe there are members here who can recommend shops.
Btw, DW and I are enjoying your beautiful, magnificent state while I write this.
Good luck and safe travels!
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09-01-2024, 09:17 AM
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#7
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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Darryls,
Thanks for the feedback. Not sure about not needing a Lithium able converter, as mine says it will not charge them. I'm aware of the cold issue with Lithium but wasn't planning on using in the cold months, however mother nature dictates as we would be traveling Oct and April in the northern tier states. I am going to factor in the tilt option too. Thanks for the links too!
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09-01-2024, 09:55 AM
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#8
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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Thanks LeftOverParts! I have a lot to learn. Think I'm going to try and keep it simple to start and stay with LA for now and just get a couple panels. The nonflexible tilt would be nice. We will be traveling with another 5th wheel so my option to stop and get work once crossing the border might not work out for us. If we like this form of travel, probably will upgrade to a newer unit next year. If you are near Peters Creek, reach out and stop by for a visit.
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09-01-2024, 01:22 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 4,099
M.O.C. #20477
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steelers!
Darryls,
Thanks for the feedback. Not sure about not needing a Lithium able converter, as mine says it will not charge them. I'm aware of the cold issue with Lithium but wasn't planning on using in the cold months, however mother nature dictates as we would be traveling Oct and April in the northern tier states. I am going to factor in the tilt option too. Thanks for the links too!
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Your non lithium capable converter will work fine - it just won't get the battery bank to 100%. A little solar will do that.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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09-23-2024, 11:19 AM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2024
Location: Peters Creek
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #34752
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Found a shop in Wasilla to squeeze me in, Renewable Energies. Great service! One Canadian Solar Pv module 60/120 cell 400W fixed panel, Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 controller, and Rolls two Gc2 AGM 6v batteries. Hopefully this will help for now.
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