Improving off grid
3 posters
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Improving off grid
I have a 2017 Symbol fitted with the factory leisure battery and 80W solar panel which I would like to improve. I intend to fit an additional solar or upgrade the original one depending what space will permit and fit 2 X 100 Amphr lead acid batteries. Will I have to upgrade the controller ? Will the gauges/meters on the Sargant control panel still work ? Bill.
Bill- Member
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Posts : 107
Joined : 2022-03-17
Location : Norwich
Auto-Sleeper Model : Symbol
Vehicle Year : 2017
Re: Improving off grid
Bill, to begin with I would spend your money on a second 80w panel and a decent dual controller. You will probably find that a second leisure battery is not required although I don’t know your usage.
I fitted the panel in the link last winter (it fits perfectly in the space at the back of the Symbol roof) and a Votronic controller a couple of years ago wired direct to the leisure and vehicle batteries bypassing the Sargent EC500. You will still get the voltages on the EC480 control panel but not the solar charge.
IMO this would be the best upgrade on the stock install without spending daft money.
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I fitted the panel in the link last winter (it fits perfectly in the space at the back of the Symbol roof) and a Votronic controller a couple of years ago wired direct to the leisure and vehicle batteries bypassing the Sargent EC500. You will still get the voltages on the EC480 control panel but not the solar charge.
IMO this would be the best upgrade on the stock install without spending daft money.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Dbvwt- Member
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Posts : 3205
Joined : 2018-10-04
Location : Aylesbury
Auto-Sleeper Model : Symbol
Vehicle Year : 2018
Bill likes this post
Re: Improving off grid
Hi David, Totally agree, although my van did not come with a solar panel so fitted a 120w and as you say bypass the energy sapping Sargent.Dbvwt wrote:Bill, to begin with I would spend your money on a second 80w panel and a decent dual controller. You will probably find that a second leisure battery is not required although I don’t know your usage.
I fitted the panel in the link last winter (it fits perfectly in the space at the back of the Symbol roof) and a Votronic controller a couple of years ago wired direct to the leisure and vehicle batteries bypassing the Sargent EC500. You will still get the voltages on the EC480 control panel but not the solar charge.
IMO this would be the best upgrade on the stock install without spending daft money.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Not needed ehu since fitting 2 years ago and only 1 100a lead acid battery.
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Richard
rgermain- Donator
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Posts : 3650
Joined : 2013-11-21
Member Age : 77
Location : Havant
Auto-Sleeper Model : Warwick duo
Vehicle Year : 2015
Bill, MelB, Dbvwt and IanH like this post
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