Rooftop Solar on Factory Rack

[Logsplitter]

Made a little progress today (only had a free hour).

View attachment 7907574

View attachment 7907575

Very ingenious method of bending that aluminium

 

[Tom109]

There is a sheet metal brake insert that fits my press, but it’s $150. A few pieces of square stock cost a few dollars.

 

[Tom109]

Wiring is complete from the panel to the battery box. I need to fine tune the cable cover, just not sure if I want to make a guide or cut the plastic. Not going to rush this decision. I will say this - fixing a roof rack to the lashing handles is a poor decision. I know, I know, add up all the M6 bolts and their load equals yada-yada. I call BS. I’ve spent a lot of time in that area and that is no way I would ever use that method for my typical roof rack use.

This little central bracket is where my MPPT brackets will mount. I loosened the two bolts on either side to center the factory bracket on the threaded floor holes.

 

[Tom109]

MPPT brackets in place with the 20A fuse.

 

[Tom109]

All done. Tomorrow I’ll do some solar charge testing and see where my batteries sit (SoC) after sitting for three weeks. It will be nice to have an onboard supplement to the bogus smart alternator.

 

[Logsplitter]

All done. Tomorrow I’ll do some solar charge testing and see where my batteries sit (SoC) after sitting for three weeks. It will be nice to have an onboard supplement to the bogus smart alternator.

View attachment 7908056

View attachment 7908057

Nicely done.

 

[Tom109]

Moved outside under cloudy skies:

Two hours later:

 

[Tom109]

Do I need to adjust the Victron charge profile to match the Grenadier batteries?

 

[TheDocAUS]

Do I need to adjust the Victron charge profile to match the Grenadier batteries?

EFB is a modified version of AGM, so if there is an AGM profile use it. If both batteries are OEM.

 

[Logsplitter]

EGM is a modified version of AGM, so if there is an AGM profile use it. If both batteries are OEM.

My understanding is The OEM batteries are enhanced flooded batteries so the normal charging profile should be used,

 

[TheDocAUS]

My understanding is The OEM batteries are enhanced flooded batteries so the normal charging profile should be used,

EFB is a deep cycle battery chemistry like AGM, so AGM should be the better profile, verse sealed lead acid. Use EFB if this is an option.

I just noticed in the CTEK250SE manual, it has an EFB charging profile. Does the Victron?

 

[TheDocAUS]

I just looked at the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100-30 manual. There are 7 charging profiles, including a couple for AGM. No mention of EFB.

I would ask Victron which profile to use for EFB. They have good after sale service.

 

[Logsplitter]

My Victron chargers IP65 and IP22 both have 4 settings. Normal, High ,Recondition and Li-ion. And I’ve been using the normal setting.

 

[Logsplitter]

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there which is confusing me. I’ve asked my agent what charging profile we should use.

Can I Charge EFB Battery with AGM Charger? Yes, But 1st Step is Read This - Powsea OEM Battery Manufacturing

Yes, you can charge EFB battery with AGM charger — but only if the charger has a smart charging mode or allows you to set the correct charging profile manually.

cnbatteries.com

 

[Logsplitter]

While awaiting a response from the Dealer here is a link to Noco and charging voltages for different battery types.

Understanding The Types Of Lead-Acid Batteries

The Difference Between Wet, Gel, AGM And EFB Batteries.

no.co

 

[Logsplitter]

I’ve phoned Ineos support and spoke to a very pleasant man who couldn’t find the answer to my question about the charging profile for the Ineos EFB Plus batteries. He is contacting Ineos technical with a request for the required information and will get back to me.

 

[Tom109]

I just looked at the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100-30 manual. There are 7 charging profiles, including a couple for AGM. No mention of EFB.

I would ask Victron which profile to use for EFB. They have good after sale service.

I will call Victron today. My controller is currently see to the default (2):

 

[Logsplitter]

Ok here is an answer from a senior Tech from Ineos UK.
Hi Dave

Yes use the AGM setting, most chargers have now are “smart” and do a slow start and slow finish on the charge.

Although it is an EFB the charging profiles operated by the Vehicle ( BCM and smart charge system) operate as an AGM profile.

Thanks

 

[Logsplitter]

The Victron 100/30 mppt controller manual suggests absorption charge of 14.3v or 14.4v for Victron AGM batteries that seems to be setting 1 or 2 whether that applies to the Ineos batteries I don't know.

 

[Tom109]

Yes, Setting 2 is the default, and likely correct choice. I’ll see what Victron say.