Rooftop Solar on Factory Rack

[Logsplitter]

If you use a trickle charger or DC to DC charger with the correct charging profile, batteries do not die early either.

I learnt long ago batteries on big SUVs require pro active maintenance, or they do not last that long. Big power drains, heat, humidity, cold short trips and everything mention here all takes it toll.

Agreed Its been said many times on this forum that a regular maintenance charge with a good smart charger is the best way to look after a battery and make it last.

 

[Logsplitter]

They must be dumping all the C7s in Australia, where they seem readily available.

I added the other 3 Bosch models to the list.

It seems the Bosch C1, C3 and C7 have been superseded by the newer C10, C30, C70, C40-Li and C80-Li models all of which are suitable for EFB batteries as in the Grenadier.
You guys in Australia are getting all the outdated kit . Non for sale in the UK apart from secondhand and overseas sellers as I can see .

New generation of Bosch battery chargers offers more power and functions | Automotive World

The growing number of power consumers means that the energy demand of modern cars’ onboard networks has risen steadily over recent years.

www.automotiveworld.com

 

[Tom109]

I noticed some CTEK chargers have a recondition mode and some Bosch's a regeneration mode, both of which operate at volts above the maximum for the Moll EFB battery. So don't use those modes on a EFB battery.

EDIT: NOCO Calls it repair mode.

Max voltage on the EFB is 14.8 volts.

Victron Profile 2 (14.4V) has an Equalize charge of 16.2V, but this is OFF by default.

 

[Logsplitter]

I’ve just been reading through the Victron mppt instructions and it states to mount the controller vertically. I know @Tom109 has mounted his horizontally. It seems to be the reason for this is less chance of ingress of water and contaminants into the electrical contacts which shouldn’t be an issue in the battery compartment and the other reason being better heat dissipation. I think I’ve seen others on this forum mount their controllers horizontally. Some thoughts from members please, as mounting in the same location as @Tom109 mounted his controller is the most convenient place.
@TheDocAUS what are your thoughts on this.

 

[Tom109]

@Logsplitter - I pondered this question as well. The reason for vertical orientation is to allow natural convection along the rear cooling fins. In my installation I used two aluminum sections so the back of the MPPT is above 50% open. I’m not at all concerned with cooling.

 

[Tom109]

Put the fridge in today. Now a weekend of solar testing.

 

[Tom109]

I ran the fridge yesterday and overnight, along with the Wolfbox set to time lapse (figuring this would be the highest load). Here is a 3am snap shot:

This was at 7:15am, roughly 40min after sunrise,

And this is 9:17am, still a low sun angle to a flat oriented panel,

I need to do another overnight test with the Wolfbox unplugged, as with my overhead PWR switch ON the mirror is active.

I have not figured out good way view the Gren head unit SoC during this data collection, as I have to wake up the entire vehicle to see it.

 

[Tom109]

So the BM2 battery monitor says SoC at 100%, yet I started up the Gren it says SoC 77%. After a short drive to run a few errands Gren SoC up to 82% when I returned home. Parked for the afternoon, so I'll let the solar top things up.

Overall is seem like the perfect system - engine OFF I have full solar, engine ON the smart alternator now shows reasonable charging rates.