Solar charging of primary battery

[TheDocAUS]

I purchased some of those a few weeks back in preparation for my solar setup.

I have both insulated and uninsulated bootlace ferrules. If buying uninsulated ferrules, a bell housing at one end makes life much easier.

The best bootlace ferules are copper with tin coating, not brass with tin coating. Copper is a better electrical conductor.

You also need to make sure the ferrules and the crimper dyes can handle the size of the wire you are using with the Victron. I have had to finesse this in the past. From memory 4 sided crimps fit better into the Victron, at least the one I have.

I even use the tool to make my own bootlaces! Which is why they are called bootlace ferrules. That was the original purpose.

 

[TheDocAUS]

I ended up drafting a basic guide to bootlace ferrules here (and avoid some mistakes I made along the way):

Guide to bootlace ferrules

These are bootlace ferrules: Ferrules are used to crimp stranded wire ends and improve electrical connections. They also protect the stranded wire ends from damage, if it is screwed down (lik…

thedocaus.com

 

[Tom109]

I did not use bootlace ferrules. They are one of the few shop supplies I never found after our move! I do plan to order some non-insulated ones, and I have a 4-sided crimper.

 

[TheDocAUS]

I did not use bootlace ferrules. They are one of the few shop supplies I never found after our move! I do plan to order some non-insulated ones, and I have a 4-sided crimper.

With my Victron I started without bootlace ferrules, but ended up fitting them.

That Victron MTTP charger is used to charge the battery boxes from solar panels, not installed in the car.

 

[Tom109]

This electrickery stuff is not my historical forte, but it is fun and interesting to learn. Now that the solar stage is done I’m wondering what my next phase will be…

 

[Logsplitter]

I’ve just posted this in the thread Rooftop Solar on Factory Rack . Sorry for duplicating
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]

Yes, the vertical orientation is suggested for heat dissipation. The rear cooling fins are vertical and if mounted to a flat surface allow for better convection. I mounted my controller via two aluminum strips leaving the fins over 50% open. I’m not at all concerned with cooling.

I’m testing the fridge this weekend and will post if the controller gets/feels hot.

 

[TheDocAUS]

I’ve just posted this in the thread Rooftop Solar on Factory Rack . Sorry for duplicating
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.

REDARC allows horizontal, it seems more about air flow. Even during hot weather under the seat is a protected location (verse under the bonnet). Another good design choice by INEOS.

Even with really hot ambient temps (up to 40C) I have not seen battery temp reach 30C. The charger would be hotter, but it is running off solar and chargers do not get as hot as those being powered from the alternator.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Plus a solar charger cannot probably produce enough amps to get the charger too hot - not from a single solar panel.

My Victron when charging the battery box (outside any car) has never gone higher than warm to the touch after a few hours of charging.