Escapees May-June 2024

Assumptions on data: Operating temperature of 25°C (77°F), Depth of Discharge (DoD) 50% for Lead Acid, AGM and Gel (12.0V) and 80% for Lithium Iron Phosphate (12.8V). Now, let’s look at some differences among various Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries offered by the same company (Chart2). Just like no two RVs are the same, Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are not created equal. Each offers different features and lifespans, even within the same company’s products. As demand has increased, prices have dropped signi fi cantly in the past fi ve years, making them more affordable than ever, especially with their 10+ year life expectancy. You may see some amazing “deals” out there, but be wary if the price seems too good to be true. Remember, always compare the specs!

SHARI GALIARDI & DAVID HUTCHISON In 2012, Shari and David left behind careers and a home in North Carolina to travel with a vintage camper trailer they lovingly restored and outfitted with solar and named “Hamlet.” What began as a short break from careers and responsibility quickly turned into a love a ff air with road life. They have parlayed their higher education backgrounds, desire for life-long learning and thirst for adventure travel into writing, photography, video production and public speaking gigs from coast to coast. Known to their friends as simply Shari & Hutch, you can learn about their full-time, solar-powered adventures at freedomi nacan.com. Or, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as “Freedom in a Can, LLC.” Now that you’ve learned how to build a better, more powerful and longer lasting battery bank to fi t your needs and lifestyle, we’ll be back next time with a full discussion about inverters and inverter chargers, and how to size them appropriately.

Warranty Clari fi cation There was some confusion over fl exible vs rigid panel warranties in Part 3 of this series, published in the March/April 2024 issue. Renogy panels were used as

The Renogy Wanderer™ is a PWM charge controller.

RVSOLAR3 Choosing a Compatible Solar Charge Controller By DAVID HUTCHISON AND SHARI GALIARDI #161101

This important device serves as the “brain” between your solar panel array and your battery bank. It senses when the array produces an electrical current and monitors the state of charge in the battery bank, regulating the fl owof energy in between. The energy coming from the array fl uctuates depending on the atmospheric conditions (e.g., clouds and sunshine). Likewise, a battery bank requires different power during different charging stages. A controller keeps these two playing together, while helping to prevent component damage or fi re. It may not be sexy, but it is essential ! Selecting the appropriate type and size of RV solar charge controller is key to both the safety of your system as well as your satisfaction with its performance.

Have you ever dreamed of cutting the cord to electrical hook-up campsites and giving boondocking a try? Join the millions of RVers who power their lives with solar. We’ve been doing it for over 11 years! T his is our third article in a six-part RV Solar 101 series designed to help you size a solar-powered system that will meet your needs. If you missed our fi rst two articles (November/December 2023 and January/ February 2024 issues), be sure to start there before diving into this deep discussion of solar charge controllers.

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March/April 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine

examples and, while the power output is guaran teed up to 25 years (at 80%) on both models, the materials and workmanship warranty for fl exible panels is 5 years, and rigid is 10 years.

Chart 2: Comparison of 4 Different LiFePO4 Batteries by the Same Company

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) Renogy 12V-100Ah Batteries

12V-100Ah

12V-100Ah

12V-100Ah

12V-100Ah

Style

Basic $540 12.8

Self-Heating

Core $430 12.8

Pro

Price Tag (as of 2/2024) Nominal Voltage (V) Amp Hour Capacity (Ah)

$599 12.8

$650 12.8

100

100

100

100

Watt Hour Capacity (Ah x Nominal Voltage)

1280WH

1280WH

1280WH

1280WH

Depth of Discharge 80% = usable WH capacity per cycle

80% = 1024WH

80% = 1024WH

80% = 1024WH

80% = 1024WH

Cycles (based on DoD)

4000 10.9

4000 10.9

5000 13.7

5000 13.7

Expected Lifespan (years) – w/ full cycle per day Max Continuous Charging / Discharging Current

50A/ 100A

50A/ 100A

100A/ 100A

100A/ 100A

Dimensions (inches)

11.4 x 6.8 x 7.4

11.4 x 6.8 x 7.4

10.6 x 6.9 x 8.6

10.6 x 7.6 x 8.1

Weight (pounds)

26

26

23

27

Self-Heating Battery -OR- Low Temp Shut Off?

Low Temp Shut Off

Self-Heats (<41°F)

Low Temp Shut Off

Self-Heats (<41°F)

Bluetooth (Built-In vs Capable) BMS (Battery Management System)

Capable (w/BT Module) Capable (w/BT Module)

Capable (w/Shunt 300)

Built-In

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Storage Temperature (°F)

-13°F - 149°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F - 131°F

-13°F - 149°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F - 131°F

-13°F - 149°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F - 131°F

-13°F - 149°F -4°F - 140°F 32°F to 131°F

Temperature Range (discharge °F) Temperature Range (charge °F)

Warranty (years)

5

5

5

7

Connection Configuration

Parallel

Parallel

Parallel and/or Series

Parallel

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024