Solar isolation lifepo4

[melvynpatrick]

Hello. I have recently fitted a Fogstar 280 24v lifepo4 battery. Previously when I had lead acid batteries I had a 90ah 24v solar panel permanently connected to the batteries to keep them topped up. I’ve read that this isn’t recommended with lifepo4 as they shouldn’t be kept at 100%. Whether the solar would keep them topped a 100 in the winter in Itchenor is another issue. I thought of wiring the solar to the lynx distributor but when the main switch is off the solar sends power into the system. So, should I keep the solar permanently wired or fit a solar isolator and turn off when not on the boat. This isn’t my only solar, the big panels are not fixed permanently and only on when the sun might shine and I can drag them out the forepeak.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Hello. I have recently fitted a Fogstar 280 24v lifepo4 battery. Previously when I had lead acid batteries I had a 90ah 24v solar panel permanently connected to the batteries to keep them topped up. I’ve read that this isn’t recommended with lifepo4 as they shouldn’t be kept at 100%. Whether the solar would keep them topped a 100 in the winter in Itchenor is another issue. I thought of wiring the solar to the lynx distributor but when the main switch is off the solar sends power into the system. So, should I keep the solar permanently wired or fit a solar isolator and turn off when not on the boat. This isn’t my only solar, the big panels are not fixed permanently and only on when the sun might shine and I can drag them out the forepeak.

90Ah ? do you mean watts ? By permanently connected, you did still use a solar controller ? If not, i wouldn't recommend leaving it on at all. But, a 24V solar panel isn't going to be much use with a 24V battery. What panel do you have ?

 

[melvynpatrick]

Ahh yes sorry. It’s a 90w panel not sure of the volts. Bought it in Germany. It’s for a 24v battery. Cost me a fortune. Sorry for being a technical numpty.yes I use a Victron mppt

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ahh yes sorry. It’s a 90w panel not sure of the volts. Bought it in Germany. It’s for a 24v battery. Cost me a fortune. Sorry for being a technical numpty.yes I use a Victron mppt

No problem.

If you set the controller to absorption and float at 26.1V it should maintain the batteries at 50-60%

 

[melvynpatrick]

Ok. Thank you. I didn’t realise you could do that. Cheers

 

[lustyd]

Just don’t forget you did it when summer rolls around or the next thread might be harder to solve!