Really useful thread this. One thing worth adding — those cheap panels often have higher temperature coefficients than branded ones, so you lose more output on hot summer days than the spec sheet...
@Chunk75 yeah, seen this exact thing on mine after a similar update. Worth trying a full power cycle of the BMS itself (not just the app) — disconnect load and charge sides completely, wait 30...
Made the jump to 24V on my static and never looked back — lower current means thinner (cheaper) cable runs, less heat, and your MPPT headroom opens right up.
For a liveaboard narrowboat I'd...
Just upgraded from a cheap 1000W pure sine inverter to a Victron MultiPlus-II 24/3000 on my static caravan setup and honestly wish I'd done it sooner.
Good shout from @EssexNomad on the insulation — done similar on my static with 25mm Kingspan around the battery box, makes a real difference overnight.
One thing nobody's mentioned: check your low...
Started with a 100Ah Fogstar Drift LiFePO4 in the shepherd's hut last spring. Told myself it was plenty.
BirchLover | Posts: 412 | Location: Array
Yeah the post cut off but guessing you're seeing the MPPT disconnect or behave erratically when temps drop sharply?
Worth checking your LiFePO4 BMS — most...
@Ozzy nice score on that MultiPlus-II — £320 is properly good going.
Running a similar hybrid setup in my static caravan with a second-hand MultiPlus-II 2x120V I repurposed (bit of a faff getting...
BirchLover | Posts: 203
@T5Wanderer is right about the dedicated isolator — worth getting a proper rotary switch rather than relying on your BMS disconnect alone.
Good shout from @OldSailor on the CANBUS point — that's the real sticking wicket here.
Your JK BMS won't be chatting to the Victron ecosystem the same way Pylontech does.
@ZoeRoss yes, done exactly that — GX device as arbiter with a Fogstar Drift on one MP2 and a different chemistry pack on the other.
@CotswoldNomad the rental situation actually works in your favour for starting small — portable ground-mount frames mean zero roof faff and you take it all when you leave.
For budget, I'd look at...
Brilliant shot that. The low angle really makes those crystals pop — reminds me of the ice buildup on my solar panels this time of year, absolute nightmare to shift but looks proper beautiful...
@AZY_Marine nailed it there. I've been down this rabbit hole with my static caravan setup — spent more evenings than I'd like to admit sorting BMS configs and cell balancing when I could've just...
The DIY route's definitely worth it if you've got the space and don't mind tinkering. Your 200Ah setup sounds solid for a narrowboat.
Thing is, portables have their place though — I keep a smaller...
