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--- electrical:solar:car [2020/06/24 13:30]
frater_secessus [rack-mounted panels]
+++ electrical:solar:car [2022/03/26 15:35]
frater_secessus [where to put a battery]
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
   * can use the least expensive and most durable (framed) panels
   * the panels get some breeze under them to minimize [[electrical:solar:output#panel_temperature|heat-related power loss]]
-  * cable gland, low profile vent, etc, can be mounted under the panel
+  * [[https://amzn.to/39GiVdS|cable gland]], low profile vent, etc, can be mounted under the panel
   * less panel heat transferred into the living space
   * if flush mounted between the racks it can be quite stealthy
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
   * [[http://acuteaero.com/2009/09/29/station-wagon-solar-roof-and-solar-sub-self-sufficient-sonic-splendor/|80w temporarily mounted on station wagon]];  room for at least 100w.
   * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hetkex/sienna_with_solar_in_the_san_isabel_colorado_best/|Toyota Sienna with Solar]] ([[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/hf476b/i_was_asked_for_more_pics_of_my_solar_setup_100/|more info]])
+  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/comments/lrnma0/heard_you_all_might_like_my_little_solar_camper/|100w of flex panel on a Scion]]
+  * [[https://diysolarforum.com/threads/too-many-panels-on-a-minivan-is-my-plan-dangerous-backstory-and-xinpuguang-100watt-12volt-monocrystalline-_lightweight-_-question.21877/|200w on a Grand Caravan]]
 ==== portable panels  ====
@@ Line 64: / Line 66: @@
 **Con:** Most expensive Watt/$.  Lowest output.  Can overcharge batteries that are unused.
 ===== batteries =====
-FIXME
+Batteries are bulky and relatively heavy;  finding a place to install the [[electrical:12v:intro#storing_power|house battery bank]] may be the biggest power-related challenge facing cardwellers.
+==== where to put a battery ====
+From front to rear:
+  * **under the hood** - it is unlikely there is enough room under the hood for an aux battery, but some older full-size vehicles may allow it.  Upside:  convenient for [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging]]. Downside:  underhood heat is inappropriate for lithium batteries.
+  * **in the passenger area** - Upside:  convenience of wiring for loads.  Downside:  need to secure battery to protect occupants in case of accident.  Takes up living space.
+  * **in the trunk** - Upside:  out of the living space. May make connection to trunk- or roof-mounted solar easier.  Downside:  long wiring runs from alternator to battery((if desired)) mean either expensive heavy wiring or a voltage-boosting [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]].
+  * **in a carrier rack** - a secure cargo box may be fitted on a reciever hitch carrier.  Upside:  not taking up living or trunk space.  Venting batteries are usable.  Downside:  same wiring issues as trunk.  Cargo box may block easy access to trunk, and will increase overall vehicle length.  May cause "tail dragging" on very uneven offroad surfaces
+==== battery types ====
+Deep cycle batteries appropriate for off-grid use are discussed in [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|this article]].  There are some differences for cardwellers:
+  * flooded lead-acid (FLA) -
+  * "maintenance free" flooded lead-acid (FLA) -
+  * "marine" flooded lead-acid -
+  * **AGM lead battery** -
+  * **gel lead battery** -
+  * **LiFePO4 lithium battery** (LFP) -
+  * **non-LFP lithium battery**
+  * [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|"solar generators"]]
 ===== charge controllers =====
 FIXME

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