DIY 400 watt Solar Install

[Derek B]

Started installation of solar on Hull 484. Little bit of background information. I purchased a 2019 LE II in April 2024. Although the trailer was not ordered with a solar package it was prewired for solar by OTT during the build and also had the aluminum mounting plates on the roof under the fiberglass. 

Thank you to owners @AndrewK and @carnivore that have completed this before and posted on this forum. @carnivore ran through his install over the phone with me and even provided me with spare mounts he purchased from AMSolar during his install. I would not have had the confidence to start drilling holes into my roof to locate the preinstalled wiring without these owners doing it before me. 

Panels are mounted, just need to complete the wiring on roof and seal around the mounts. Mounts were secured with VHB tape and screws by drilling and tapping into the aluminum plates. I went with 2 - 200 watt panels from Rich Solar for 400 watts total. Ordering a victron solar controller and smart shunt. Will post update when the electrical side is complete.

Edited August 17 by Derek B

[Derek B]

Finished up the rest of my solar install. Went with the Victron 100/50 controller installed under the street side bed. Took the opportunity to clean up this area and made some room for any future upgrades with some PVC sheet I was able to find at local Home Depot.

Also wanted to clean up the battery compartment so I have only (+) and (-) 4/0 cables in there. Forward street side bed under the pantry installed victron shunt and a negative bus bar.

Under rear dinette installed a positive bus bar, battery to inverter cutoff switch and a solar cutoff switch.

Finally installed the MPPT and shunt displays on forward street side cabinet above the dinette. I wanted to leave the area above the radio open in case I decide to install cerbo gx display later.  Had to purchase the longest v.e.direct cable victron offers in order to make this run. The only area I get wires pushed through was from the basement to the rear attic by following close to the AC drain line. I was then able to route the wires across the back of the upper cabinets. 

[Tideline77]

Your work looks very neat and tidy and I look forward to seeing it progress .

which batteries did you choose ?

[Derek B]

1 hour ago, Tideline77 said:

Your work looks very neat and tidy and I look forward to seeing it progress .

which batteries did you choose ?

Thank you. Currently still have the 4 6-volt lead acid that was installed when purchased. I will be watching lithium battery prices over the next few months for deals. 

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Derek B said:

I will be watching lithium battery prices over the next few months for deals. 

Hard to beat this price and two of these fit nicely in the battery tray. Epoch has a USA10 code now for 10% OFF. Buy direct from Epoch and they charge sales tax and shipping. Buy from this company and get them to honor the Epoch 10% OFF sale. They do not charge tax and shipping. I bought these for $1,798.20 total during their 4th of July sale. Epoch Batteries 12V 300Ah | Heated & Bluetooth | LiFePO4 Battery - Epo – Renewable Outdoors

[Derek B]

@jd1923 thank you, I have been keeping an eye on the prices for these since you did your install post.

[jd1923]

Or if 460AH is enough, a couple regulars here have installed two of these: https://www.litime.com/products/12v-230ah-plus-lifepo4-battery

The 2-pack is $984.58 plus tax, free shipping, on sale for another 30 hours. Though I certainly understand waiting for the right time, as I continue to spend way too much on our Oliver!

Edited September 2 by jd1923

[Derek B]

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Or if 460AH is enough, a couple regulars here have installed two of these: https://www.litime.com/products/12v-230ah-plus-lifepo4-battery

Yes have looked at these also from previous owners installs. The 460AH Epoch also seems to be a good deal, although would only have the one battery vs 2.

We will be camping in TN next month for about a week without hookups. They do allow generator use during day. Hopefully this trip will give me better idea of our power needs. All our camping to date how been with full power hookup’s to run the AC 24/7 during these hot months.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Derek B said:

Hopefully this trip will give me better idea of our power needs.

That's the way to do it. You will see what your amazing new solar installation gives you even with the 6V LA batteries.

I went with two 300s because I knew I wanted at least that much and a third will fit in the battery bay with tray removed. Also, 1-2 more would fit in the basement under the pantry and battery bay. Our goal is all off grid while running an efficient A/C, go to RV parks when needed and not have to connect.

The 460AH Epoch Essentials weighs in 84 LBS and the 58 LB 300A model was enough to carry! Tough to fit an extra 460 if you want more. @rideadeuce just squeezed two 460s in the bay, with no tray, but only the more expensive model with Victron comms will fit. Last year Epoch gave 15% OFF for Black Friday. This timing might be very good for you.