My BaseStation

[Base23]

Just reading this thread as I prepare to fit a solar panel to my Basestation. With the benefit of hindsight, would you mount the panels the same way?
Trying to locate the timber supports in the roof, I suspect that I might be able to locate the panel with a beam at the front edge but unlikely at the rear so will need to use rivets instead, both with Sika and aluminium angle brackets like you fabricated.

Hello,
If I was to fit another panel I would mount it the same way. Roof has not leaked and solar panel has not moved or come loose.
You could also pick up the front roof beam for the front brackets and the fit a bracket either side towards the rear of the panel and pick up a beam also. That way you could just use screw and sika and would not need the riverts

 

[Brente1982]

Just reading this thread as I prepare to fit a solar panel to my Basestation. With the benefit of hindsight, would you mount the panels the same way?
Trying to locate the timber supports in the roof, I suspect that I might be able to locate the panel with a beam at the front edge but unlikely at the rear so will need to use rivets instead, both with Sika and aluminium angle brackets like you fabricated.

Not sure how the basestation roof is constructed, but if it's sandwich panel, there should be no need for rivets or screws into the roof. I fit 4x 175w victron panels to my Jayco journey, fixed 4x 220mm long aluminium angles to each panel and then used sika 252 to fix to the roof. They're not going anywhere. They'll pull the skin off the roof before the sika gives way.

 

[mfexpanda]

Not sure how the basestation roof is constructed, but if it's sandwich panel, there should be no need for rivets or screws into the roof. I fit 4x 175w victron panels to my Jayco journey, fixed 4x 220mm long aluminium angles to each panel and then used sika 252 to fix to the roof. They're not going anywhere. They'll pull the skin off the roof before the sika gives way.

I did the same on our Silverline

 

[Base23]

It's been a while since I have posted on here as life and work have been busy.
I still have my Basestation and I still love it. I have Just done a complete lithium upgrade and thought I would share a bit of information and pictures about the install.

- I replaced and added more solar panels to the roof, Now have 2 x 250w and 1 x 200w Sphere High voltage (48.2V) solar panels in parallel. So that is 700 watt on the roof running through a Victron 100/50 smart solar controller.

- up to 400w portable panels running through a Victron 100/30 smart solar controller.

- Victron12/3000/120 Multiplus inverter, that is a 12-volt, 3000-watt inverter with a built in 120Amp battery charger. The inverter powers all factory power points excluding the hot water service.

- Victron 500A smart shunt, this tracks power usage and charge from and to the battery.

- Victron 65A Battery protect, This will disconnect DC loads if battery drops below a preset voltage

-Cerbo gx control with the touch 70 display, this monitors and control all connected Victron devices and displays information on a colour 7" touch screen.

-Still waiting on the new Victron 50amp DC/DC charger to be available so I can get one and fit that.

- Custom Lithium RV620 battery, 620AH battery, 380AMP BMS, Discharge Overcurrent Protection 1800AMP, Standard Charge Current 100AMPs

It was very challenging to make all this fit under the slide out club lounge but after many sleepless nights I finally made it all happen. With the new Lithium regulation, I had to place the battery in a sealed enclosure that is vented to the outside of the van.
I have also added vents and a cooling fan to aid in air circulation under the couch.

I have attached a few pics


Touch 70 display mounted near door



RV620 lithium battery


Solar generating whilst running Air-conditioner



Access panel under couch cushion



Solar DC breaker and Indvidual solar panel fusing




12/300/120 inverter and solar controllers



Lithium battery in sealed enclosure with Perspex lid


Cheers

 

[Drover]

WOW, thats some set up, why on earth would you need a DC/DC charger ??

 

[Base23]

Thanks,
I think the DC/DC charger will be useful when I am traveling for a few hours after being camped in shade or had cloudy days to bring the battery charge back up a bit.

 

[Hitting the road]

Phew...very professional looking set up...and the hardware looks top notch....better than you'd get in a "bought" one...

 

[Base23]

Phew...very professional looking set up...and the hardware looks top notch....better than you'd get in a "bought" one...

Thanks. Did alot research and lost of time making it all fit just right.

 

[Base23]

I finally received and fitted the new Victron 50A DC-DC charger. It is a very small and neat unit. I ran 4GA (21mm2) wire all the way including rewiring the Jeep to suit the new charger and tested it all last night and it works as it should and pump 50Amps no worries.

I also fitted 4 more solar panels on the roof, 2 x 130w and 2 x 100w in series/parallel, So in total I now have a total of 1160 watts of Solar up on top.

 

[1DayIll]

I finally received and fitted the new Victron 50A DC-DC charger. It is a very small and neat unit. I ran 4GA (21mm2) wire all the way including rewiring the Jeep to suit the new charger and tested it all last night and it works as it should and pump 50Amps no worries.

I also fitted 4 more solar panels on the roof, 2 x 130w and 2 x 100w in series/parallel, So in total I now have a total of 1160 watts of Solar up on top.

You will be able to supply power to everyone who is camped around you as well.

 

[Base23]

Added a little light effect to the battery management area, green LED'S for the custom lithium battery and blue LED'S for the Victron stuff. They turn on via a micro switch that is activated when I remove seat cushion and lift the lid to the battery area.