SOLAR PANEL: PV ( Photovoltaic panel)

 There is mainly 2 types of solar panels:
Sunlight conversion to heat (water) and
sun light conversion to electricity.

They are available in 2 packages: POLYCRYSTALLINE, MONOCRYSTALLINE:

The main difference between the two technologies is in the crystal purity of the panel cells. Monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from several fragments of silicon melted together.
The crystalline purity of the cells of monocrystalline solar panels is therefore much higher than that of polycrystalline solar panels.

Monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency rating of any type of solar panel, reaching over 20%. This means that these can convert 20% of sunlight into usable energy.

Polycrystalline panels are within the average range, hitting around 15% – 17%

 TYPICAL SOLAR PANEL

 CHARGE CONTROLER:

 The charge controller is the device used to collect solar panel energy (electricity) to charge deep cycle batteries.

They are available in 2 types PWM, and MPPT.

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking, a technique to regulate the charge of your battery bank.

A PWM (pulse width modulation) controller can be thought of as an (electronic) switch between the solar panels and the battery:
The switch is ON when the charger mode is in bulk charge mode. The switch is “flicked” ON and OFF as needed (pulse width modulated) to hold the battery voltage at the absorption voltage.

MPPT type is more expensive but much more efficient charging batteries. Most comes with an App (via Bluetooth or cable) to monitor charging status, batteries voltages, and power.

 TYPICAL CONTROLER

 BATTERIES:

 Marine type: Deep Cycle

 Marine batteries are designed for boats instead of RVs and typically offer threaded terminals. They have heavier plates than other types of batteries and are designed to withstand sudden, forceful movements and intense vibrations from a motor.

  Led Acid :Deep Cycle:

 Led acid deep cycle is an old technology requiring ventilation as they contain an electrolyte with water into a vented compartment. They cannot get discharged below 50% and offer low discharge cycle over time. They are no longer popular in RV 12V electrical systems.

 AGM: Absorbent Glass Mat:  Deep Cycle

 Instead of the free-flowing liquid inside of a regular car battery, the AGM carries its charge in soaked sponges coating the lead plates. The glass mats' complete coverage makes it easier to summon more power from an AGM battery — and make it easier to recharge. An AGM battery is an advanced lead acid technology that provides a longer life span, higher electrical loads, higher cranking amps, quick recharge time and an extended cycle life. The technology and design of AGM batteries makes them spill proof, maintenance free, and vibration resistant.

 TYPICAL AGM BATTERY

 LITHIUM BATTERIES

 Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (LiFePO4).

 LiFePO4 stands for Lithium (Li) Iron (Fe) Phosphate (PO4), This kind of batteries is the no 1 choice for RVers for many reasons. (even if they are very expensive)

The discharge cycles is typicaly 2000 and more,You can discharge them down to 10%,

They are lightweight and have longer life in general. LiFePO4 batteries are highly regarded for their resiliency and long life compared to other lithium battery chemistries.

For example, Lithium-Iron-Phosphate battery will have a lifespan of 2,000 recharge cycles vs. 400-500 charges for the traditional lithium battery (like the one in your cell phone).

We all remember the smartphone catching on fire by a Lithium battery fault ! this is no longer true with LIfePO4 formulation.

The LiFePO4 battery has the edge over lithium ion, both in terms of cycle life (it lasts 4-5x longer), and safety. This is a key advantage because lithium ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while LiFePO4 does not.

Phosphate-based batteries offer superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Thus, providing an increase in safety over lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials…Lithium phosphate cells are incombustible, which is an important feature in the event of mishandling during charging or discharging. They can also withstand harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat, or rough terrain.

Here’s a few more reasons why LiFePO4 are recommended:
o Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) is the most safe and stable lithium battery chemistry.
  Unlike other lithium batteries LiFePO4 does not catch fire or explode.
o LFP is Cobalt free. Cobalt is a rare earth element that is sourced from war torn Congo.
   Money from Cobalt mining in the Congo fuels conflict. Cobalt is the blood diamond of the battery     trade.
o LFP is affordable. By using common chemical compounds LFP batteries are a lower cost energy     storage solution compared to other lithium chemistries.
o Lightweight, high discharge cycles, long life,