2. CAN I MIX DIFFERENT BATTERY TYPES?
It’ s not recommended. AGM, gel, and lithium batteries each have different charge and discharge characteristics. Mixing them can confuse your charger and result in inefficient charging or, worse, damage. Always stick to one battery chemistry, ideally of the same age and capacity for all batteries in your setup.
Lithium batteries should be vented to the outside, as seen here.
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If you mix old and new batteries, your battery bank will be only as good as the weakest battery.
3. HOW MUCH SOLAR IS‘ ENOUGH’?
This depends on how you use your caravan. A weekend trip with a 100Ah battery and a fridge might only require 160W of solar. But for extended off-grid stays running fridges, lighting, fans and water pumps, you could need 300W or more. Monitor your energy usage over a few trips and size your solar to replenish that daily load, plus a little extra for cloudy days.
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Consider using a solar blanket or portable panels, rather than adding more rooftop solar. Portable panels offer more versatility; however, they can be bulky, so storing them is a consideration, too.
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