Here’s a little food for thought if your undertaking a new installation, or upgrading a large portion of your current system in your camper / motorhome.
Why not look at using a 48v DC system? It would seem most people are fixed on 12v, probably because that’s the norm and has been for a long time, some stretch to 24v but it seems quite rare to see a 48v installation, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
As time goes on, we find a new generation of caravan / camper owners, which are substantially more power hungry, and well, why not have most of the same capabilities that we have all grown comfortable with at home? Do whatever makes your journey comfortable and enjoyable for you and your family I say!
The thing is, with these higher energy output demands, costs increase at low voltages, heavier conductors (75mm2-90mm2) are required upon installation, extra battery’s in parallel to share these high currents often in excess of 250A (Discharge ratings are a limit, not a target), additional fusing / CB for additional battery’s, finding room for all of these additions is sometimes a struggle on its own.
However, If we went to 48v, the battery per WH is more cost effective, the dimensional size vs capacity is almost always better if using standard case sizing's, the current draw is significantly reduced at full load, there are gains in efficiency and savings in cost across the board, from the battery itself, to the inverter, conductors and more than likely the installation.
I'll list a basic comparison for core components in a simple installation with RRP (wont list Solar charge controllers as most often supplied Victron units are multi voltage compatible, there are savings to be had here too though)
12v System – 3kw inverter
2 x NZLFP 12v 280ah - $4400 inc
1 X Victron Multiplus 2 12/3000 - $2460 inc
2 x Class T or DC MCCB – $200 - $250+ Each
Conductors – 70mm2 $40+ P/M to 95mm2 $60+ P/M
Total incl 4m of 95mm2 = $7600
48v System – 3kw inverter
1 x NZLFP 48v 105ah - $3050 inc
1 x Victron Multiplus 2 48/3000 - $1252 inc
1 x Class T or DC MCCB – $200 - $250+ Each
Conductors – 35mm2 $20 P/M to 50mm2 $30 P/M
Total incl 4m of 50mm2 = $4672
Now, Obviously the battery comparison is somewhat skewed, there is more available capacity across 2 x 12v 280ah packs than a single 48v 105ah pack, however it is advised that users spread 12v 3kw inverter loads over 2 battery's, @ 48v only a single battery is required, and will cover the load easily on its own.
So, If your considering an upgrade, have a think about this, and a chat with your installer about the pro’s and cons, 48v to 12v converters don’t cost the earth if you have existing 12v loads that you wish to retain, they certainly don’t impact the savings enough to make 48v a non viable option.
Keen to hear your thoughts on the pro's and con's for you, feel free to comment below.
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