Adding solar - Replace battery charger or just add inverter

[Capt'n CRUNCH!]

Thank you, KM 1125,

Your points make sense. You are in the camp of those not afraid of Lithium-Ion Batteries spontaneously starting on fire/exploding? (I think I would make a new wooden framed battery box under the salon floor adjacent to the forward bilge pump.)

Mark

[km1125]

QR_BBPOST Thank you, KM 1125,

Your points make sense. You are in the camp of those not afraid of Lithium-Ion Batteries spontaneously starting on fire/exploding? (I think I would make a new wooden framed battery box under the salon floor adjacent to the forward bilge pump.)

Mark

Depends on the actual Lithium Ion technology. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are MUCH safer then the typical "Lithium" batteries which you hear about 'spontaneously' igniting, which are usually Lithium Polymer. But any battery can ignite (even lead-acid) if abused.

That leads into how good a battery management circuit you have. A decent one will provide a lot of protections for charge and discharge amounts, as well as temperature monitoring and state-of-charge of the cells and can really minimize situations that put the battery in a dangerous condition.

[Fishsail]

Bakoboat, can I pm you? I have a very similar situation?

[Capt'n CRUNCH!]

Yes, my research following KM112's post, finds that LiFePo (Lithium Iron Potassium) batteries are the only way to go, and with the proper charge controler - including a DC to DC charger. (Which I don't quite understand why this is necessary, if the lead acid batteries would be protected by engine's charging system regulator?) Do lithium batteries charge substantial quicker than lead acid??