Lithium Battery Installations & More
We offer design, sourcing and installation services for off grid upfits and lithium battery installations. Heated lithium batteries are currently the new product being marketed, in response to the “lithium don’t like cold”. While the batteries need to be above 0c for charging, they can be discharged when below 0c. We design and install our electrical systems with battery temp in mind and use products that contain cold weather protection so our clients have peace of mind that their system will protect itself.
While heated batteries have appeal - the models currently on the market aren’t wired in a way that enable a external battery monitor to know how much power being sent to the batteries was consumed by the internal heater and how much power went into the battery. This means your battery monitor becomes inaccurate and misleading during cold seasons. There are external heating methods that enable your batteries to have the warmth they need while still giving you the ability to use your battery monitor with accuracy.
It’s also worth noting for off grid capabilities you DO NOT need to have solar charging. In many places, camper’s off grid systems are called “solar systems” but really it’s the batteries and inverter/charger at the heart of the system. Solar is just one way to charge batteries and both alternator charging and shore power are more consistent and reliable charge sources. We design each system to suit the client, their vehicle and their needs. We work to “future proof” our installations, enabling easier upgrades and expansions in the future.
BUT LITHIUM DOESN’T LIKE COLD!! This is a very incomplete explanation. Installers with this opinion do not have experience in cold weather applications. We specialize in off grid FOUR SEASON usage. Lithium systems can be managed in cold weather and a quality system will protect itself as needed. An RV’s plumbing system is much more at risk of cold weather damages — and there are heating solutions to enable four season lithium and plumbing.
Off Grid Solar Installation Services
Ray Outfitted offers off grid solar installation services across Canada. Contact us today to discuss your camper, RV, bunkie or marine off grid project. Ray Outfitted has been working and traveling in an off grid self contained camper since Feb 2018. Our professional expertise and personal experience ensures our clients have quality systems capable of the realities of Canadian weather.
We design and install off grid electrical systems and solar arrays with a shop centrally located in Ontario, Canada.
Ray Outfitted Solar Installs
Panel Position Matters
Shadows and obstructions reduce solar producitivity. Good system designs include planning panel placement. This is more or less of a challenge on each project. At Ray Outfitted - no two projects are the same. Ready to discuss your customized off grid electrical system?
When living off grid with solar power in Canada - solar angle is particularly important. In Feburary 2018, Raynor built his first tiltable solar array for the V&M Van Life campervan. The 960W panel could slide and tilt over the edge of the van. In the following two Winters, this tilt proved to double production. Since then, upgrades and adjustments have been made to the design. Most recently - Ray has had the opportunity to customize this solar array to suit the designs of a DIY campervan owner.
Behind Every Solar Installation
Behind every solar installation is an electrical system. Arguably the most important component of an off grid electrical system is the battery bank. It really is what determines your off grid electrical capabilities. Here’s some photos of recent Ray Outfitted electrical installations - both new installs and upgrading existing systems. Our most common install for RVs and boats is shore power simulation — run everything like you are on shore power, while off grid. The size of that battery bank becomes important once again.
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