Housing for MPPT

[andybeary]

If you want to keep the van in OEM state but also want a solar set up i have designed an MPPT housing which requires no bolts/glue etc.

it fits both 75/15 and 100/20 Victron units so outside of this it could work with others but would need to do some modifications.

the housing also comes with vents at rear and space for isolator switch if you want to go down that route, i personally found it very useful to turn the solar panels off if working on any wiring and also for safety.. it also tucks very close to the top so keep it out of the way.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/136078642445

 

[DGB99]

Hi - just noticed this on ebay for an installation I am working on. I have a Victron MPPT 100/20 but my isolator switch is a little different - it attaches via screws (no bracket) and is 12cm tall x 5cm wide. Will it still fit on the right of the housing?

 

[Californication69]

If you want to keep the van in OEM state but also want a solar set up i have designed an MPPT housing which requires no bolts/glue etc.

it fits both 75/15 and 100/20 Victron units so outside of this it could work with others but would need to do some modifications.

the housing also comes with vents at rear and space for isolator switch if you want to go down that route, i personally found it very useful to turn the solar panels off if working on any wiring and also for safety.. it also tucks very close to the top so keep it out of the way.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/136078642445

View attachment 138006

Looks fab.
What are your thoughts about the top cupboard, I found the heat in there on a very hot summers day was shutting down my Pi (running the Victron Sw)
Also temperatures got close to 50° in there.

Any other place you’d think of putting an MPPT & Pi & PV isolator.
And a Starlink 12v to 48v converter & 3camera dashcam recorder box.
The Cali needs a proper comms cabinet

 

[andybeary]

Looks fab.
What are your thoughts about the top cupboard, I found the heat in there on a very hot summers day was shutting down my Pi (running the Victron Sw)
Also temperatures got close to 50° in there.

Any other place you’d think of putting an MPPT & Pi & PV isolator.
And a Starlink 12v to 48v converter & 3camera dashcam recorder box.
The Cali needs a proper comms cabinet

Way out of my league the PI and starlink sounds like end of world mobile survival vehicle... i was thinking maybe a fan that kicks on when hits a certain temp or using a switch (sure you can get some low voltage options) i think you may need a bigger van haha

 

[andybeary]

Hi - just noticed this on ebay for an installation I am working on. I have a Victron MPPT 100/20 but my isolator switch is a little different - it attaches via screws (no bracket) and is 12cm tall x 5cm wide. Will it still fit on the right of the housing?

yes the holes are there to help make it easier but you can drill or make your own in the side panel not a problem. If it is 12 cm tall then it will hang down slightly but i could make you a longer version, the 5cm is fine in terms of width. (or the current version you could just screw in a panel on top of the existing one which has the length you need, if that makes sense)

 

[Californication69]

Way out of my league the PI and starlink sounds like end of world mobile survival vehicle... i was thinking maybe a fan that kicks on when hits a certain temp or using a switch (sure you can get some low voltage options) i think you may need a bigger van haha

Bigger van is a no go for the next 5 years while I’m still working.
The large 200mm fan is a good idea, I’m sure I could rig it up to the pie to run constant in the summer with a switched header.
Good idea. Thanks !

 

[DGB99]

Looking at the image above the switch would need to go to the right of your blue arrow head. Exact measurements of switch back (which is flat) are 11.9 x5.0cm - would a slightly longer length mean it would fit between the lips on the mount? If so I'll have one!

 

[Californication69]

I really rate 12v planet and I’m reading on what PV isolator to use on two 165w panels.
This is 12volt planets advice.

Isolators for Solar Panels

Isolators for Solar Panels - an article by 12 Volt Planet. A product we get asked for a lot is 2-pole isolators for use with solar panels .. we break down the myths behind these switches and explain why they may do more harm than good

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

But I like your hang over, negates the need to drill the van.
Are you debating doing one for a t7 Cali Ocean ?

 

[andybeary]

I really rate 12v planet and I’m reading on what PV isolator to use on two 165w panels.
This is 12volt planets advice.

Isolators for Solar Panels

Isolators for Solar Panels - an article by 12 Volt Planet. A product we get asked for a lot is 2-pole isolators for use with solar panels .. we break down the myths behind these switches and explain why they may do more harm than good

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

But I like your hang over, negates the need to drill the van.
Are you debating doing one for a t7 Cali Ocean ?

unfortunately i dont have the spec/dimensions else i could if you could take pictures and send across sure i can come up with something.

 

[Californication69]

unfortunately i dont have the spec/dimensions else i could if you could take pictures and send across sure i can come up with something.

Cool, will do, mines not arriving till 1st August.

Not sure if anybody else who has a t7 ocean can provide the details ?

Are you able to modify the size, so I can have additional space for a pi and boondocker voltage converter?
Maybe something over the top to house a fan for the screw holes ?

What’s the dimension left and right ?

 

[andybeary]

need to pop out but will post details later this evening also anything is possible in terms of additions

 

[andybeary]

Cool, will do, mines not arriving till 1st August.

Not sure if anybody else who has a t7 ocean can provide the details ?

Are you able to modify the size, so I can have additional space for a pi and boondocker voltage converter?
Maybe something over the top to house a fan for the screw holes ?

What’s the dimension left and right ?

so side with mppt is 102mm tall, 155mm wide. the side for the isolator is 138mm wide.

 

[DGB99]

Looking at the image above the switch would need to go to the right of your blue arrow head. Exact measurements of switch back (which is flat) are 11.9 x5.0cm - would a slightly longer length mean it would fit between the lips on the mount? If so I'll have one!

Can you make one a little taller to fit my switch? Thanks!

 

[andybeary]

Can you make one a little taller to fit my switch? Thanks!

yes i can make it an extra 20mm (2cm) so height would be 120mm (12cm) in total top to bottom and 5cm wide is no problem. If you can send me an image of the back of the unit and also with the position of the screw holes i.e. 2cm down from top and 2cm in from right or something like that i can add the m4 bolt holes so you can just screw the m4s straight into the unit (i would imagine 8mm m4s with be fine?)