Automotive / RV Lithium Batteries and LED Lighting

This is a common question and the answer is different for everyone and has many variables. It's best to have a conversation with us regarding your system feel free to call 805-500-3071. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on a system.

1. Are you dry camping (no hookups to power or water)?

2. What are your goals? Do you want to keep your batteries topped off or are you looking to run a TV?

3. Do you have a generator? 

4. What kind of batteries do you have and how much power can they store? More on this topic below. 

5. How much roof space do you have? 

6. What is your budget? 

These are just some of the questions to ponder. Give us call to talk it over. We love solar and are happy to give you advice. 

As you start to see more and more lithium ion batteries available you must be wondering are those $999 batteries really worth it? The answer is absolutely maybe.  Since this answer is subjective you have to decide if the expense makes sense. 

Pros:

- Lithium Ion batteries last longer, not just on charge but total life. They often last 10 times longer than typical batteries. This means you will replace them less frequently which in the long run can make them more cost efficient than traditional SLA/Sealed Lead Acid batteries. 

- Size is a big pro as well. One lithium ion battery can replace two or three traditional deep cycle SLA batteries in your coach saving you space. 

- Solar loves lithium batteries. Something many people don't realize about solar systems are that they can only move the electricity so much and then the batteries start to push back, lithium batteries offer less resistance and will take a fuller charge from solar systems. So if you rely heavily on solar but are using sealed lead acid batteries then you may see a great benefit from a switch. 

Cons:

- Although we'd love to say there aren't any that just isn't true. They are pricey and sticker shock is common. Lithium is still in high demand and not as prevalent as we'd like so the cost for a battery is greater than an SLA. Although comparatively when you look at power output and storage it's the same or better value the simple truth is not everyone needs that much power. If you're a weekend warrior in a medium sized trailer with a generator the simple facts are that you may not find value in changing to lithium ion. 

- Availability. Since this is a newer technology if one fails you can't just walk into a your local store and pick one up, they are often a special order item and many techs still aren't trained to test or work on them. 

Do I need an inverter? What is an inverter? Do I have one?

Do you need one? Probably. 

What is an inverter? An inverter takes your battery power from 12V and converts it into 110W (think of power outlet in your home). You can't plug your TV into a 12V battery, so the power source must be sent through an inverter and then you can turn it on. So if you have larger electronics that require 110W you most likely have an inverter but do you have the right one? This where you run into an issue with stock items. Manufacturers will often give you just enough and no more. They have a tendency to skimp on inverters, not to be mean but they set it up to run what the coach or trailer come with. So when you start wanting to plug in your laptop, watch TV, charge a phone and run the microwave guess what happens? You may have the power reserves but not the inverter capacity. 

This is  subject that is sometimes easier to explain over the phone so if you have questions feel free to call or email. 

LED Interior lighting is one of our new favorite products. As battery and solar technology get better and you have more power why not save more power to extend your run time even further. Traditional lighting is hot, outdated and the bulbs die too soon. LED interior replacement bulbs cost a little more upfront but save you long term. LED bulbs run much cooler and last much longer while taking a fraction of the power to run. We offer a full range of LED interior lighting solutions so you can convert your most commonly used bulbs or your entire coach, trailer or 5th wheel. 

We offer home and commercial LED conversion lighting. Our top quality LED lights will reduce your lighting energy by 30%-60%. From desk lamps to industrial 1000W LED replacement bulbs we can save you money. 

Do you have a large building, warehouse or office space? We can help. Convert your overhead fluorescent lights to energy efficient LED. 4 foot and 8 foot bulbs available with or without ballast bypass systems.