Is there a way to integrate an existing solar setup with deep cycle/agm  (400Ah) with a Lithium battery.setup.

Two separate sets of solar panels charging the different batteries? How do you manage such a system if possible?

The idea is to later replace all batteries with lithium.

 

 

I was wondering about that at a stage so you can progressively replace batteries. You would also need a way to switch the inverter from one bank to the other.

At  the moment my 4 x 100Ah batteries are standby; it only comes into play when eskom disappears

With the added lithium capacity I have enough to take my essential devices "off the grid" if both sets of batteries can store and feed.

 

But how would that work, you won't be able to connect the two battery banks together and go though one inverter as I'm pretty sure one of the sets of batteries would do all the work, and the other set nothing, unless you  have 2 inverters. In which case the problem is already solved. Except that the different loads must be separated at the DB board?

I cant remember the guys name in the UK on one of the secondlife storage forums had Li-ion and lead acid working together as the lead acid were on their way out. The different batteries  were charged seperatly and then switched together as one pack in the evening. I remember that the batteries were combined but within certain voltage ranges. I seem to think the Li-ion were the main batteries and the lead acid were combined when the two voltages were the same and then disconnected when the voltage dropped to a set DOD of the lead acid.

 

It sounds dangerous unless closely monitored.

18 hours ago, DeepBass9 said:

But how would that work, you won't be able to connect the two battery banks together and go though one inverter as I'm pretty sure one of the sets of batteries would do all the work, and the other set nothing, unless you  have 2 inverters. In which case the problem is already solved. Except that the different loads must be separated at the DB board?

Thanks for your comment

This is the option that came to mind as I have two inverters, and maybe this is the way to go in the meantime.

The thing is I have kept the LA batteries (lead crystal) charged with Eskom power and only with load shedding did they kick in feeding only the essentials lights, computer etc .

Now I want to make this  permanent by adding  PV panels, as a result, I will have to monitor the batteries so that when they run low they will be charged by Eskom (maybe during the night??)

?? your comment

The Lithium batteries will then serve a separate circuit much in the same way and in the future when the LA batteries have to be replaced it all will be consolidated

I'm not sure what the best way to manage that is as I am off grid, so it is solar or the generator, but there are lots of people on the forum with similar setups so I sure they will provide their 5c in due course...

I have a 48volt 5kw system supply for the main supply . Running of grid with changeover switch if needed . Then I have a second inverter 24 volt with 2 x 300 watt panels off grid. This is not connected to main supply only 4 plugs with different colour . I use this for security system , dstv what ever it can handle . The batteries I use is not good enough for the main system . Should improve the lifetime off the 48 volt bank .