POP Module 2 - Battery Management

Solar Power Systems and Energy Management

Master solar power fundamentals, battery management, troubleshooting, and sustainable operation of off-grid POP systems

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain how solar panels, batteries, and controllers work together
Diagnose and resolve common power system issues
Calculate power budgets for POP equipment loads
Describe sustainability benefits of solar-powered POPs
Monitor battery charge levels and interpret system health indicators

Battery Management and Monitoring

Understanding battery health, charge levels, and maintenance procedures

 

Proper battery management is critical for POP reliability and longevity. The Victron Cerbo GX system provides comprehensive monitoring, but understanding what the data means and how to respond is essential for field staff.

 

Key Battery Metrics

Battery Monitoring Fundamentals

Understanding Key Metrics for POP Trailer Power Systems

State of Charge (SOC)

Definition: Percentage of battery capacity remaining (0% = empty, 100% = full)

80-100% Excellent
50-79% Good
30-49% Caution
<30% Critical

Action: If SOC drops below 30%, consider reducing non-essential loads or relocating POP to sunnier location.

Battery Voltage

Definition: Electrical potential of battery bank (12V, 24V, or 48V systems)

12V System Voltage Guide:

  • 13.0-14.4V: Charging (solar production active)
  • 12.7-13.0V: Fully charged at rest
  • 12.4-12.6V: 70-90% charged
  • 12.2-12.3V: 50% charged
  • 12.0-12.1V: 30% charged (caution)
  • <11.8V: Critical low (system may shut down)

Voltage readings are most accurate when batteries are at rest (not charging or discharging for 30+ minutes).

Current Flow

Definition: Rate of electrical flow in/out of batteries, measured in Amperes (A)

Positive Current (+A)

Batteries charging (solar input exceeds load)

Negative Current (-A)

Batteries discharging (load exceeds solar input)

Typical POP load is 2-5A. Solar production can reach 15-30A during peak sun hours.

Temperature

Definition: Battery internal temperature affects performance and lifespan

10-30°C (50-86°F) Optimal
0-10°C / 30-40°C Reduced Performance
<0°C / >45°C Risk of Damage

Battery enclosures on POP trailers are insulated to moderate temperature extremes. LiFePO4 batteries perform better in cold than lead-acid.

Accessing Cerbo GX Monitoring

Web Interface:

  1. Connect to POP WiFi network
  2. Navigate to venus.local in browser
  3. View real-time dashboard with all metrics
  4. Access historical data and trends

VictronConnect Mobile App:

  1. Download VictronConnect app (iOS/Android)
  2. Connect via Bluetooth or WiFi
  3. View live data and receive alerts
  4. Configure settings (admin access required)

Best practice: Check battery status daily during first week of deployment, then weekly during normal operation.

⚠️ Battery Maintenance Tips

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Never allow SOC to drop below 20% (shortens battery life)

•

Keep battery terminals clean and connections tight

•

Check for corrosion monthly (white/green buildup on terminals)

•

Ensure battery enclosure ventilation is not blocked

•

Monitor for unusual temperature increases (may indicate failure)

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