Inverter and Marine Energy Systems
Boat Solar Systems
Marine Lithium Battery & Charging Systems
Inverters come in small one device or large split phase 240v, but most marine technicians do not understand electrical theory well enough to install an inverter properly. A boats electrical panel usually has two phases and you cant combine them, but if you don't, only half of your boat will have power and will burn out any 240v devices like air conditioners and ranges.
Maritech Marine technicians can automate your entire system so when you switch between generator, forward shore plug, aft shore plug, or no source so your inverter takes over will all seamlessly happen without you changing any breakers or switches.
INVERTERS
LITHIUM
Lithium Batteries are very dangerous, they catch fire, and are unstable.... WRONG..
Acid batteries like deep cycle and agm can swell, off gas, leak acid, and catch fire (see photo).
LiFePo batteries are not the same chemistry as older lithium's, they are very safe. like any power source, installers must have experience and knowledge of best practices. If installed to standards, lithium batteries are accepted by ABYC, Surveyors, and Insurance companies.
Lithium provide thousands of cycles lasting for many years, and you can use 100% capacity without damage where as acid battery's are damaged if below 50%.
Lithium batteries come in multiple voltages for trolling motors or thrusters, no more parallel golf cart batteries needed.
The LiFePo's we use are Bluetooth so you can can know the exact remaining capacity, charge state, and even change their settings like discharge rate.
Installation of lithium batteries is not as simple as swaping them out, they must be isolated from your engine starting system and have special charging profiles that need to be managed.
Solar
Off Grid Green energy sources have come a long way. Efficieny and output make solar a great option for either maintaining you battery charge for necessary systems like bilge pumps and start batteries, or for larger loads like lighting, refridgerators, appliances, and even air conditioners.
For larger vessels, don't expect a solar system to replace a generator or shore power. In addition to the electrical loads during the day, the panels must produce excess power to charge batteries for use when the sun is blocked or for overnight which could be several days during bad weather. it is possible to have a system large enough to run an air conditioner but the equipment, components installation space, and panel real estate is extensive.
Knowledge and calculations are required to provide honest expectations. Be warry of installers that don't provide that analysis or says your solar system will run everything.
