Lithium or AGM - which is right for me?

Lithium (LiFePO4): Higher performance (95%), more cycles (2000+), lower weight. Ideal if you pay the extra price. AGM: More economical, no special management, withstands abuse. We recommend lithium if the budget allows and AGM for simple static installations.

How many Ah do I need for my camper?

Calculate your daily consumption in Wh (e.g. fridge 50W×24h=1200Wh, lights 10W×5h=50Wh...). Divide the total by the system voltage (12V) to obtain Ah/day. Multiply by the desired days of autonomy. Practical rule: For 2 days without sun in standard camper → 200Ah lithium 12V.

Can I mix AGM and Lithium batteries?

No. Never mix battery types in the same bank. The charging voltages are different and you can damage both. You can have two separate banks (AGM starter + Lithium service) with an Orion-Tr to isolate them.

How do I set up SmartShunt for the first time?

1) Download VictronConnect to your mobile phone. 2) Activate Bluetooth from the SmartShunt. 3) Enter the exact capacity of your battery. 4) Set the Peukert (1.05 lithium, 1.25 AGM). 5) Make the first full charge to synchronise the 100%. Done!

Which MPPT do I need for my panels?

Calculate: (W total panels / V battery) × 1.25 = A of the MPPT. Example: 400W / 12V × 1.25 = 41.6A → SmartSolar 100/50. MPPT voltage must exceed the maximum Voc of your panels in series. Use our MPPT Calculator.

Series or parallel panels?

Series: Add voltages, same amps. Best for MPPT with high Voc. Parallel: Add amps, same voltage. Best in partial shadows. For camper with few panels (<4) and no shadows → serial. With shadows or many panels → parallel or mixed.

Which inverter do I need for my van?

Add up the power of everything you want to connect to 230V (computer 100W, coffee machine 1200W, hairdryer 1800W...). The inverter must exceed this sum by a margin of 20%. For standard camper without coffee machine → Phoenix 12/1200. With coffee machine → MultiPlus-II 12/3000.

Difference between Phoenix and MultiPlus?

Phoenix Inverter: Inverter only (DC→AC). No battery charger. More economical. MultiPlus / MultiPlus-II: Inverter + battery charger in one. Can charge from the grid or generator and switch automatically. Essential if you want to connect to the grid or use a generator.

Do I need an Orion-Tr Smart for my camper?

If you have lithium batteries → Yes, you need it. The normal alternator can damage the BMS of the lithium battery. The Orion-Tr Smart regulates the charge correctly. If you have AGM → it is optional but improves battery life and protects the alternator.

What is the Victron VRM Portal?

VRM (Victron Remote Management) is the free online platform to monitor your installation from anywhere. You need a GX device (Cerbo GX, Color Control GX or Venus GX) connected to the internet. It shows historical data, alerts and allows remote control.

Does VictronConnect work on iPhone?

Yes. VictronConnect is available for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android. It is free and allows you to configure, monitor and update the firmware of all Victron devices with integrated Bluetooth or VE.Direct adapter.

How do I update the firmware of my MPPT?

1) Open VictronConnect and connect to the device via Bluetooth. 2) Go to the icon ⚙️ (Settings). 3) Click on the product icon in the top right corner. 4) If an update is available, an “Update” button will appear. 5) Do not disconnect until complete.