A shunt is a resistor usually coupled together with a battery monitor, that can measure current flow and direction in an electrical circuit. This is useful for knowing how charged your batteries are or if they are being charged or discharged.
It’s standard to install one in any solar system since your batteries health will be negatively impacted if you discharge them too deeply. Typically it’s safe to discharge a LiFePo4 battery down to 15-20% charge without any negative effects. And traditional batteries can be discharged safely down to 50%.
But you would never know your battery’s state of charge unless you use a shunt to monitor it’s capacity.
Installation
A shunt is typically installed on the negative lead of your battery bank. All electrical loads should flow through the shunt, so there should be no other components between it and the battery.
Sizing
Shunts come in different sizes. Since all of your electrical systems amperage will flow through the shunt, it’s important to select the right size shunt for the job. Here are some popular options for Battery Monitoring Shunts used in solar systems.
Most Affordable Option
This Battery monitor comes in an 80Amp and a 350Amp version.
80 Amp Version
350 Amp Version
Mid Range Option
This Shunt can handle up to 500Amps
Renogy 500 Amp Battery Monitor
Best Quality Option
Victron is the industry leader, and their smart shunt can connect to your phone to display your battery’s state of charge.
500 Amp Version
1000 Amp Version
2000 Amp Version
Van and RV Solar System Plans
400 Watt Van/RV System Plans
- Medium to Large Vans | RVS
- Four x 100 Watt Solar Panels
- Great Balance Between Size, Power, and Cost
600 Watt Van/RV System Plans
- Large Vans | RVs | Small Schoolies
- Three x 200 Watt Solar Panels
- Boondocking/Off-Grid Camping
- Luxury Vanlife
Flexible Van/RV Solar System Plans
- Start with a small system and add capacity later
- Install One, Two, or Three x 200 Watt Solar Panels
- Great for those just starting out
- For Small | Medium | or Large Vans
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