Also, my existing SP goes to the AC main breaker on the OEM Ericson distribution panel, then to the inverter/charger, then back to the panel for distribution. I assume
this is because the inverter pre-dates good pass-through functionality? Any other reason you can think of?
The instructions on my new one say it should be wired directly from the sp inlet with an ELCI breaker at the inlet to protect swimmers plus another at the panel to protect the boat. It’s a Victron Multiplus 12/2000/80, not installed yet.
Cool! I purchased mostly Renogy equipment when I made the switch to Lithium primarily to save cost after the large investment in the battery. I mocked it all up on my bench at home and tested it for a few weeks with tools, and other various electrical devices. It seemed to work well enough, so I started the install on the boat. I haven't installed the inverter yet, but I'm starting to regret my choice to go with Renogy and control the system with a Simarine Pico. The Renogy stuff is good, but the Pico his horrible. It's not accurate, has quite a few bugs, and doesn't offer as many features as other available options, but it's still priced like a high end unit.
I'm starting to design a Victron system. I would like to replace the Pico with a Cerbo GX mostly because it has a larger user base and it integrates with other equipment on the market (mostly Victron, but there are ways to connect it to other devices like my batterie's BMS!). I'm also looking at the Victron Multiplus line. One thing I can't figure out is where to put it since it is 20" x 10" x 5". It will be really interesting to see what you come up with.
As far as wiring goes, I'm not a fan of running everything through the inverter / charger. I would like to have the line side connected to a distribution breaker on the AC panel and the service side connected to a sub panel where it's distributed to the main outlets in the boat. I added a second breaker that I connected directly to the shore power distribution panel and a lockout slide, so I can't bridge shore power and inverter power:
For the belt and suspenders take, I would also like to add dedicated 20 amp outlets that will not be connected through the inverter to avoid inadvertently running heaters, water heaters, and other high load devices off batteries if the shore power cut out.