Whether to add a 7th battery (with potential suboptimal parallel connection)

[Tenedos]

Hi all,

I recently changed my 6 group 31 AGMs to LifePO4s. At 100 Ah each, I have been quite happy with the new setup with 600 Ah. Over the weekend, I also finished my solar project and managed to squeeze 960 watts (3x320) of solar panels over the bimini. Cannot overstate my current joy

Now, I have the space to add a 7th battery, bringing my capacity to 700 Ah, which is super tempting. However, while space is available, cabling options are a bit more constrained. So adding a 7th battery will mean some compromise on the type of parallel connection I can do.

Current setup is attached. Basically, the charger/inverter is connected between Battery 5 and Battery 1, and load is on Battery 6. And Battery 4 is an outlier in how it is connected. Not all cable lengths are equal. This configuration is a bit forced upon me, meaning, it is not really an easy option to change it.

I am also attaching my proposed setup. Essentially, 7th battery will be parallel to Battery 4, becoming a further outlier.

Now I am debating if this is a good idea or not. I understand the idealized way of connecting parallel batteries and this is not ideal but I am limited in my options based on physical constraints. To give a sense, I am also attaching a photo on how this actually looks. The battery on the left is "Battery 4" in the diagram. So if I do this, Battery 7 will go to the left of Battery 4.

Thoughts?

[sailorboy1]

If you don't need, and I wouldn't think you do, go through he trouble and expense to add another battery?

[Tenedos]

I actually think I may need an extra. Admiral wants more things that are electric (e.g. an induction cooktop) and PNW is spotty with sun. For example we may have one good day of sun where I can top of batteries and nothing for a few days, while at anchor. And I already have a spare battery for some odd reason.

So question is really the install and wiring.