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Solar help. Upgraded lithium battery. Older Tracer charger


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#1 BBZ

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Posted 16 March 2022 - 08:32 PM

Hey all. I would like help figuring out best route.

Newer lithium renogy. Works fine as in but dont have a display that allows for lithium so running gel for now

Charge controller os a renogy tracer MPPT (camper is 2013, not sure when solar was installed but its aftermarket)

Display is the renogy MeTer MT5


Is the charge controller capable and should i just change the display?
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#2 Jon R

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 01:05 AM

That controller appears to be discontinued, but the owners manual is still available on the amazon page:

https://m.media-amaz...A1sPNCpnwHL.pdf

It is designed for lead acid batteries, so it is not ideal for lithium. The gel setting seems to have acceptable “boost” or absorption and float voltage settings, but in bulk mode the limit voltage is too high at 15.5 volts. It may or may not actually get that high depending on the battery. You should monitor it to see. The most critical case is when the lithium battery is fully or nearly fully charged. When the charger comes alive it starts in bulk mode and will raise the voltage trying to drive the rated current into the battery. The battery voltage will already be high if it is charged, so the charger may go all the way to the limit. My Iota charger goes to its 14.8 volt limit in that situation.

That charger is meant for street lights, not RV use.
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#3 BBZ

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 01:43 AM

That controller appears to be discontinued, but the owners manual is still available on the amazon page:

https://m.media-amaz...A1sPNCpnwHL.pdf

It is designed for lead acid batteries, so it is not ideal for lithium. The gel setting seems to have acceptable “boost” or absorption and float voltage settings, but in bulk mode the limit voltage is too high at 15.5 volts. It may or may not actually get that high depending on the battery. You should monitor it to see. The most critical case is when the lithium battery is fully or nearly fully charged. When the charger comes alive it starts in bulk mode and will raise the voltage trying to drive the rated current into the battery. The battery voltage will already be high if it is charged, so the charger may go all the way to the limit. My Iota charger goes to its 14.8 volt limit in that situation.

That charger is meant for street lights, not RV use.

Thank you

Do you have one you suggest?


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#4 Jon R

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 03:46 AM

I and many others here have used Victron’s Smart Solar MPPT 100/30. They have several voltage/current rating options in that series. They are Bluetooth controllable via an app on your phone. They have default settings for several battery types but also can be custom configured via the app. I use mine to charge a 200 ah lithium battery.

The 100/30 Smart version was $236 last time I looked.

Edited by Jon R, 17 March 2022 - 03:48 AM.

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#5 BBZ

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 01:58 PM

I and many others here have used Victron’s Smart Solar MPPT 100/30. They have several voltage/current rating options in that series. They are Bluetooth controllable via an app on your phone. They have default settings for several battery types but also can be custom configured via the app. I use mine to charge a 200 ah lithium battery.

The 100/30 Smart version was $236 last time I looked.

Thanks.. 

 

:Last question.. maybe? Whats the proper order of disconnecting and re-connecting the solar system?


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#6 BBZ

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 02:59 PM

I lied.. one more..

 

Can I get away with the 100/20 Victron as I only have one panel (160 watts)...it has the load inserts that the 100/30 does not have and that is how my current one is set up and seems more plug and play.. 


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#7 pawleyk

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 07:26 PM

The victron MPPT 100/20 would be perfect for your use. No reason at all to use the 100/30. Victron rates the 100/20 for up to 290w of solar. 

 

Generally, running your camper through the load lugs on the solar isn't ideal, but honestly, if it works now, no reason to change it up.

 

Happy camping!

KP

 

 

I lied.. one more..

 

Can I get away with the 100/20 Victron as I only have one panel (160 watts)...it has the load inserts that the 100/30 does not have and that is how my current one is set up and seems more plug and play.. 


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#8 Jon R

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 08:23 PM

One reason to buy the 30 amp version would be if you want to provision for replacing or adding to your existing solar panel to have more solar power.
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#9 BBZ

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 09:22 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the help. 

I will go with the 100/20 as we don't anticipate needing any more solar, we are light users... and the places we travel are usually sunny and warm.. 


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#10 Vic Harder

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Posted 17 March 2022 - 10:22 PM

BBZ, KP is right, that 100/20 is plenty for you.  Jon R is right too... future proofing is good.  You are right too, picking what you need for right now.

 

As for the correct order of things... I'd disconnect the solar panels first, then the positive wires from the load and the battery, and then the grounds, battery ground last.  Reconnect in the same order unless the owners manual of the Victron says otherwise (which it does, it says to connect the loads first - page 12)

MPPT solar charger manual (victronenergy.com)

 

 

Vic


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