I snowbird in the campervan with relatively ample panel and a relatively small bank my experience is probably not typical:
charge gently (3.45Vpc + plus a bit of absorption) to ~100% ( a few percentage points lower, usually). The panel:bank ratio means the bank can get charged even under poor...
I see no particular need for 24v in this use case unless you just want it. OTOH if you were running 2000w-3000w inverter loads loads 24v would make a big diff in wiring sizes and maybe inverter efficiency.
12v bank also leaves open the possiblity of direct-charging from the alternator if you...
This is the most-misunderstood aspect of the charger. The dispositive section of the manual:
I'd guess it's the most popular DC-DC/MPPT combo since its release. It has one significant limitation (25v PV input) and a couple useful features rare in other units of this type (low temp cutoff...
Please consider using paragraphs like this so we don't have to decipher a wall of text. Hit <Return> twice to begin a new paragraph. Thusly...
I am guessing this is was a loose connection. Loose = heat = melting.
It would be helpful to know the specs of the panel. Note that the HF...
Full disclosure: I have no dog in the fight. I own no Renogy products and do my charging with standalone solar charge controller and VSR.
FDLFBR is an indicator of fixated thinking, counterproductive IMO on a forum dedicated to DIY projects and experimentation. It is often repeated by...
Yes.
The Renogy will react to the bank voltage it sees. It does not know or care that the other charger is present. Multiple chargers can feed the same bank at once.
The locals around here will often refer to this as "shore power", as the term ground has other meanings in this context.
/raises coffee mug to the Victron Mafia out in force this morning :)
It's not a secret, it's just not relevant to charging lithium {at the rates we do in DIY solar contexts}. It's like asking why it's a guarded secret how much chocolate milk chickens drink each day. They don't.
The terms are...
My main controller is an EpEver BN-series. The portables run on a separate A-series controller. Zero issues after 3 years offgrid in all kinds of temperatures, and with substantial ovepaneling.
BN: the Victron bluetooth app is miles ahead of the Epever app in design and function if that...
Caveat: I am not qualified but I have an opinion. :)
* AFAIK most DC-DC on the market are non-isolated and have no issues with smart alternator functionality. Smart alt compliance typically means watching for the weird voltages "smart" alts put out.
* the Victron descriptions of the...
I have excess solar power (and battery capacity) most days so have been playing with ways to make use of it.
Electric cooking: a 150w/75w crockpot sees the most use (bread, cornbread, beans, lasagna, meat loaf, boiled eggs, etc). I also run a 300w rice cooker and 300w mini hotplate...
I agree that solar is an expensive capital expense for the Wh delivered. In my case I encamp in 14d increments before relocating, so a passive form of power harvest is rather nice. I am also grateful when other campers within earshot have made similar choices about silent power generation...
LiFePO4 direct to alternator
Alternator charging LiFePO4
LiFePO4 Batteries, Alternator, Li-BIM-225 and DC-to-DC Charging Question
Charging lifepo4 without charge controller
Experiences charging LFP from alternator WITHOUT a DC-DC charger
12v LFPo to Alternator question
etc
This is a DIY...
Studying the effects should include both reading & testing with one's particular setup. I've A/B tested the following setups in partial shade (forests while boondocking):
2x 100w 18Vmp panels <-- portables
3x 190w 36Vmp panels <-- previous mounted array
3x 250w 30.1Vmp panels <-- mounted...
In an offgrid context solar power is only generated when demanded. It's like worrying your car isn't making all 200 rated horsepower at a stoplight; it doesn't need to.
If you want to make more kWh for some reason then add opportunity loads. Heat water, cook with a crockpot, whatever...
Voc and Vmp both trend downward as heat increases. To make matters worse cell temps > ambient temps. Here is a simple calculator to see the trends.
Plugging in 105deg F (converted to C) and 2.7kW it says:
Cell Temp
71.8°C
Derating factor
22.464%
Lost capacity due to temp
606.528W...
It can be danged close when an MPPT needs to remove its foot from the gas pedal. Like when big user loads are removed in late Absorption or Float, or when transitioning down to Float voltage from Absorption voltage. Then factor in perfect storm scenarios that raise Vmp/Voc above rated spec...
See this thread on another forum; per Kisae you can shut down charging by inducing a fake E07 condition. This could be useful for manual intervention, low-temp protection, etc.
Can you return it?
For me the play is at first base: read the published docs.
The lower end of the market is fine for folks who are willing to do the homework. I fully support those who need/desire more individualized support paying for bigger margins more to get it. Horses for courses.
Gels are particularly sensitive to overvoltage. IIRC the Renogy gels have the charging setpoints printed right on the case. I'd doublecheck that the WFCO-8735P can charge at the lower voltages gel tends to require.
There is an ascending order of voltages that has to be correct or PARA errors will pop. For example, it won't let float be higher than absorption.
See this ordered list.
OffGrid Garage on YT has done some experimentation with this. I screencapped one of his charts for reference but can't recall which document it came from.
More likely the passive balancers are working but being overwhelmed with the charging current. It is common for balancers to siphon off tiny amounts of charging current, less than 100mA. It can take many cycles to balance at that rate.
Reducing charging voltage, as @mikefitz wisely suggests...