Looking at a variety of possible solar controllers (all mppt), Some specifically say they are lithium battery compatible and others do not. A great example is EPEVER https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTFWG4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Xj0QDb8JN3HEE which looks like a great unit but specifically says it doesn’t support lithium. Is that just a matter of not having a battery profile, and you could go in and set up your own lithium profile using advanced settings? is there something deeper than this? If so, can I save money by buying one that isn’t lithium compatible and just setting up a profile?
“Lithium compatible” controllers
- Thread starter dcaulton
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atatistcheff
Solar Enthusiast
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Basically yes, but it depends on the controller. The really cheap ones don't have customizable settings so you're stuck with whatever they give you. At the most basic all you are doing is setting when the charger is in bulk, absorption, float, etc. I think most folks would recommend getting a good charge controller to protect your investment in the battery. In this case "good" means it probably already knows about Lithium batteries or at least has flexible configuration options.
Off Grid Circuits
Solar Electrical Engineer
How much money do you need to save? The chineese one in your link will not treat your lithium well. What will your input voltage be? What are your panels rated at? You might get by with a lower input voltage charge controller.
Happy to save a bit of money IF there's no real penalty. I'm hoping to get a 60 amp controller for an upgrade but they are few and far between, many don't support lithium explicitly.
atatistcheff
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I think the Epever would work fine using a custom profile but if you want one that's a well-known brand that supports lithium there's this Renogy. And it' cheaper... https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Rover-Amp-12V-24V/dp/B07H7ZMFYB
atatistcheff
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I'm not sure, there is a little more info here: https://diysolarforum.com/index.php...y-difference-between-these-two.431/#post-3439
Yep I like the app (but it crashes occasionally) but kind of wish I could get an mt-50 for it so it’s more self sufficient.
Aitch
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Yep, it does quit unexpectedly, occasionally, hardly a crash, more of a glitch, I find the ability to look at the app on an iPad more useful than a meter screen which may or may not be near by.
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