I currently have two 100w solar panels, a HPV-22b solar charge controller and two 6v lifeline agm batteries. I have an opportunity to change to two lithium batteries. Do I need to switch to another lithium compatible charge controller or does the HPV-22b have the ability to charge lithium batteries?
Check here: The Lazy Daze Companion: Solar Controller (https://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/search/label/Solar%20Controller)
Sounds like if you switch the Dry camping switch on, the voltage output will increase to 14.6 or so. This should be fine for your lithium installation. Ref. here: LiFePO4 Battery Voltage Charts (12V, 24V & 48V) - Footprint Hero (https://footprinthero.com/lifepo4-battery-voltage-charts)
Dale,
I’ve read that HPV controllers can boil over lead acid batteries and destroy them. Many of us have moved on to (even the factory did) MPPT Controllers that are multi stage controllers that are more reliable and more gentle on your batteries. This is especially important for lithium batteries. They are a pretty expensive battery type.
Blue Sky 3000i controllers have been used for years and a product of choice of many rv owners. AM Solar can give advice willingly if you purchase products from them. Amazon has them too. Amazon.com : Blue Sky Energy SB3000i Solar Boost 30A MPPT Charge Controller... (https://a.co/d/b3xGonM)
Others here can give additional advice. RonB has recently upgraded to the 3000i
Good luck, Kent
Dale,
I’ve read that HPV controllers can boil over lead acid batteries and destroy them. Many of us have moved on to (even the factory did) MPPT Controllers that are multi stage controllers that are more reliable and more gentle on your batteries. This is especially important for lithium batteries. They are a pretty expensive battery type.
Blue Sky 3000i controllers have been used for years and a product of choice of many rv owners. AM Solar can give advice willingly if you purchase products from them. Amazon has them too. Amazon.com : Blue Sky Energy SB3000i Solar Boost 30A MPPT Charge Controller... (https://a.co/d/b3xGonM)
Others here can give additional advice. RonB has recently upgraded to the 3000i
Good luck, Kent
When swapping out to an upgraded controller is it just plug and play? I too still have the older solar controller and would like to swap out but don’t know what it entails
I currently have two 100w solar panels, a HPV-22b solar charge controller and two 6v lifeline agm batteries. I have an opportunity to change to two lithium batteries. Do I need to switch to another lithium compatible charge controller or does the HPV-22b have the ability to charge lithium batteries?
I do it. You can adjust the controller so it won’t charge over 14.3 volts. I just make sure that there is enough “room” that it won’t overcharge if I’m not watching it.
When swapping out to an upgraded controller is it just plug and play? I too still have the older solar controller and would like to swap out but don’t know what it entails
Blue Sky is a very good company.
https://www.solar-electric.com/lib/wind-sun/SB3000i-manual.pdf
Give them a call. I've had nothing but good interactions with them.
glen