2019 29MV Solar Charge Controller

[Song1212]

Hello!

I have a 2019 29MV and am ready to upgrade to lithium batteries. I have the solar charge controller that was installed at purchase and cannot discern if the solar charge controller can charge Lead Acid and Lithium. Can anyone assist? Where is the Solar Charge Controller located? Are there any other considerations necessary for switching to lithium?

Melody

[dvspl]

What charge controller do you have? You should have received a manual that shows the charging specs to compare to what your battery will take. The charge controller is probably located in the outside storage compartment just behind the entry door. As for other considerations, you'll have to see if your converter can charge LIFEPO batteries. You probably have the PD9260C converter (same one that I have). The cheapest way to make it lithium compatible is to buy the Charge Wizard Remote Pendant. It can be found on Amazon for about $25. Using it, you can manually adjust the charging mode of the 9260C so it doesn't under/overcharge your battery. The other thing you'll need to decide is how to charge with the alternator. At full charge rate, the LIFEPO batteries can draw up to about 100 amps. That will overheat your alternator unless you do something to limit the charging current. I added a DC to DC charger to limit the alternator charge current to 30 amps. Another solution is to add a lithium capable BIM. Both of those alternatives have been extensively discussed in this forum if you search for the threads.

[dvspl]

Also, did you pay for an option to have a charge controller installed? Do you have solar panels on the roof? The standard 29MV comes with "solar prep" which means they have run wires from a gland on the roof to the storage compartment behind the door. The wires are terminated in a small black box near the forward wall but there is no charge controller installed unless you have bought an option to have one installed.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Song1212

Hello!

Are there any other considerations necessary for switching to lithium?

Melody

Hi Melody - what dvspl outlined is correct. Yes, there are a few other things that must be changed or inspected before you can plug in Lithium batteries. Like he said:


- the Solar Charge Controller
- the Coaches Converter
- and the output of the alternator


Are the three to start with.



See if you can post a picture of the Solar Charge controller if you can't find a name or model number.