I've been researching solar charge controllers, particularly for my LiFePO4 battery setup. I understand that the standard guideline is to connect the battery before hooking up any solar panels or loads. This is supposed to help the controller recognize the battery's type and voltage, and to prevent damage. But I'm curious if this rule only applies to the initial setup?
Once everything is connected properly and the settings are adjusted for my battery type, I've been wondering what happens when a Battery Management System (BMS) comes into play. For instance, if the BMS decides to disconnect the battery due to a low voltage cutoff, it's kind of like taking the battery offline and then reconnecting it while the solar panels and loads are still connected. Is that safe if the controller is already set up?
Plus, I have a generic PWM charge controller from TopSolar with USB-A ports. Some of these controllers do say they're compatible with LiFePO4 batteries, and I've adjusted the settings according to the manual. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
You definitely want to follow the rule of connecting the battery first before anything else. I’ve seen multiple reports of charge controllers failing when solar panels are connected without a battery. So, it’s better to play it safe! As for your specific setup with the BMS, it’s tricky. Those PWM controllers generally aren't the best, especially with lithium batteries. They can put unnecessary stress on the battery. If you can swing it, investing in a decent MPPT controller designed for lithium setups could save you a lot of headaches later on. Better to have peace of mind!
Yeah, I agree! I was actually tinkering with a cheap setup too, but I've come to realize that MPPT controllers are made to handle these issues effectively. Definitely worth the investment!