Overland Solar MPPT controller compatibility with Li

[Holmes]

Looking at upgrading to a 100ah lithium battery. Haven't been able to find info on compatibility with the stock 4 wheel overland solar charge controller. Plug and play? Any thought or recommendations? Thanks
Nick

 

[Jon R]

If you look at the overland solar charge controller you can see that it is a rebranded Victron controller. The model number is on the front. I listed it in a post to Vic somewhere but couldn’t quickly find it. You should be able to adjust the parameters for LiFePO via the setting accessible by the round control panel. It is one of the smaller Victron units with either 15 or 20 amps output, so it might limit you on the solar panels you can use. It will handle two 160 watt panels, which is what many people have installed.

The newer Victron Smart MPPT controllers have the advantage of being controllable by your phone using Bluetooth.

 

[Holmes]

Hey thanks Jon, yeah I've been searching and haven't seen too much regarding the os controller other then its stated to be a 15/30 amp. Really trying to keep the OS controller as well. I'm looking at a single 200W panel, I know it'll be a stretch but really trying to keep the weight down and budget.
I had 300w residential panel,victron controller and two AGM 100ah Batts on my last build. Worked well for sure.

 

[Atlin]

I use a Redarc controller. Handles both solar and alternator power. Not particularly cheap, but very robust.

 

[Holmes]

Can anyone else verify that the stock controller, (overland controller installed in the 16+ four wheel campers) can facilitate a lithium battery? Or does anyone have any experience with this? Any and all info id appreciated, Nick

 

[Wallowa]

Can anyone else verify that the stock controller, (overland controller installed in the 16+ four wheel campers) can facilitate a lithium battery? Or does anyone have any experience with this? Any and all info id appreciated, Nick

Is this "Overland" Controller a Zamp Controller used in FWCs ['16]?

 

[ri-f]

Nick,
it's not a question of whether the Overland controller can handle a LiFePO4 battery, it can, but is like Jon says, it is not Bluetooth compatible. Also, The Redarc controller, a good, mutifunctional unit, previously mentioned, can only handle up to 30 vdc. If you are using an Overland 160 panel with a maximum voltage rating (voc) of 32.76 vdc you will be right on the edge of its limits, and more often than not over the limit. If you have your panels in series it will definetly be over the limit. The beauty of the Victron 100/30 controller, for instance, is that the maximum voltage of your panels, even in series, won't trip the controller and of course you'll have bluetooth access on your smartphone, a nice benefit. Really convenient.. Since you're not using the Overland 160 panels this probably doesn't apply to your set up and the Overland solar controller (they make 15- and 30-amp models, should be adequate, if not bluetooth enabled, But if you decide to expand in the future you should consider the tradeoffs and take them into account.

Here is the manual for the Overland 15/30 amp controller monitor: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0251/1127/files/MPPT_control_manual.pdf?4484961060829597966

You can user define the basic parameters for your battery type with the Overland monitor. If you are using a Battle Born 100 AH, for example, they have very specific charging parameters that can be entered into the program, which will work very well. They base their settings on the Victron. I don't know if all of the parameters that are available on Victron's monitor are actually available on the Overland monitor. Maybe, maybe not. The Victron's parameters are extensive. It's a bit more tedious to enter the values into either of the monitors but it will still work ok. That's just one reason why the Victron bluetooth SmartConnect phone app is handy, it is much quicker to program. If you still have doubt about the specific settings parameters on the Overland, try asking Brian at Overland Solar, he knows his stuff.

Rich

 

[Holmes]

Hey Rich, thanks alot for the information. I'm really trying to keep the overland controller for now. I'll definitely give Brian a call and see how well a Li batt will work with the controller on not. I'm aslo hoping I can just stick with one single panel on my yakima racks. I'm looking at overlands 150w rigid panel or a renogy 200W panel to pair with the lithium battery or just 1 100ah agm battery. I'm still concerned about the controller pairing with either of those panel choices as well, simply because I'm so damn confused about this stuff. Really just hoping for a plug and play panel I can get on the roof and hope I can keep the compressor fridge going. I should have supplemental charge from the alternator as well if I decide to have Mule overland install that option when I get the camper installed. I've heard mixed reviews about that as well. Nick

 

[ri-f]

Hey Rich, thanks alot for the information. I'm really trying to keep the overland controller for now. I'll definitely give Brian a call and see how well a Li batt will work with the controller on not. I'm aslo hoping I can just stick with one single panel on my yakima racks. I'm looking at overlands 150w rigid panel or a renogy 200W panel to pair with the lithium battery or just 1 100ah agm battery. I'm still concerned about the controller pairing with either of those panel choices as well, simply because I'm so damn confused about this stuff. Really just hoping for a plug and play panel I can get on the roof and hope I can keep the compressor fridge going. I should have supplemental charge from the alternator as well if I decide to have Mule overland install that option when I get the camper installed. I've heard mixed reviews about that as well. Nick

Nick, yeah, Brian's a good guy, he'll set you straight.Not sure what you're referring to with an Overland 150W rigid panel. I know they make 130 and 160 w semi flexible panels, which, by the way, are excellent panels. A really efficient fridge will consume about 0.75 amps/hr on average - over 24 hours that is ~18 amp hours per day, on average. Chances are you can get away with one, 160 w Overland panel and one, 100 ah Lithium battery. One AGM isn't going to cut it, you'll need two AGMs (200 ah total) or 1 Lithium (100 ah). In summer it won't be a problem. During the winter, you'll be somewhat on the edge, especially if you are trying to run a heater that uses an electric fan, while keeping up with charging your small electronics, etc, let alone running a fridge. You might only get 1-2 days tops before recharging your battery with one AGM. You might want to consider adding a second panel of the same type and size later on if you find that one panel is insufficient for your purposes. You might be ok with sunny 3-season use. Though the Cascades will be a challenge with one panel. In that case just make sure your component parts are future proof for easy expansion later, if necessary. A Victron smart 100/30 mppt controller or possibly an Overland 100/30 should be perfect with 2 panels. A good DC to DC charger might help if your solar is limited. Remember, any charger you get should be able to handle more than the voltage rating of your solar panels (Overland panels are rated at 32.76 vdc) if you want to be able to charge with your alternator and solar panels at the same time, which is very convenient and efficient.. A Victron 30amp Dc to DC or Sterling model 1230 Dc to DC will do this with no issue. Redarc, probably not. I think they are only rated for 28-30 vdc, which might be okay with a solar panel that has a lower max voltage rating (anything under 28 vdc. Good luck with the build.

Rich

 

[Holmes]

https://www.overlandsolar.com/products/100-watt-sunpower-panel-osm100
I know the link says 100W but it's a fully rigid 150W on overland's website.
I'm tracking on the power needed. Seems like a Lithium might be making more sense to me based on weight and area restrictions as well. I'm curious what Brian will say about making it work with the overland controller. Thanks once again for the insight.

 

[ri-f]

https://www.overlandsolar.com/products/100-watt-sunpower-panel-osm100
I know the link says 100W but it's a fully rigid 150W on overland's website.
I'm tracking on the power needed. Seems like a Lithium might be making more sense to me based on weight and area restrictions as well. I'm curious what Brian will say about making it work with the overland controller. Thanks once again for the insight.

Thanks for including the link. The Sunpower Maxeon Gen 3 cells are very cool. Nice option, for sure, if you want a rigid panel. Although it's strange they don't advertise it on their site. It's possible that it was a product they discontinued when they went with those Sunpower Gen 3 cells in their semi-flexible panels. Anyway, combine that or the semi-flexible panel with, say, a Battle Born, heated, 100AH LiFePO4 and it's almost the plug and play you're looking for. You'll still need to use a fuse or circuit breaker, before and after your MPPT controller, but that's trivial. I'd encourage you to go Lithium if possible, it has many advantages.

Rich

 

[astropuppy]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

Next I'll be adding a "Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix.

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

 

[Holmes]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

Next I'll be adding a "[font=Amazon Ember']Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix. [/font]

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

Hey thanks for the input Astropuppy. I remember looking into a victory blutetooth dongle and I think I brought it up to Brian at overland solar and he thought that it wouldn't work.
Just to confirm this is the victron dongle that your using?
https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energy-ASS030536010-VE-Direct-Bluetooth/dp/B01CGFF8Q2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=82979830212&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv5uKBhD6ARIsAGv9a-yY4EAAtkNRUkxFCFenPqI4XH3_fahfOK6Z7cylir13IKpLrAlFNxUaAjA3EALw_wcB&hvadid=380340707688&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9033660&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15773769500844632957&hvtargid=kwd-298626948476&hydadcr=13086_9594471&keywords=victron+bluetooth+dongle&qid=1632076183&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AERMGYAT5R869&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWVJBWTVLSjJRWjZYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDExNjUwUFowVFdPMlJZQVhIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTM2MjhXTjJQTjQyV0VXQ1Ymd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[dennis 221]

So are these the item that need to be replaced to go lithium??

 

[Vic Harder]

Left to right
- Battery separator
- Solar charger (MPPT or PWM)
- Display/interface to the solar charger

 

[astropuppy]

Hey thanks for the input Astropuppy. I remember looking into a victory blutetooth dongle and I think I brought it up to Brian at overland solar and he thought that it wouldn't work.
Just to confirm this is the victron dongle that your using?
https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energy-ASS030536010-VE-Direct-Bluetooth/dp/B01CGFF8Q2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=82979830212&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv5uKBhD6ARIsAGv9a-yY4EAAtkNRUkxFCFenPqI4XH3_fahfOK6Z7cylir13IKpLrAlFNxUaAjA3EALw_wcB&hvadid=380340707688&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9033660&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15773769500844632957&hvtargid=kwd-298626948476&hydadcr=13086_9594471&keywords=victron+bluetooth+dongle&qid=1632076183&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AERMGYAT5R869&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWVJBWTVLSjJRWjZYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDExNjUwUFowVFdPMlJZQVhIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTM2MjhXTjJQTjQyV0VXQ1Ymd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Yes thats the one.
I have now added a bvm 712 with temp sensor. Beginning to understand why so many like this victron stuff.

 

[Holmes]

Yes thats the one.
I have now added a bvm 712 with temp sensor. Beginning to understand why so many like this victron stuff.

Thanks for getting back to me. Just trying to save some cash by not replacing my mppt and display if I can while adding Bluetooth if possible. Whats the major benefit by adding a bvm 712? Just curious.

 

[astropuppy]

Thanks for getting back to me. Just trying to save some cash by not replacing my mppt and display if I can while adding Bluetooth if possible. Whats the major benefit by adding a bvm 712? Just curious.

The 712 connects with the Dongle, giving it battery temperature. In my case with agm's, the mppt will adjust the charge profile. With lifepo4 it will know when not to charge, below freezing.

Another reason was when you add the dongle you lose the connection for the meter. My 712 meter now occipys the hole the overland solar meter was in.

 

[Holmes]

The 712 connects with the Dongle, giving it battery temperature. In my case with agm's, the mppt will adjust the charge profile. With lifepo4 it will know when not to charge, below freezing.

Another reason was when you add the dongle you lose the connection for the meter. My 712 meter now occipys the hole the overland solar meter was in.

I figured that was why you switched to the 712 because you can't use both with the overland display. Thanks for the info.

 

[kb1ejh]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

Next I'll be adding a "Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix.

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

THANK YOU! I had wondered if the Smart Dongle would work with the Overland Solar 100/15. I had called Victron, they said...no. I saw your post and ordered one. Yup, plugged it in to the unit and certainly worked w/o a hitch too! Did both updates to the firmware and is working great on the phone to monitor it's history. Past history is easily accessible too. Thanks again for posting that it works.