Author Topic: Matching Charge Controller to AGM Battery  (Read 1141 times)

primitive

Matching Charge Controller to AGM Battery
« on: April 01, 2020, 03:01:23 PM »
I'm new to the whole solar thing, but I'm trying to get something set up in a hurry here before everything shuts down more than it already has, which is causing me to not research things as well as I should ahead of time. I'm trying to build something that can charge my phones and radios and maybe a few other small things if needed.

I bought a Morningstar Sunsaver SS-20L-12V because it looked to be exceptionally reliable. I also bought a 100Ah AGM battery that got good reviews on Amazon. After looking at the specs more closely/belatedly, I realized the Sunsaver charges sealed lead acid (which includes AGM) batteries at only 14.1V, whereas my AGM battery requires 14.4-14.9V to charge properly.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether there is a way to make these two work together, or do I need to send something back? The Sunsaver charges at 14.4V in flooded mode, but that includes an equalization mode that supposedly is not good for sealed batteries.

Here are specs for the sunsaver: https://2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SunSaverENG_R3_5_12web1.pdf

Here is the manual for the Sunsaver, charging profile on page 32: https://2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SS3.IOM_.Operators_Manual.01.EN_.pdf

Here is the battery: https://www.vmaxtanks.com/SLR100-12Volts-100AH-Deep-Cycle-Solar-AGM-Battery_p_37.html

Thank you!

primitive

Re: Matching Charge Controller to AGM Battery
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2020, 03:33:56 PM »
I got a reply back from Morningstar and they suggested running the charge controller in flooded mode which which has an absorption voltage of 14.4 (the minimum charging voltage for the battery), and equalizes one day a month at 14.9 (the max charging voltage for the battery).

Does anyone see any issues with this setup in terms of long term life of the battery?

 

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