Advise on replacements for old charge controllers please :-)

[descall]

Apologies in advance for my ignorance on this topic; I'm trying to learn. The below is the view into my leisure battery hole. The conversion was done in 2018 and I'm now upgrading it myself, after the AGM battery has slowly died. I have replaced the leisure battery with the ECO-WORTHY 12V 100Ah LiFePO4, and then realised the shift to lithium means I also have to replace the other two units in the picture. So, I have ordered the Victron SmartSolar 150/35 MPPT Solar Panel Charge Controller to replace the unit shown in the top right (Solar Technology International STCC10) and the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A to replace the unit shown in the bottom left (CTEK D250SA). Before I receive these and install them, I'd like to double-check with you folks that they are wise choices. The solar panel itself is 150v and I have no need for an inverter (I only over-night off-grid, no hook-up is ever needed, and all appliances run fine via the DC route). I do not think I have a need for two separate leisure batteries, and in any case both would not fit within this hole. Many thanks in advance for your time.

 

[CAB]

I would cancel the Victron 30A, and spend the extra on the Orion XS 50A.

It is far more efficient, and produces much less heat than the 30A.

You can also dial it back if you don't need it at full throttle.

Plenty on here have Ecoworthy lithium and are very satisfied.

 

[Sim60]

How big is your solar panel?
Are you sure it's 150V and not 150W ?
The CTEK wouldnt handle a 150V panel. It can only handle a max OC voltage of 23V.
I would suggest a much smaller smartsolar would be suitable depending on how much headroom you may want to leave if you need to change solar panel in the future.

Simon

 

[descall]

How big is your solar panel?
Are you sure it's 150V and not 150W ?
The CTEK wouldnt handle a 150V panel. It can only handle a max OC voltage of 23V.
I would suggest a much smaller smartsolar would be suitable depending on how much headroom you may want to leave if you need to change solar panel in the future.

Simon

Ah, sorry, you're right. It is a 150w solar panel. I don't plan to change it in the future. Which solar charger would you therefore suggest is adequate? Many thanks for your help.

 

[descall]

I would cancel the Victron 30A, and spend the extra on the Orion XS 50A.

It is far more efficient, and produces much less heat than the 30A.

You can also dial it back if you don't need it at full throttle.

Plenty on here have Ecoworthy lithium and are very satisfied.

Thanks for that suggestion. I'll switch to the Orion XS 50A.

 

[descall]

Further to my queries, my van is a T6, which I believe has a Euro 6 smart alternator. The present CTEK D250SA unit has a separate 'smart alternator cable' running out of the lower right side. Am I right in thinking this cable becomes redundant when I replacement the unit with the Orion XS 50A?

 

[Salty Spuds]

Further to my queries, my van is a T6, which I believe has a Euro 6 smart alternator. The present CTEK D250SA unit has a separate 'smart alternator cable' running out of the lower right side. Am I right in thinking this cable becomes redundant when I replacement the unit with the Orion XS 50A?

View attachment 327469

If you have an ignition controlled signal already in place, it’s best to use it for the Orion. In theory the Orion can sense when the engine is running, but it’s black magic, a hardwired signal is better.

 

[descall]

If you have an ignition controlled signal already in place, it’s best to use it for the Orion. In theory the Orion can sense when the engine is running, but it’s black magic, a hardwired signal is better.

Thanks for that advice