I've been running three v118 controllers for around 4 years with no problems, however I just bought some lithium iron batteries and noticed my v118 units are designed for lead acid batteries. Does anyone know if I can use the v118 units to charge the lithium batteries? From my manual it looks like I can make a simple change in the settings and it'll work.
@kevinward7498
29 күн бұрын
After doing a few hours of research at KZitem University it definitely appears you can change a few settings on the v118 and charge lithium batteries.
@affordablesolarguy
29 күн бұрын
yes, you can,, follow the instructions to get to the voltage settings, and reduce the voltage max to what your LI batteries specify. BUT!!!!!! Big BUT! Remember that the MSB controller settings apply to 12 volt batteries,, so it will multiply your voltage drop by the battery banks actual voltage. I had to drop 0.3 of a volt for lithium iron phosphate to stop the bms from shutting down from over voltage. I can't remember it I had to multiply that number myself by 4 for a 48 volt battery bank or if the unit multiplied it automatically oO. I think I had to drop 1.2 volts total on our business 48 volt battery bank to get back into the LI phosphate BMS range. Easy to do,, and make sure to shut down the unit after setting it,, and insure it kept the modified settings into bios after reboot. This also works with my version 117 unit perfectly.
@kevinward7498
29 күн бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Thanks for the response. I'm actually using a 12-volt system so is it correct that I don't need to worry about the voltage being off you mentioned?
@affordablesolarguy
29 күн бұрын
@@kevinward7498 correct, just drop it 0.3 volts on max voltage, and it will automatically got to 2 stage from 3 stage and your BMS will be happy. Or to what your battery pacifically call for.
@leviahamefula3994
Жыл бұрын
Nice video. Please does the MSB have better battery voltage and current tracking than the powmr? The powmr I have is making batteries boil even though the absorb voltage is correct.
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
Worlds better, the PowMr is like the Make sky blue version 112 or 113, poor voltage regulation, but the MSB version 116 on up fixed all that, and 119 is even prepared for lithium ion, yes, MSB is MUCH better, perfect even, and I run the version 117, some 4 years old now. its flawless, the PowMr lies about incoming and has voltage regulation issues, as well as weak, defective fan.
@leviahamefula3994
Жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy your response is invaluable. Thank you!
@axemanjoe2945
Жыл бұрын
I just bought the PowMr and from the looks of the video's and your vids I should send it back and get a MSB. I have 2 12.8v Lifepo4 100ah in Parallel. Will the MSB V118 work with these batteries?
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
that is the same voltage of my AGM deep cycles fully charged. The version 118 may need you to "manually" dial in the proper voltage peramiters, and yes its perfectly capable of that, and running that way forever. The version 119 has settings for lithium ion by default, and will probably get the correct settings on its own. I personally trust the 118 more, cause I hate all digital stuff and do not want a lan cable connecting my off grid system, so, 118 is better, safer for me. The PowMR is known to over charge things,, you are wise to consider the higher quality Make Sky Blue. PowMr is powerful, but disaster could strike if it fails to regulate the voltage , which it does sometimes,
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
the manual that comes with the MSB will show you the settings for LI, if the unit does not properaly identify your batteries upon hook up. good news is,, even if it defaulted to AGM deep cycle, the voltage is right, and won't hurt your batteries. Not sure if your running BMS or not, but that will ensure they dont go over that 90 or 95% stat of charge LI likes.. Where AGM like 100% charge, that is not good for LI
@axemanjoe2945
Жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy I just ordered the MSB V118 and returned the POWMR. I plan on using it in a older rv and I'm building a Solar power station so I won't need any gas generator is the plan. Was thinking about using 2 200w panels and seeing how that works.
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
@@axemanjoe2945 at 12 volt you can go to 720 watts, so yeah, you could get 3 -200 watt panels if their VOC 27 or lower, the MSB is 60 amp, and can run them in series, so no line loss, and reduced wiring cost. I have installed 7 the past 5 or 6 years for people, all working perfectly to this day, no maintenance, no worries. Its a damn good and powerful little unit.
@jordanchohawno
3 жыл бұрын
I've been using three powmrs 60a for a years now and they may not be as good as the makeskyblue but these controllers just blow away the others out there. im in the uk and getting the makeskyblue is harder to obtain just subscribed to your channel! great information and video
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The PowMr is just a version 113 Make sky blue design, and mine still works, but the fan burned out is all, it can be replaced with a MSB fan, if I cared to.
@leetaves9143
3 ай бұрын
hey can i go two 100 watt panel or should i go 4 in for 48 v to 12v batt bank, i run it on striate 12v it did seem to do well my solar panels i got where 60.00 for 100w but i think if im lucky to get 80w ill do good i think their to small for 100w 26x 38
@affordablesolarguy
3 ай бұрын
Im sorry, I don't understand the question. But,, the solar panels only need to match each other,, be the correct VOC for the controller, and not more volts and watts total, than the controller can handle at the voltage of the battery bank it is feeding into. With modern solar panels, there really is not much difference in production. I only use the Chineese brands when I buy new, they are just a bit better than anyone elses,, by 2 or 4%. Negligible, not worth worrying about. New Powa for example, cheap and very good quality.
@leetaves9143
3 ай бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy thanks i guess ill put two panels to gather to make the panels 24 v but i have to keep the batterys at 12 because i have a 3000 pure sign wave in i have 10 100 w panels thanks for the help
@bawatechreview2168
9 ай бұрын
Hi there Can I run a load on my 2500watts inverter during the day while the battery is charging using that Makeskyblue mppt?
@affordablesolarguy
9 ай бұрын
that is the best time, yes. You can actually improve your inverter performance with the voltage boost given by the incoming power, and stress your batteries much less.
@affordablesolarguy
9 ай бұрын
the only issue I have ever had is a sensitive inverter that doesn't like the High voltage during charging, but using the power actually helps lower the voltage and kept the inverter from freaking out. Namely, the flamezum, cheap inverter, hates when my charger hits 14.9 volts, and resets itself. Turning on my AC or heater helps keep the inverter quiet and obedient. Never have I had a problem pulling power while charging, it is the best time to pull power.
@bawatechreview2168
9 ай бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Okay, Thanks very much
@mdrlakmal
2 жыл бұрын
I have 118. What is the best way to connect 2 of my 490w panels. Pv Voc 53.3V per panel. Vmp is 45V.
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
depends of the voltage of the battery bank, if 12, have to go single /parallel, if its 24 volt battery bank or higher, series, groups of 2
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
can go to 160 VOC if battery bank is 36 volt or higher, so series string of 3 of your panels
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
PS Do NOT hook them up to a 60 volt battery bank, 48 is battery max voltage.
@808pathfinder
2 жыл бұрын
Q. I going to do a 36v 3000w inverter setup, my mppt can handle up to 160v and I have 16 solar panels at 29.4 voc 7.5a each so if I put 4 together to make 112v it will still only make 7.5a max , right?
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
your math is not right, 4 of your panels at 30 voc , means 120 voc max, so you can go 5 in series, for 150 voc per string and yes, your amps stay the same in series, but the voltage will give you a hell of a shock, careful.
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
I say go 5 in series to help limit line cost, and amps, because every string amp total is added together, so, you have less amps with 3 strings of 5, and a spare panel for another project. 3 strings is only 22.5 amps, 4 strings is 30 amps, but no odd ball panel remains
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
and lastly, solar charge controllers typically have a "WATT" maximum threshold, I suspect you may be way over that number because of over sized grid tie type panels. That kind of "OVER WATTAGE" will either blow up the controller, or simply cap its production , meaning , its not even using lots of the power coming to it.
@808pathfinder
2 жыл бұрын
I got two mppt boxes at 12-48v 50a to go with that
@affordablesolarguy
2 жыл бұрын
@@808pathfinder you mean make skyblue controllers? I always wondered why people get the 50 amp, when the 60 amp is the same price, basically Anyhow, each 60 amp can run 2,800 watts at 36/48 volt battery bank, that means, your looking at about 2,200 watts max with the 50's , per controller at 36 volt, so that will be your cap, a combined 4,400 watts roughly with both controllers maxed out
@ericbakuladavis
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Affordable Solarguy. Thanks for sharing this info. I have a question about the efficiency of the Make Sky Blue 60A controller (v118). The manual says Voc of PV is in the correct range when it's 1.5 or 2 times the battery voltage, for best efficiency. For a 12V battery, what would be the difference in efficiency between having a PV array Voc of 20.23V (three 12V 200W panels in parallel) versus 60.69V (three 12V 200W panels in series)? Panel specs: Maximum power (Pmax) 200W Voltage at Pmax (Vmp) 17.0V Current at Pmax (Imp) 11.76A Open-circuit voltage (Voc) 20.23V Short-circuit current (Isc) 12.45A Battery specs: Nominal Voltage 12.8V Voltage Range 10~14.6V Voltage Hold at Around 12.8 ~ 13.8V Charge Voltage 14.4±0.2V
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Honestly,, the only loss in going up to 80 voc per string on a 12 volt battery bank I have noticed over the years, is it runs hot, and some power is used to run the fan. The unit is exposed to extreme thermal limits, so I put a tiny fan under it to cool it during peak production.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
here is my low budget cooling system for 80 voc to 12 volt battery bank. I linked to mid video for you kzitem.info/news/bejne/wpmjnJiPi36lmoo
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
better description of my heat issue running 80 voc on a 12 volt battery bank, linked to proper time in vid kzitem.info/news/bejne/u5WruapnrohneGk
@ericbakuladavis
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you sir! I won't worry about efficiency with PV array Voc of 61V. I like your fan solution! I'll keep that in mind when setting stuff up.
@rm6857
Жыл бұрын
Vmp 17V for 12V battery is fine to run PWM charger
@tacticalpickle7
3 жыл бұрын
Hello just got my make sky blue MPPT CONTROLLER in the mail looks great . My question is .... can I use one inline 60A breaker on the positive wire only instead of the one shown in the instructions they suggest a two pole circuit breaker .... can I just go with a inline one ???
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Its better than NOT having any, but warrentee will not mean a thing since your not following instructions. Inline fuses are really cheap. Buy a set of these, and use them on both positive and negative, on both battery and pv side of the controller www.ebay.com/itm/254523495636?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1t4uum87fQtqORSAuVnh4vA33&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=254523495636&targetid=1262376589336&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9033111&poi=&campaignid=12873834661&mkgroupid=123950835322&rlsatarget=pla-1262376589336&abcId=9300536&merchantid=118983734&gclid=CjwKCAjwlrqHBhByEiwAnLmYUNgd6IrIas4-1I_LlUlc0jZnxXCa99ITY1G8R8I4BkmyWAXOb4ItRxoCjbEQAvD_BwE
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
And inline fuses are actually better then breakers IMO, since they really can blow quickly, and I've seen breakers buzz and sizzle before tripping. I only use fuses on pv in, and breakers only after the inverter, once its all 120 AC
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
circuit breakers on PV in are great because it makes disconnecting the panels so simple, in the event you are wanting to turn the unit off, and have to disconnect it from the battery. Never disconnect the battery without first disconnecting the panels. But I just pull the fuses out to accomplish the same.
@tacticalpickle7
3 жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy good deal will install this 40A breaker that I have in between my PV and MOPT CONTROLLER And get a fuse one for my battery one. Thanks
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@tacticalpickle7 I have installed 7 Make Sky Blue 60 amp for clients and self, all work great to this day, far beyond any warentee anyhow. But I would not expect MSB to warentee bad installs resulting in problems. But your fusing and breaking both ends, you will be fine if you accidentally short something. Fuse and Breaker should protect you even on single line. Its a great unit for the money, with very fast mppt. Nothing I have found can beat them. Especially when you consider the cost equation
@gerrylittle6512
3 жыл бұрын
I was just wondering I have had the 40a version with 250w to 300w solar coming into 2 lead acid batteries every now and then it will bring the voltage up to 15.3-15.6 sometimes 16.0 I have used it for 3yrs no problem would this be my mppt equalizing or balancing my batteries? Floats at 14.3 Second thing I was wondering I'm about to buy 2 discovery agm batteries would I have any problem with using my 40a makeskyblue? Thanks in advance keep up the videos.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
AGM's work the best with the MSB imo. The default settings are perfect, no adjustments required. As to your voltage on only two "lead acid" batteries, with ???? how many watts going to them? I need more information. How many amp hours are the "lead acid" batteries rated for, what voltage, are they "old school " flooded type? AGM (absorbed glass mat, not flooded) is lead acid too, but can handle higher voltages. My first hunch is your running too much power into to small a battery bank. Second, is the MSB version 115 or older (down to 113), because they are the earliest versions and have been adjusted in recent years to include even lithium ion settings.
@cabin56
Жыл бұрын
Hi. I have makeskyblue 60A controller. I have 3 330watt solar panels the Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp is 33.54 the amps are 10.54 I am going to run them in series 24volts Will this makeskyblue 60A do the job.
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
vmp is irrelevent, what is the VOC, you can run 120 voc (i think, check the manual) on a 24 volt battery bank, so, if your VOC (NOT vmp) is below 40, you can run 3 such panels in series on a 24 v battery, on the Make Sky Blue. And, since you have the 60 amp, you could , technically add another string of 3 later to get the 60 amp capacity maximum, so , you have room to upgrade. But you'd be at 63 amps,, so be sure to have good fusing, for those amazing output , cold days.
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
PS: I have been pushing a bit over maximum recommended power for 5 years now,, and my original Make Sky Blue version 117 , 60 amp is still going strong. Versions 118 and 119 have incorporated a cap, I think, they won't go over the cap, but mine (v117) does, well over maximum on crisp cool days, on a solar tracker.
@cabin56
Жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Hi Thank you for your time. The panels Open-circuit Voltage (Voc is 40.6v all so i got 3. 30 amp in line fuses for the panels. is there any way to make this work
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
@@cabin56 ok, your solar panel input to the controller needs to be a 10 or 15 amp fuse, but the one going from the controller to the battery needs to be 30 or 40 amp, because of the lower voltage, higher amps, and yes,, running 121 volt input, on a 24 volt battery bank is something I would do, the one volt cannot be catastrophic. But remember, the solar panel side will be 120 volt 10. 5 amp, and the battery side will be 24 volt at 32 amps
@cabin56
Жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Hi Thank you for the info this is all new to me. I have 24v 3000watt inverter would a 300amp fuse be right size from battery to inverter. All so the make skyblue manual say's max volts for 24volts is 105 your v117 must be 120max v
@tacticalpickle7
3 жыл бұрын
Hello looking to buy the 40 A version v118 model I am new to this an d your channel has been really helpful. So far I have a 100 watt solar panel, 1000 watt continuous/ max 2000 inverter, inline fuses and one small 35 amp hr deep cycle battery. Would like to stay within the specs and connect 4 100 watt panels to this make blue sky I will get in a few days would like to increase to 5 of the same batteries mention above to have a total of 175 amp hrs/ 12 v. Need you’d advise will this work ????. Thanks
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
So 400 watts in panels, on 2- kwh AGM deep cycle, with 40 amp Make Sky Blue. Yes, this is a good setup, fast charge so you can use power during the daylight and still charge for after dark. Very good beginning to energy independence. Don't add more panels though at 12 volt, and will want more battery storage first in any case when you go to expand. PS: I love my 35 AH agm deep cycles, so practical and portable too.
@tacticalpickle7
3 жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy ...great looks like a good start then. Also will be using 4 AWG welding wire to tie up all the batteries and 10 gauge strand wire from battery to the charge controller. Note: I do too like this little batteries the are very compact and you can have lots of them in a small set up. So you mention more of them. My original figure was 5 .... so if budget allows make it 10 AGM batteries, would love to get a 100 amp full size but they are so dang expensive that’s way I went with this small ones.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@tacticalpickle7 I did the same exact thing when I began. Not sure your life style or situation, but I ended up making a portable power station out of them for a client. On a dolly, its used for off grid jobs, and powering things in the boonies.
@tacticalpickle7
3 жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy this set up will Be use for small thing like low watts LED around the house I don’t pretend to use it for heavy loads for emergencies only will probably use it to run a small freezer too
@theprepperfrog167
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
OMG,, love your name, and thank you. PS: Frog in a Blender kzitem.info/news/bejne/xpiH32yHfYmbnno
@theprepperfrog167
3 жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Thank you :) This video make total sense; being careful with those guys is required. The protection mechanisms on high end brands/models make them way more expensive. Happy to have the opportunity to pay way less for a little care on my part. By the way i already have my 60A MSB unit(150 CAN$), but i found as a ''spare'' a great deal i think: a MRPow 60A unit for 92 CAN$! Can't wait to test those two side by side. Again, thank you for the good work.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@theprepperfrog167 Here is a guy that did that on youtube kzitem.info/news/bejne/u52LsKSrrYiDhpg
@chrislewis9345
3 жыл бұрын
Where are you getting the ferrules that fit 8ga wire and also fit the msb lugs. I'm asking so I don't repeat my mistake again. I have some now but you really have to work to get that round peg in that square hole!😆 lol
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
I run 10 gauge on all my installs. I didn't know you could fit anything larger than 9 gauge anyhow. I can run larger gauges up to inches from the solar charge controller, and combine into the 9 or 10 gauge just to connect the MSB. 3 inches of 10 or 9 gauge is not much of a bottle neck, and can easily handle 60 amps.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
A single 10 gauge can handle 30 amps by code, two of them can handle 60, no prob, and 10 gauge can handle much more with temperature rating wire www.achrnews.com/articles/135676-what-most-techs-get-wrong-about-wire-sizing
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
To clarify, two 10 gauge braided wires is plenty for short runs, and even standard 50 gallon water heaters use 10 gauge, 30 amp double breakers. But the manual specifies 9 gauge, which is a jump up from the solar panels I use stock connectors. But I purchase wire on sale, in bulk when possible, and 10 amp is the most common for my purposes as a jack of all , sub contractor type.
@cutweldngrind
3 жыл бұрын
I'm looking into this controller and will use on 12v then at 48v if I can afford a new inverter. Cool video
@cutweldngrind
3 жыл бұрын
Update its been 5 months since I bought mine and been running at 24V nicely. I added more panels today to run my 8000BTU window unit and had good outcome.
@rm6857
Жыл бұрын
@@cutweldngrind VEry nice
@solarpowerelectricityandel2915
3 жыл бұрын
The makeskyblue will not work for any lithium battery so you can't compare there its not a custom voltage. And I can turn off my batteries from my midnight and it will not die,I agree the its cheapest mppt you can but for lead batteries
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yes it is , can , and the new MSB with Wifi is the choice for LI users, which includes LI Life, and lifepo settings, your behind the curve and talking from the past. Your too late, it now does accommodate the LI battery. And lots of people are happy with the performance and setup for LI
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
I would respectfully ask you to research your topic before coming here and spreading false information.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
5 second google search and it pops up makeskyblue.com/products/60a-mppt-solar-charge-controller-w-wifi
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
And here is the US provider forum with the LI users topics and performance with LI makeskyblueusa.com/forum/
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
here is the media board , which includes many who use the MSB with Lithium Ion. Sooo,, your just wrong. makeskyblueusa.com/media/
@supremeautomotive6749
Жыл бұрын
I have had people talk crap that its cheap and bla bla on a RV page cause he has more expensive controller
@jamest.5001
3 жыл бұрын
I guess running 4, 270 watt panels on a 60a unit, in series parallel, should be fine, at 24/29v I am putting together 3 of them, with 12panels, in 3strings, with 3controllers,
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
At 24 volt, 1440 is max, with only 105 voc max, you'd be cutting it really close, and when you get peak performance, you could be well over the limit with cloud edge, etc.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
24/29? no clue what you mean here. 29 voc per panel? If so,, its doable, but be like me, have a backup, since your pushing it right up the the absolute limit of its power on low voltage
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
If I was doing such a large system, I'd go 48 volt right off, then only 2 controllers needed, with a bunch of room to grow. Just need a 48 volt inverter to make it happen. And you could safely run 5,600 watts with one less charger
@jamest.5001
3 жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy lithium battery, charges to 29.4v, I'm adding to my 24v system.
@affordablesolarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@jamest.5001 your mixing battery types? No! I must not understand you correctly. "Adding LI to system " sounds like it
@rm6857
Жыл бұрын
4:51 did that too and killed my unit
@affordablesolarguy
Жыл бұрын
oh man, sorry to hear that,, yeah, the units are great, but they are sensitive, and different from past "good oldies". Require strict following of instructions.
@rm6857
Жыл бұрын
@@affordablesolarguy Lesson learnt the hard way :) Looks like a few mosfets are shorted, will try to replace them for a few bucks and will see
Пікірлер: 186