Overview
Product Description
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is a state-of-the-art charging solution for your solar panel system. With its maximum tracking efficiency of up to 99% and peak conversion efficiency of 98%, it is designed for optimal performance even in cloudy conditions. This charge controller comes with an adjustable LCD display that allows you to monitor solar charging and battery operation information as well as customize parameters and error codes. It features a four-stage charging system for lead-acid batteries and a two-stage charging system for lithium batteries. The Renogy Rover 20A also has diverse load control capabilities, allowing you to connect DC appliances directly to the optional load terminals and monitor consumption or set up timer controls directly from the controller. Plus, the RS232 communication port enables remote monitoring via the Renogy DC Home app and Renogy ONE M1 with the use of a Bluetooth module.
Introduction
Are you in search of an efficient and reliable charge controller for your solar panel system? Look no further than the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. Its innovative MPPT design, automatic detection of 12V or 24V DC system voltages, and full system protection make it an excellent choice. This charge controller is easy to program via laptop with user-selected charging parameters for custom lithium battery packs. It is also designed to safeguard your system with its self-diagnostic capability, protecting against battery overcharging, over-discharging, short-circuiting, and reverse current. With the addition of the RS232 communication port, you can monitor your panels’ status and productivity remotely. The Renogy Rover 20A charge controller is perfect for those who need a versatile, durable, and high-performance charging solution for their solar panel system.
Reviews
According to various users, the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller performs exceptionally well. One user reported that it improved the efficiency and safety of their system, while another user mentioned that the program was easy to set up once they understood its logic. Another user remarked that this is a simple and reliable MPPT charge controller, while one user stated that the RS232 communication port is an added advantage for remote monitoring. However, some users expressed concerns over the connectors’ quality, reported the device was not waterproof, and reported that the USB port was not functional. Despite the few concerns, most users recommend the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller for its efficiency, reliability, and user-friendly features.
Design and Features
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is built with innovative technology, ensuring excellent heat dissipation with its die-cast aluminum design. With a high tracking efficiency of up to 99% and a peak conversion efficiency of 98%, this solar charge controller is the best charging solution even in cloudy environments where the maximum power point of the solar panels will fluctuate all day.
Innovative MPPT Design
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller features the latest MPPT technology, providing outstanding performance in detecting 12V or 24V DC system voltages (for Non-Lithium battery types). The LCD screen and multiple LED indicators display solar charging and battery operation information, customizable parameters, and error codes.
12V/24V Automatic Detection
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller has automatic detection of DC system voltages, making it easy for you to monitor your solar-powered systems. The LCD screen and multiple LED indicators display solar charging and battery operation information, customizable parameters, and error codes.
Full System Protection
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed to safeguard your system with its self-diagnostic capability. It assesses and protects against reverse polarity, battery overcharging, battery over-discharging, overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current.
4-Stage Safely Charging
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller features four-stage charging (Bulk, Absorption, Float, and Equalization) of Lead Acid Batteries and two-stage charging (Bulk and Absorption) for Lithium batteries as well as Lithium Reactivation.
Diverse Load Control
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller gives you the ability to connect your DC appliances directly to the optional Load Terminals and monitor consumption or set up timer controls directly from the controller.
Remote Monitoring
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller with the RS232 communication port allows communication with the DC Home app and Renogy ONE M1 via the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module (highly recommend to add-on ). This will enable you to monitor the status and productivity of your panels on the go.
Overall, the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller provides a reliable and efficient solution for monitoring and charging your solar-powered systems. With its innovative MPPT design, automatic detection of DC system voltages, diverse load control, and remote monitoring capabilities, it is a must-have for solar panel enthusiasts.
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from customers who have used the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller:
Issues with Discharge and Display
One user had issues with their batteries discharging and the display on the unit failing. They were unable to figure out what was causing the discharge and ended up with a broken unit outside of the return window.
Efficient Use of Panels
On the other hand, many customers praised the controller’s ability to charge the battery even under cloudy conditions. The LCD screen and LED indicators display valuable information such as voltage and amps coming from the solar panel and battery, customizable parameters, and error codes.
Long-Term Use Review
A happy customer who used the controller for almost two years noticed positive terminal discoloration and burn marks. Although the controller was still functioning, they were concerned about this issue and planned on contacting Renogy support as the unit comes with a 2-year warranty.
Safety Concerns
Another user experienced a spark and ozone smell when connecting a 12V socket to the controller. They believe the connectors seem a little flimsy and advised other users to avoid stripping out screws by tightening them too much.
Simple Installation
Despite some issues, most customers found the Renogy Rover 20A easy to install. Its self-diagnostic capability and diverse load control offer full system protection while safeguarding the solar panel, battery, and load. The RS232 communication port even allows the controller to communicate remotely via the Renogy ONE M1 or DC Home app with the help of the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module (sold separately).
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller has many features that make this a great option for small solar systems. Its innovative MPPT design enables a high tracking efficiency of up to 99% and peak conversion efficiency of 98%, even in cloudy environments. Its screen interface and LED indicators show real-time solar charging and battery operation information, customizable parameters, and error codes. The self-diagnostic capability ensures that the system is safe from common issues like reverse polarity, battery overcharging, battery over-discharging, overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current. Its four-stage charging process works well with lead-acid batteries, while the two-stage charging process works excellently for lithium batteries. Additionally, it has diverse load control and a remote monitoring function that allows you to monitor the productivity of your solar panels.
Cons
Despite its many pros, some users note that the clamps on the controller are shallow, which makes it hard to tighten cables while they are in place. The controller’s terminals have slightly offset holes causing minor issues when using the terminal lugs. Moreover, the software to configure the controller can lose sync which caused some users inconvenience, while others complained about its Windows-only software making it less convenient for users of other operating systems. The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller also has a limited warranty of one year, and it is not waterproof, which can be an issue for outdoor use. Furthermore, it works well within an ambient temperature of 113°F, which may cause issues in hotter regions with temperatures exceeding that.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Weight
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed with a die-cast aluminum case for increased durability and heat dissipation. It measures 8.27 x 5.94 x 2.36 inches and weighs approximately 2.7 pounds. This compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for various solar power applications.
Working Temperature
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed to operate within a temperature range of -31°F to 140°F (-35°C to 60°C), ensuring reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions.
Warranty
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support from Renogy. Customers who experience any issues with their product can contact Renogy’s customer service team for assistance.
Reviews
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller has received mixed reviews from customers. While some have had positive experiences with the product, others have encountered issues with the connectors and discolored terminals. Additionally, one customer noted that the clamps on the controller for different connections were shallow and challenging to tighten.
However, many customers have praised the technical capabilities of the controller, such as its ability to charge batteries even on cloudy days and provide real-time information about the solar panel’s activity and battery’s status. Others have commended the controller’s easy installation process.
Overall, the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller provides a reliable and efficient charging solution for solar power applications. Customers should be mindful of potential connector and terminal issues and ensure that all connections are tight and secure to prevent any electrical damage.
Conclusion
When it comes to solar charge controllers, the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is an excellent option for those looking to power their off-grid system. With its innovative MPPT design and high efficiency, the Rover is the best charging solution, even in cloudy environments where the max power point of the solar panels will fluctuate all day. Additionally, its automatic detection and customizable parameters make it simple to use and customize to fit your specific system.
While the controller comes with four-stage safely charging and diverse load control capabilities, there is some room for improvement on its clamps for different connections. Some users have struggled with the clamps being shallow and hard to use with solid or braided wiring. However, this is a small caveat to an otherwise excellent product.
Overall, the Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is a great investment. Its full system protection and ability to monitor the status and productivity of your panels on the go make it a reliable and efficient choice for powering your off-grid system. We highly recommend this product, especially if you have lithium batteries and are looking for an MPPT charging solution.
