By Boat Battery editorial team · 2 minute read · Editorial policy
Only with a true lithium profile. A lead-acid charger holds a float voltage lithium does not want, and a desulphation pulse is the sort of thing a BMS disconnects from.
Check solar controller configuration
Check the solar controller’s exact model, firmware and configurable battery settings. Match charge voltage, absorption time, current limits and protection controls to the installed battery’s instructions rather than assuming an MPPT controller is automatically compatible.
Battery-approved absorption and float settings
Float behaviour is battery-specific. Some manufacturers specify an allowed float voltage. Disable equalisation and inappropriate temperature compensation as required by the battery manual, and confirm low-temperature charging protection works with the installed sensors and BMS.
Separate solar and mains charger checks
A suitable solar controller does not establish that the shore charger is suitable. Assess that device separately using its own manual, including its response to full charge and to a BMS charge-stop signal.
Document the agreed charging arrangement
Record the agreed configuration for each charging source and test the complete arrangement at commissioning. Keep screenshots, model numbers and the wiring diagram so later changes can be checked against the original design.
Technical references
Manufacturer guidance describes that equipment’s requirements. Confirm applicability to your own installation.
Related installation planning resources
Use these notes to prepare your own measurements and questions. Check the exact equipment manuals and have the proposed system assessed for your vessel before buying or changing electrical components.
Calculate your boat battery capacity
The house bank calculator takes your loads, your nights on the hook, your solar and your alternator, and returns the bank, the DC-DC charger, the AGM equivalent and the weight you take off the boat.
Open the calculator