Renogy ROVER BOOST User manual

36V/48V | 10A Version 1.0
ROVER
BOOST
Maximum Power-Point Tracking Boost Charge Controller

01
General Safety Information
Battery Safety Information
Charger Location and Installation Information
Important Safety Instructions
Please save these instructions.
This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the
charge controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate
potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.
Remove all sources of power, photovoltaic and battery before servicing or installing.
Make sure connections going into and from the controller are tight and secure.
WARNING - EXPLOSION HAZARD
NEVER charge a frozen battery
Working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Batteries produce explosive
gasses during normal battery operation.
To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery
manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery.
Refer installation and servicing to qualified service personnel. High voltage is present inside
unit. Incorrect installation or use may result in risk of electric shock or fire. No user
serviceable parts in this unit.
Do not short the battery; do not let the positive and negative terminals of the battery contact
each other.
The controller employs components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. NEVER install in
battery compartment or in the presence of explosive gases.
Overcharging and excessive gas precipitation may damage battery plates and activate
material shedding on them. Please review battery charging specifications before
connecting your battery.
Do NOT allow water to enter the charge controller, irreversible damage may occur.
Protect all wiring from physical damage, vibration, and excessive heat.
Ensure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
Do NOT expose the controller to rain or snow
NOTE
CAUTION
WARNING
Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when
performing this task
Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller
Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper
operation of the controller

02
Table of Contents
General Information
Product Description
Product Overview
03
03
04
07
Included Components
Identification of Parts
Dimensions
04
06
Optional Components
Installation
Mounting Recommendations
Wiring
Battery Wiring
Solar Panel Wiring
Grounding
Connecting the Battery Voltage Sensor (RVSCC)
07
08
09
10
10
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
27
Connecting the Temperature Sensor (RTSCC)
08
13
15
Recommended Gauge and Ring Terminal Sizes
Auto Recognition and Toggle
Operation
Set the Battery Type
LED Indicators
MPPT Technology
22
23
23
Communication Ports
Host Mode Communication
Connecting to a 48V Smart LFP Battery
26
24
Paralleling 2 Rover Boosts w/ a 48V Smart Battery
Paralleling 2 Rover Boosts w/ Non-Lithium
Electronic Protections and Troubleshooting
31Maintenance
32
Technical Specifications
33
Battery Charging Parameters

03
Product Description
General Information
The all-new Rover Boost controller is a 10Amp Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge
controller engineered to charge a 36V or 48V battery bank from voltage typically found in only
1-2, 36-cell solar modules. Featuring 4-stage battery charging (Bulk, Boost, Float, and
Equalization), the Rover Boost is pre-set to be compatible with AGM, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium
batteries, and even includes custom battery settings. The Rover Boost is packed with
numerous battery bank, controller, and solar electronic protections for peace of mind and an
optimized system you can trust.
36V/48V Automatic System Recognition of Lead Acid Batteries.
Self-adaptable to a wide solar panel input voltage for appropriate battery charging.
Multi-Function LEDs displaying system information and identifying any errors.
RS485 communication port for monitoring using the Bluetooth module and Renogy DC
Home App.
CAN communication port synchronizes the battery information for smart charging.
Advanced MPPT Technology with minimum 99% tracking efficiency and above 90%
charge conversion efficiency.
4 Pre-set battery charge profiles include AGM, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium as well as a
custom mode for a wide variety of applications.
Multiple battery bank, controller, and solar electronic protections including over-charge
protection, reverse polarity protection, and more.
Key Features

04
Identification of Parts
Product Overview
Top/ Front View
1.Grounding Lug
2.Output Port: 36V or 48V Battery Connections
3.Mounting Holes (4)
4.Input Port: Solar Panel input connections, 15~40V (VOC)
10a solar charge controller
rover boost
1
2
3
4

05
Left View
5.RS485 / CAN Communication Ports
6.Setting Button
（Battery Type，CAN Host Mode）
7.Battery Type LED Indicator
8.Battery Status LED Indicator
9.PV Status LED Indicator
10.36/48V Positive Battery Output Terminal
11.36/48V Negative Battery Output Terminal
12.Removable Battery Output Cable Housing
13.Battery Voltage Sensor Port
(Polarity Sensitive, Optional)
14.Battery Temperature Sensor Port (Optional)
15. Removable PV Input Cable Housing
16. Negative PV Input Terminal
17. Positive PV Input Terminal
18. Cooling Fans
Right View
input
SET TYPE
rs485 can
BATT
temp batt
PV
output
76
5
8 9 14 13 10
16 17
15
18
12 11

06
NOTE
The dimensions have a ±0.5mm tolerance.
Dimensions
10a solar charge controller
rover boost
input
[155.0mm]
6.1in
[115.0mm]
4.5in
[133.3mm]
5.3in
[223.9mm]
8.8in
[170.0mm]
6.7in
[74.5mm]
2.9in
[180.9mm]
7.1in
[191.9mm]
7.6in
[185.0mm]
7.3in
[5.0mm]
4xφ0.2in

07
NOTE
Do not use this sensor with Lithium batteries.
The Rover boost terminals are secured not only by tightening the cable entry hatch, but also
by utilizing the removable cable housing to secure the incoming and outgoing connections.
Mounting Screws for the Input/output Terminals
The RCM-BT2 is a great addition to any Renogy charge controller
with an RS485 port. Pair the controller to the Renogy DC Home App
to monitor your system using a smart device like a cell phone or
tablet. Set custom charging parameters using User Mode and
monitor your system in real time.
Renogy BT-2 Bluetooth Module (Model: RCM-BT2)
The RTSCC measures the temperature at the battery bank and uses
this data for very accurate temperature compensation. The sensor is
supplied with a 9.8 ft cable length that connects to the charge
controller. Simply connect the cable to the appropriate slot using the
green connector and place the sensor on top or on the side of the
battery bank and it will immediately start working.
Remote Temperature Sensor (Model: RTSCC)
The RVSCC provides users with more accurate battery charging
giving you peace of mind that the charge controller is operating as
effectively as it should. On certain applications with long line runs,
there can be a difference between the voltage measured at an MPPT
solar charger’s terminals and that measured at the battery terminals.
The RVSCC is the perfect solution by providing a more accurate
battery voltage to the controller and allowing it to adjust the charging
stage more precisely resulting in overall extension of your battery
life.
Renogy Voltage Sensor (Model: RVSCC)
Included Components
Optional Components

6 in / 154mm 6 in / 154mm
Installation
Connect the battery terminal wires to the Charge controller FIRST then connect the
solar panels to the charge controller SECOND. Connecting panels before the
battery may result in irreversible damage.
Never install the controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded batteries as gas may
accumulate and there is a risk of explosion.
Do not over-tighten the terminals. This could potentially break mounting
components rendering the controller useless.
Connections should be made according to Article 690 of the National Electrical
Code (NFPA 70) or the standards in force at the installation location.
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING
08
Mounting Recommendations
10a solar charge controller
rover boost
1. Choose Mounting Location—place the controller on a vertical surface protected from
direct sunlight, high temperatures, and water. Make sure there is good ventilation.
2. Check for Clearance—verify that there is sufficient room to run wires, as well as clearance
above and below the controller for ventilation. The clearance should be at least 6 inches (154mm).
3. Mark Holes
4. Drill Holes
5. Secure the charge controller.

09
The Rover Boost accepts ring terminals or lugs.
Due to the terminal housing, ring terminals must
comply with the following instructions
The following recommendation is based off 3% maximum voltage loss. The recommended
wire sizing may not cover all unit applications that may exist.
Recommended Gauge and Ring Terminal Sizes
Ring Width
< 19mm
< 3/4”
< 14.5mm
< 9/16"
6mm
1/4"
Cable Width Ring Size Recommended
Specification
Battery Wiring 12 AWG 10A 15A-20A
Rated AmpsRecommended AWG Recommended Fusing
Specification
Battery Output Charging Amps 0 ~ 10 ft /
0 ~ 3m
11 ~ 20 ft /
3 ~ 6m
21 ~ 30 ft /
6 ~ 9m
12 ~ 10 AWG14 AWG 10 AWG10A
Recommended AWG
Specification
PV Input Charging Amps 0 ~ 10 ft /
0 ~ 3m
11 ~ 20 ft /
3 ~ 6m
21 ~ 30 ft /
6 ~ 9m
16 ~ 14AWG16AWG 14 ~ 12AWG100W ~ 5A
14 ~ 12AWG16 ~ 14AWG 10AWG200W ~ 10A
12 ~ 10 AWG14 ~ 12AWG 10 ~ 8AWG300W ~ 15A
10 ~ 8AWG14 ~ 12AWG 6AWG400W ~ 20A
8 ~ 6AWG12 ~ 10 AWG 6AWG500W ~ 25A*
8 ~ 6AWG10AWG 6 ~ 4AWG600W ~ 30A*
Recommended AWG
Cable Width
Ring Size
Ring Width

10
The Rover Boost is only suitable for 36V or 48V battery banks only. Not abiding by
these battery voltages may lead to irreversible damage to your controller or system
The positive or negative battery cable should be protected by a fast-acting fuse or
circuit breaker of 15A-20A, rated for the maximum battery voltage and connected
close to the battery terminal or power distribution block. This fuse will protect the
wiring in the event of a short circuit or controller damage.
Locate the OUTPUT side. Expose the positive and negative battery output terminals by
unscrewing the M3 screws holding down the removable battery output cable housing.
A small spark while connecting the battery to the controller is ok. However, make
sure to have appropriate wiring at the input and output.
The M3 screws have a recommended torque of 0.5~0.8 Nm / 0.4~0.6 lb. ft. The
M6 screws have a recommended toque 4.1~5.0Nm / 3~3.7 lb. ft.
Be careful with the positive and negative poles of battery bank; reversing them or
having them make contact may cause irreversible damage not covered by warranty.
WARNING
The Rover Boost has reverse polarity protection for battery connections and extra
precautions must be taken when connecting Lithium Batteries. Do not have a PV
Source connected until the correct battery setting has been selected.
WARNING
NOTE
NOTE
The Rated Max PV Input Power is 500W (36V) or 650W (48V)
NOTE
Larger wire sizes will improve boost performance whereas smaller wire sizes will
reduce boost performance. When considering wiring, fuse, and connection options
think big and short as larger heavier components and shorter wire lengths offer less
resistance and voltage drop.
Battery Wiring
Wiring
WARNING - EXPLOSION HAZARD
Working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Batteries produce explosive
gasses during normal battery operation.
1.

11
When finished, place the removable battery output cable housing back over your
connections. Make sure to not over-tighten the M3 screws.
3.
To ensure maximum safety, it is important to use correct wiring for either 36V or 48V battery
banks. Series connections are when batteries of the same size and type are combined, and
their voltages add up. The batteries Amp-Hour (Ah) Rating, however, remains the same.
Examples are below:
NOTE The M6 screws have a recommended toque 4.1~5.0 N-m / 3~3.7 lb. ft.
NOTE The M3 screws have a recommended torque of 0.5~0.8 N-m / 0.4~0.6 lb. ft.
Unscrew the negative M6 terminal stud, then place the negative Battery ring terminal onto
the negative port and screw the M6 terminal stud and washers together. Repeat the same
for the positive M6 terminal stud and positive Battery ring terminal.
2.

12
48V 100Ah Wiring
NOTE The M3 screws have a recommended torque of 0.5~0.8 N-m / 0.4~0.6 lb. ft.
The M6 screws have a recommended toque 4.1~5.0 N-m / 3~3.7 lb. ft.
36V 100Ah Wiring
Assuming each battery is 12V 100Ah battery bank, you will combine 3 x 12V batteries in series
to achieve a 36V 100Ah battery bank. In series connections, the 12V voltages add up to 36V,
while the 100Ah Rating remains the same.
Assuming each battery is 12V 100Ah battery bank, you will combine 4 x 12V batteries in series
to achieve a 48V 100Ah battery bank. In series connections, the 12V voltages add up to 48V,
while the 100Ah Rating remains the same. 10A Rover Boost
12-10AWG Tray Cable
15A-20A
ANL Fuse Set+Cable
48V Battery System
Battery Interconnects
Ground
10A Rover Boost
12-10AWG Tray Cable
15A-20A
ANL Fuse Set+Cable
36V Battery System
Battery Interconnects
Ground

13
NOTE
WARNING
The Rover Boost is designed to automatically utilize MPPT technology to boost wasted power
into usable charge current.
The following represents typical modules and their properties. Depending on how many solar
panels you are combining, appropriate series or parallel connections will be needed to achieve
the maximum power of the charge controller. Series connections will connect positive to
negative and add up the voltage, while the current remains the same. The controller will utilize
excess voltage and convert it into useable current. Parallel connections will connect positive to
positive on one side and negative to negative on the other side resulting in the voltage
remaining the same while the current adds up, thus increasing you net input current power.
The following chart represents the operating Voc range for panels respective to the battery
bank voltage. This information is found in the technical specifications for panels or in the solar
panel sticker. The Rover Boost features a power limiting clipping function, where the power is
limited within a specified range, and therefore allows the battery to charge at correct
parameters despite the oversized input power.
Ring terminals are recommended for the input and output connections of the Rover
Boost.
NOTE This chart represents typical values found with the respective cells on the solar
modules. Actual values might differ depending on the manufacturer.
Failure to abide by the chart may result in damage to your system or system
components. Please pay close attention to your solar panel specifications when
connecting them to the controller.
WARNING Not compatible with 72 cell PV Modules.
WARNING The Rover Boost may be permanently damaged if exceeding the Max PV Power
w/ Power Limiting.
Solar Panel Wiring
Typical Modules
PV Requirements
Solar Module
32.7V
19.5V
39.8V 300W-350W
23.9V
300W
50W-200W
60 cells
36 cells
Solar Vmp Solar Voc Rated Power

14
NOTE The M6 screws have a recommended toque 4.1~5.0 N-m / 3~3.7 lb. ft.
NOTE If the VOC is greater than 45V, charging disconnects; When the VOC is less than
40V, then it resumes charging.
Exceeding the Rated Max Power will put the controller in Power Limiting Protection
Mode up to 600W/36V or 800W/48V. Afterwards the unit will shut down.
Locate the INPUT side. Expose the positive and negative PV input terminals by unscrewing
the M3 screws holding down the removable PV input cable housing.
1.
Unscrew the negative M6 terminal stud, then place the negative PV ring terminal onto the
negative port and screw the M6 terminal stud and washers together. Repeat the same for
the positive M6 terminal stud and positive PV ring terminal.
2.
System Voltage
15 ~ 40 VDC
15 ~ 25 VDC
650W
500W
48 V
36 V
Range Rated Max PV Power
CAUTION

15
Typical Setup
200W System, 48V System
A typical setup is demonstrated utilizing 2 x 100W panels in parallel where all the positive
connectors connect, and all the negative connections connect before they are connected at
the input of the Rover Boost. Other items include: a set of MC4 branch connectors, an inline
MC4 fuse, an Adapter kit, the 10A Rover Boost, a set of tray cables, an ANL Fuse set and
cable, battery interconnects, and a 48V battery bank system.
NOTE The M3 screws have a recommended torque of 0.5~0.8 N-m / 0.4~0.6 lbf. ft.
NOTE The M3 screws have a recommended torque of 0.5~0.8 N-m / 0.4~0.6 lbf. ft.
When finished, place the removable PV input cable housing back over your connections.
Make sure to not over-tighten the M3 screws.
3.
CAUTION
Grounding
Do NOT ground PV input and Battery output individually, use the controller ground lug.
Grounding is not necessary for the operation and
is at user’s discretion. If grounding, do not ground
the PV input and Battery output connections
together. Instead, Locate the M3 ground screw
on the front of the Rover Boost. Unscrew the
terminal, place a M3 ring connector and ground
the system to earth ground.
10A Rover Boost
Solar Panels(Parallet)
10-12A MC4 Fuse
12-10AWG Tray Cable
15A
ANL Fuse Set+Cable
48V Battery System
Battery Interconnects
Ground
MC4 Branch
Connectors
12-10AWG
Adapter Kit

16
Connecting the Temperature Sensor (Model: RTSCC)
The RTSCC will include the 2-pin green housing connector. Simply connect the 2-pin
connector to the TEMP port on the OUTPUT side of the Rover Boost.
NOTE Separate purchase required.
SET TYPE
rs485 can
BATT
temp batt
PV
output
Connecting the Battery Voltage Sensor (Model: RVSCC)
The RVSCC is polarity sensitive and you must connect it to the correct positive (+,
left pin) and the correct negative (-, right pin) battery terminals as well as match the
polarity written on the BATT port on the Rover Boost (+, -).
The RVSCC will include the 2-pin green housing connector on one end as well as
positive and negative ring connectors on the other end. First connect the negative
and positive ring terminals to your battery bank. Make sure it is the correct polarity.
Next, simply connect the 2-pin connector to the BATT port on the OUTPUT side of
the Rover Boost.
NOTE Separate purchase required.
SET TYPE
rs485 can
BATT
temp batt
PV
output
CAUTION

17
Set the correct battery type before the first time use
CAUTION
Operation
The Rover Boost is relatively simple to operate. You will need to set your battery type using the
SET button and then the controller can take care of the rest. The LED Indicators and SET
button are found on the OUTPUT side of the Rover Boost.
The Rover Boost requires that the battery bank be 36V or 48V to operate. It features automatic
battery recognition for deep cycle lead acid and VRLA batteries. It is always good practice to
double check the recognized battery matches the intended voltage of the battery bank. Lithium
batteries will need to be set manually when charging 36V / 48V systems. Auto Recognition will
behave in the fashion indicated below:
A fully charged 36V non-lithium battery that is connected for the first time may have a voltage
that exceeds the 42V threshold. This may include situations where the controller is restarted
or disconnected and then reconnected. Therefore, the Rover Boost will flash the TYPE LED to
toggle the system voltage in the fashion indicated below:
Auto Recognition and Toggle
SET TYPE
rs485 can
BATT
temp batt
PV
NOTE Auto Detection is intended for 36V / 48V non-lithium batteries.
Auto Detect System Voltage
36 V
48 V
< 42V
> 42V
Battery Voltage Range
System Voltage Battery Voltage Range
36 V
> 42V
48 V
Long press (5s) the SET button to toggle 36V
Short press the SET button to toggle 48V
Toggle

18
AGM (Green) is the default battery type for the Rover Boost. To change or set the battery type,
long press the SET button for approximately 8 seconds. The Type Indicator will flash a color
depending on the battery type indicated below. Tap the SET button to change between battery
types until the appropriate TYPE color is flashing. To set the battery type, long press the SET
button again and the battery type will be set. Alternatively, you may leave the battery type
flashing and after 15 seconds of inactivity, the battery type flashing will be set as the battery type.
The Rover Boost LED indicators work to provide battery type information, battery status
information, and solar charging information.
Set the Battery Type
LED Indicators
NOTE When a non-lithium battery is connected for the first time, and the battery voltage
is detected to be greater than 42V, the TYPE LED will flash, short press the button
to enter 48V, long press to enter 36V.
By Default, User mode will operate as a 48V Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) – 16
Strings battery charging profile. User mode can be customized via software app
development utilizing the BT-2 Bluetooth Module (RCM-BT2) and Renogy DC
Home App.
TYPE LED
Yellow Gel
AGMGreen
FloodedRed
36V Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) – 12 StringsBlue
48V Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) – 15 StringsPurple
User (48V Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) – 16 Strings）White
Color Battery Type
PV LED
Green Always on
Color Behavior Charge State
PV LED Indicator
Bright, always on MPPT
Bulk Charging
PV is not charging
or not detected
Green Slow Flashing
ON 1 second, OFF 1 second, cycle is 2 seconds Boost Stage
Green Single Flash
ON 0.1 second, OFF 1.9 seconds, cycle is 2 seconds Float Stage
Green Quick Flashing
ON 0.1 second, OFF 0.1 second, cycle is 0.2 seconds Equalization Charge
Green
---
Double Flashing
OFF
ON 0.1 seconds, OFF 0.1 second, ON 0.1 seconds
OFF 1.7 seconds
Lithium Activation
or Power Limiting

19
MPPT Technology
BATT LED
Green Always on
Color Behavior Charge State
Battery LED Indicator
Bright, always on
Battery is
fully charged
Battery is not detected
Yellow Always on
Always on
Bright, always on
Bright, always on
Battery voltage
is normal
Red Battery undervoltage
warning
Red
Slow Flashing
ON 1 second, OFF 1 second,
cycle is 2 seconds
Battery over
discharged
disconnected
Red
---
Quick Flashing
OFF
ON 0.1 second, OFF 0.1 second,
cycle is 0.2 seconds
Battery Overvoltage or
Over temperature
PV Array voltage and temperature have a direct influence on the voltage boost performance.
A PV module at constant solar intensity will vary the power output depending on temperature
changes. Therefore, it is important to note that a cooler PV array can produce a higher voltage,
and therefore more power, than a hot PV array. When the PV voltage is enough for the MPPT
operating range then a constant power output is delivered to the battery.
Therefore, assuming 100% efficiency:
Power In = Power Out
Volts In * Amps In = Volts out * Amps out
The MPPT Charge Controller utilizes Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology to extract
maximum power from the solar module(s). The tracking algorithm is fully automatic and does
not require user adjustment. MPPT technology will track the array's maximum power point
voltage (Vmp) as it varies with weather conditions, ensuring that the maximum power is
harvested from the array throughout the course of the day.
The Rover Boost will “boost” up the voltage in the solar system. The power generated in the
solar panels is the same power that is transmitted into the battery bank. Power is the product
of Voltage (V) x Amperage (A).
Voltage Boost