Renogy Rover Li Series User manual

VERSION A6
MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Rover Li Series
12V/24V 20A/30A/40A
USER MANUAL

Applicability
The user manual applies to the following products:
zRover Li 12V/24V 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller (RNG-CTRL-RVR20)
zRover Li 12V/24V 30A MPPT Solar Charge Controller (RNG-CTRL-RVR30)
zRover Li 12V/24V 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller (RNG-CTRL-RVR40)
Disclaimer
zRenogy ensures the accuracy, sufficiency, and the applicability of information in the user
manual at the time of printing due to continual product improvements that may occur.
zRenogy assumes no responsibility or liability for personal and property losses, whether
directly and indirectly, caused by the user’s failure to install and use the product in
compliance with the user manual.
zRenogy is not responsible or liable for failures, damages, or injuries resulting from repair
attempted by unqualified personnel, improper installation and operation.
zThe illustrations in the user manual are for demonstration purposes only. Details may appear
slightly different depending on product revision and market region.
zRenogy reserves the right to change the information in the user manual without notice. For
the latest user manual, visit renogy.com.
Copyright
Rover Li Series MPPT Solar Charge Controller User Manual © 2022 Renogy. All rights reserved.
All information in the user manual is subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights
of Renogy and its licensors. The user manual may not be modified, reproduced, or copied, in
whole or in part, without the prior written permissions of Renogy and its licensors.
Trademark
The following are registered trademarks of Renogy:
RENOGY
The registered trademarks in the user manual are the property of Renogy. The unauthorized use
of the trademarks is strictly prohibited.
Date and Revision
January 2023, Revision A6

Table of Contents
Important Safety Information .......................................................................................................01
Symbols Used .........................................................................................................................01
General Safety Information .....................................................................................................01
Introduction..................................................................................................................................03
General Information ................................................................................................................03
Key Features...........................................................................................................................03
Charging and Activation Logic.....................................................................................................04
MPPT Technology ...................................................................................................................04
Four Charging Stages .............................................................................................................05
Lithium Battery Activation........................................................................................................07
Package Contents .......................................................................................................................08
Optional Accessories...................................................................................................................09
Product Overview ........................................................................................................................10
Wiring Diagram............................................................................................................................11
Recommended Cable and Fuse Sizing.......................................................................................12
Recommended Cable Sizing...................................................................................................12
Recommended Fuse Sizing ....................................................................................................13
Components & Tools ...................................................................................................................14
Preparation..................................................................................................................................15
Inspection................................................................................................................................15
Environment ............................................................................................................................15
Placement ...............................................................................................................................16
Checking Battery.....................................................................................................................17
Checking Solar Panel..............................................................................................................18
Mounting......................................................................................................................................20
Wall-mounted ..........................................................................................................................20

Mounting with Brackets ...........................................................................................................22
Installation ...................................................................................................................................24
Battery Wiring..........................................................................................................................24
Solar Wiring.............................................................................................................................27
Load Wiring (Optional) ............................................................................................................30
Temperature Sensor....................................................................................................................33
Bluetooth Module (Optional)........................................................................................................34
Battery Type ................................................................................................................................36
Setting the Battery Type..........................................................................................................36
Battery Charging Parameters..................................................................................................37
User Mode...............................................................................................................................38
System Voltage............................................................................................................................45
Monitoring....................................................................................................................................47
Monitoring Menu .....................................................................................................................47
Checking Parameters..............................................................................................................51
Load Control................................................................................................................................52
Turning Load On / Off..............................................................................................................52
Switching Load Mode..............................................................................................................52
LED Indicators.............................................................................................................................55
Solar Panel LED Indicator.......................................................................................................55
Battery LED Indicator ..............................................................................................................56
Load LED Indicator .................................................................................................................56
System Error LED Indicator ....................................................................................................56
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................57
Common Faults.......................................................................................................................57
Error Codes.............................................................................................................................59
Technical Specifications ..............................................................................................................62
MPPT Conversion Efficiency .......................................................................................................64

Dimensions..................................................................................................................................65
RNG-CTRL-RVR20.................................................................................................................65
RNG-CTRL-RVR30 or RNG-CTRL-RVR40 ............................................................................66
Maintenance................................................................................................................................67
Inspection................................................................................................................................67
Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................67
Storage....................................................................................................................................67
Emergency Responses ...............................................................................................................68
Fire ..........................................................................................................................................68
Flooding ..................................................................................................................................68
Smell .......................................................................................................................................68
Noise .......................................................................................................................................68
Technical Support........................................................................................................................69

01
Important Safety Information
The user manual provides important installation, operation, and maintenance instructions for
Rover Li Series Solar Charge Controller (hereinafter referred to as charge controller). Read the
user manual carefully before installation and operation and save it for future reference. Failure
to observe the instructions or precautions in the user manual can result in electrical shock,
serious injury, or death, or can damage the charge controller, potentially rendering it inoperable.
The installation and service of the charge controller might require knowledge of electricity and is
recommended to be carried out by qualified personnel.
Symbols Used
The following symbols are used throughout the user manual to highlight important information:
WARNIN
G
Indicates a potentially dangerous condition which could result in
injury or death
CAUTIO
N
Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper installation and
operation
NOT
E
Indicates an important step or tip for optimal performance
INFO
Indicates that more information is available in other documents
relating to the subject
General Safety Information
WARNIN
G
zDo not puncture, drop, crush, penetrate, shake, strike, or step on the charge controller.
zDo not open, dismantle, repair, tamper with, or modify the components of the charge
controller.
zInstall the charge controller on a vertical surface indoors protected from direct sunlight, high
temperature, and water. Make sure there is good ventilation.
zDo not immerse the charge controller or its components in water or other fluids.
zKeep the charge controller away from heating equipment.
zDo not insert foreign objects into the charge controller.
zRisk of explosion! Never install the charge controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded
batteries! Do not install in a confined area where battery gases can accumulate.
zConfirm the polarities of the devices before connection. A reverse polarity contact will result
in abnormalities.
zRefer to Recommended Cable and Fuse Sizing in this user manual, and select the
appropriate cables and fuses according to the usage.
zKeep the charge controller out of the reach of children.
Important Safety Information
Symbols Used General Safety Information

02
Important Safety Information
zWear proper protective equipment and use insulated tools during installation and operation.
zDo not touch the connector contacts when the charge controller is in operation.
zDisconnect all connectors from the charge controller before maintenance or cleaning.
zDo not dispose of the charge controller as household waste. Comply with local, state, and
federal laws and regulations and use recycling channels as required.
zIn the event of fire, use fire extinguishers suitable for electrical equipment.
zIf the charge controller is installed improperly on a boat, it may cause damage to the
corrosive agents of the boat. Please have the charge controller by a qualified electrician.
CAUTIO
N
zDo not expose the charge controller to flammable or harsh chemicals or vapors.
zEnsure that there is no water source including downspouts, sprinkles, or faucets above or
near the charge controller.
zEnsure that the battery pack is properly connected before installation.
Symbols Used General Safety Information

03
Introduction
Introduction
General Information
Rover Li Series MPPT Solar Charge Controller can serve various off-grid solar systems. With the
adoption of intelligent MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithm, the charge controller
can maximize the energy from the solar panel to charge the battery in a more efficient way. At
the same time, it monitors the status of the battery in real time and prevents the battery from
overcharge and overdischarge, thus extending the battery life and improving the performance of
the system.
Rover Li Series MPPT Solar Charge Controller provides intelligent self-diagnosis and multiple
input protecion mechanisms, which can prevent damage caused by installation errors or system
failures.
Key Features
zAuto Battery Voltage Detection
The charge controller detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages for non-lithium batteries and
programmability for lithium batteries.
zMPPT Technology
The charge controller supports advanced MPPT technology with tracking efficiency up to 99%
and peak conversion efficiency of 98%.
zHigh Battery Compatibility
The charge controller is compatible with AGM, SLD, flooded, gel, lithium, and user-defined
batteries.
zFull System Protection
The full system protection is meant to safeguard your system, and the self-diagnostic capability
can assess and protect against reverse polarity, battery overcharging, battery overdischarging,
overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current.
zMultiple Input Protection Features
The charge controller offers reverse polarity protection, overvoltage protection, short circuit
protection, and reverse charging protection at night for solar panels.
zDiverse Load Control
You can connect DC appliances directly to the optional Load Terminals and monitor consumption
or set up timer controls directly from the charge controller.
General Information Key Features

04
Charging and Activation Logic
Charging and Activation Logic
MPPT Technology
Based on MPPT technology, the charge controller can extract maximum power from the solar
panel. With an automatic tracking algorithm, the MPPT technology can track the voltage of
the maximum power point that changes with weather conditions, ensuring the harvest of the
maximum power throughout the day.
█Current Boost
Generally, the charge controller will “boost” the current in the solar system. The power generated
in the solar panel is the same as the power delivered to the battery pack. Power is the product
of voltage (V) x amperage (A).
Therefore, assuming 100% efficiency:
Power In = Power Out
Volts In * Amps In = Volts Out * Amps Out
The efficiency of the charge controller is about 95%. As the maximum power point voltage of the
solar system is greater than the battery pack voltage, the potential difference is proportional to
the current boost. The voltage of the solar panel needs to be stepped down to a rate at which
the battery can be charged in a stable manner. Compared with traditional charge controllers, the
charge controller does not waste the stepped down voltage. It is entirely possible to have the
solar module input 8 amps of current into the charge controller, and have the charge controller
output 10 amps of current to the battery pack. The following shows a graphic point about the
output of MPPT technology.
10 15 17 10 15 17
Current vs.Voltage (12V System) Output Power (12V System)
Typical Battery
Voltage Range Traditional
Controller
Operating
Range
Maximum
Power Point
Maximum
Power Point
Current
Power
Voltage Voltage
█Limiting Effectiveness
High temperature is the natural enemy of solar panels. With the increase of ambient
temperature, the operating voltage (Vmp) of the solar panel decreases, which limits the power
generation of the solar panel. The charge controller encounters an inevitably decrease in
charging performance even with the MPPT technology. In this case, it is better to use solar
panels with higher nominal voltage, so that the battery can still get current boost even if the
voltage drops proportionally.
MPPT Technology Four Charging Stages Lithium Battery Activation

05
Charging and Activation Logic
Four Charging Stages
Rover Li Series MPPT Solar Charge Controller has a four-stage battery charging algorithm for a
rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. The stages include: Bulk Charging, Boost Charging,
Float Charging, and Equalization.
A
Time
Time
Charging
Current
Fast charging
B
Constant voltage charging
C
Float charging
Boost charging voltage
Equalization charging voltage
Float charging voltage
Charging return voltage
Maximum
current
Constant pressure time
Cumulative Time
(Range:10-600 min)
: 2hr
: 2hr
Battery
Voltage
█Bulk Charging:
This algorithm is used for day to day charging. It uses 100% of available solar power to recharge
the battery and is equivalent to constant current. In this stage the battery voltage has not yet
reached constant voltage (equalization or boost), the charge controller operates in constant
current mode, delivering its maximum current to the batteries (MPPT Charging).
█Constant Charging:
When the battery reaches the constant voltage set point, the charge controller will start to
operate in constant charging mode, where it is no longer MPPT charging. The current will drop
gradually. The charge stages (equalization and boost) are not carried out constantly in a full
charge process to avoid too much gas precipitation or overheating of the battery.
Boost Charging: Boost stage maintains a charge for 2 hours by default. The user can adjust
the constant time and preset value of boost per their demand.
█Float Charging:
After the constant voltage stage, the charge controller will reduce the battery voltage to a float
voltage set point. Once the battery is fully charged, there will be no more chemical reactions
MPPT Technology Four Charging Stages Lithium Battery Activation

06
Charging and Activation Logic
and all the charge current would turn into heat or gas. Because of this, the charge controller will
reduce the voltage charge to smaller quantity, while lightly charging the battery. The purpose for
this is to offset the power consumption while maintaining a full battery storage capacity. In the
event that a load drawn from the battery exceeds the charge current, the charge controller will
no longer be able to maintain the battery to a Float set point and the charge controller will end
the float charging stage and refer back to bulk charging.
█Equalization:
Equalization is carried out every 30 days of the month. It is intentional overcharging of the
battery for a controlled period of time. The charge controller charges the battery at a level higher
than the voltage that it is typically charged to remove sulfate crystals that build up on the plates
over time and balance the voltage of each cell. Periodic equalization charging is beneficial to
certain types of batteries because it helps ensure the battery capacity and maintain its runtime.
CAUTIO
N
zIt is recommended to use only non-sealed, vented, flooded, and wet cell lead acid batteries
in the equalization stage.
zDo not equalize VRLA type AGM, gel, and lithium cell batteries unless permitted by battery
manufacturer.
WARNIN
G
zOnce equalization is active in the battery charging, the charge controller will not exit this
stage unless there is an insufficient source of charging current from the solar panel. There
should be NO load on the batteries when in equalization charging.
zOvercharging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the battery plates and activate
material shedding on them. Too high of an equalization charging or too long of one may
cause damage. Review the specific requirements of the battery used in the system carefully.
zEqualization may increase battery voltage to a level that damages to sensitive DC loads.
Ensure that allowable input voltages of all loads are greater than the set voltage during
equalization charging.
MPPT Technology Four Charging Stages Lithium Battery Activation

07
Charging and Activation Logic
Lithium Battery Activation
The charge controller can activate sleeping lithium batteries in most cases. Lithium batteries
need to be activated when the built-in battery protection is breached, which is usually when
lithium batteries are overdischarged. To awaken lithium batteries, the controller will provide a
constant voltage and after successful activation, can continue charging like normal.
During activation, the LCD will display . If diaplays for more than 2 days, it means the
charge controller needs to undergo further troubleshooting. Read Troubleshooting in the user
manual.
Li
12V 24V Li
NOT
E
zAfter connecting the charge controller with the lithium battery, set the battery type and the
system voltage. For more instructions, read Setting the Battery Type and System Voltage of
the user manual.
█Operation Conditions
1. Set the battery type of the charge controller to Li. Set the correct nominal voltage of the
lithium battery manually.
2. For 12V lithium batteries, the incoming solar voltage should be greater than or equal to 16V
DC and for 24V lithium batteries, the incoming solar voltage should be greater than or equal
to 30V DC.
█Working Logic
1. In lithium battery mode, the charge controller automatically enables the activation function
and provides a constant voltage of over 13.2V to activate the lithium battery.
2. After the charge controller activates the lithium battery with a constant voltage of 13.2V for
10s, the charge controller will pause for 5s and detect the battery voltage.
If the battery voltage is greater or equal to 11V, the charge controller will exit the lithium
battery activation mode.
If the battery voltage is less than 11V, the charge controller will continue to activate the
lithium battery.
MPPT Technology Four Charging Stages Lithium Battery Activation

08
Package Contents
Package Contents
Rover Li Series MPPT Solar
Charge Controller ×1 User Manual ×1
VERSION A6
MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Rover Li Series
12V/24V 20A/30A/40A
USER MANUAL
Renogy Temperature Sensor ×1
(Model: RTSCC) Mounting Bracket ×4
Mounting Bracket Screws ×4

09
Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories
NOT
E
zYou can buy the following optional accessories from renogy.com.
Battery Fuse
RNG-CTRL-RVR20: 25A to 30A
RNG-CTRL-RVR30: 30A to 40A
RNG-CTRL-RVR40: 40A to 50A
The battery fuse protects the charge controller, cables and
batteries from overcurrent.
Solar Panel Fuse
Solar panel fuse provides single circuit protection for solar
panels, preventing damage caused by high currents.
Fuse Cable
The cable is integrated with copper rings at both ends, enabling
the charge controller to be connected with an external fuse.
Bluetooth Module
LINK
POWER
1
Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module (sold separately)
Pair the Bluetooth Module with Renogy DC Home app to
monitor and change parameters through a smartphone or tablet.
Download the app by scanning the QR Code on the last page of
the user manual.

10
Product Overview
Product Overview
PV+ PV- BAT+ LOAD+ LOAD-
RS232
BAT-
Temp.
1 6 7 8 92 3 4 5
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
No. Part & Description No. Part & Description
1 Return to the Previous Menu 10 Temperature Sensor Port
2Page Down / Decrease Parameter Value 11 Positive Solar Terminal (PV+)
3 Page Up / Increase Parameter Value 12 Negative Solar Terminal (PV-)
4
Enter Sub Menu / Save Parameter
Value / Turn Load On or Off in Manual
Mode
13 Positive Battery Terminal (BAT+)
5 LCD 14 Negative Battery Terminal (BAT-)
6 System Error LED Indicator 15 Positive DC Load Terminal (LOAD+)
7 Load LED Indicator 16 Negative DC Load Terminal (LOAD-)
8 Battery LED Indicator 17 RS232 Port (optional)
9 Solar LED Indicator 18 Mounting Holes

11
Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram
-
+
Negative
Positive
+
Solar Panel
Solar Panel Fuse
Battery Fuse
Battery DC Load
++

12
Recommended Cable and Fuse Sizing
Recommended Cable and Fuse Sizing
Recommended Cable Sizing
Model Rated
Current Cable Cable Length (ft) / (m)
Recommended
Cable Size
Rover Li 12V/24V 20A
MPPT Solar Charge
Controller
(RNG-CTRL-RVR 20)
20A
Solar
(input)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 12 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 10 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 8 AWG
Battery
(output)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 12 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 10 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 8 AWG
Rover Li 12V/24V 30A
MPPT Solar Charge
Controller
(RNG-CTRL-RVR 30)
30A
Solar
(input)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 10 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 8 AWG to 10 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 8 AWG
Battery
(output)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 10 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 8 AWG to 10 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 8 AWG
Rover Li 12V/24V 40A
MPPT Solar Charge
Controller
(RNG-CTRL-RVR 40)
40A
Solar
(input)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 8 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 6 AWG to 8 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 6 AWG
Battery
(output)
0‒10 ft (0‒3 m) 8 AWG
11‒20 ft (3‒6 m) 6 AWG to 8 AWG
21‒30 ft (6‒9 m) 6 AWG
NOT
E
zThe cable specifications listed above account for critical, less than 3% voltage drop and may
not account for all configurations.
zThe size of the fuse cable is consistent with that of the corresponding cable connecting to
the output terminal of the charge controller.
Recommended Cable Sizing Recommended Fuse Sizing

13
Recommended Cable and Fuse Sizing
Recommended Fuse Sizing
For your safety, it is recommended to install fuses at both the input and output ends of the
charge controller to ensure safe operations.
NOT
E
zChoose appropriate fuses according to the specifications of the solar panel and the charge
controller.
Fuse from Solar Panel to Charge Controller
Max. Current of Solar Panel to Solar Controller Fuse = Total Amps of Solar Panel (Array) * 1.56
Solar Panels in Series Solar Panels in Parallel
Total Amps I: I1=I2=I3
Fuse = I1 * 1.56
Total Amps I: I1+I2+I3
Fuse = (I1+I2+I3) * 1.56
NOT
E
zIn the formula, I represents the maximum output current of the solar panel, and 1, 2 or 3
represents the solar panel number, respectively.
INF
O
zRead the user manual of the solar panel to obtain working voltage parameters, and calculate
the corresponding fuse current according to the formula.
Recommended Cable Sizing Recommended Fuse Sizing

14
Components & Tools
Components & Tools
NOT
E
zThe adapter cable used in this manual can be made by yourself or purchased from renogy.
com according to the names in Recommended Components.
Recommended Components
Battery
Battery Adapter
Cable (Ring Terminal
Adapter Cable)
Solar Panel Solar Panel Extension
Cables
+
-
Required Tools
Phillips Screwdriver (#2) Wrench (10 mm) Wrench (14 mm)
10mm
10mm
10 mm
14mm
14mm
14 mm
Measuring Tape Insulation Tape Self-tapping Bolts
3
4
5
6
≤5.2 mm
≤0.2 inch
≤4.5 mm
≤0.17 inch
RVR-20:
RVR-30/40:
≤9 mm
≤0.35 inch
≤10 mm
≤0.39 inch
RVR-20:
RVR-30/40:

15
Preparation
Preparation
Inspection
1. Inspect the charge controller for any visible damage
including cracks, dents, deformation, and other visible
abnormalities. All connector contacts shall be clean, dry, and
free of dirt and corrosion.
WARNIN
G
zDo not use the charge controller if it has any visible damage.
Environment
Install the charge controller indoors and prevent its components from being exposed to direct
sunlight. Prevent water from entering the charge controller. Make sure there is good ventilation.
Make sure that the charge controller is installed with ambient temperature range from -4°F to
140°F or -20°C to 60°C. To ensure optimal working e󰀩ciency, it is recommended to keep the
ambient temperature range from -4°F to 113°F or -20°C to 45°C. Make sure that the charge
controller is installed in an environment with relative humidity between 0% and 95% and no
condensation.
NOT
E
zInstall the charge controller as close to the battery as possible to avoid voltage drops due to
long cables.
WARNIN
G
zRisk of explosion! Never install the charge controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded
batteries!
Inspection Environment Placement Checking Battery Checking Solar Panel