Solar charging lithium cells

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   Looking at the possible available options for solar charging lithium cells, can't seem to find a cheap reliable looking option. Lots of possible hacks/diy ideas floating around. I'm concerned about how well the charging would be balanced between cells. If balanced charging for lipos is so important to regulate when using mains chargers why would it not be equally important when using solar controllers?
As a dedicated solution these look very  nice: http://solbianzonnepanelen.nl/laadregelaar/mppt-regelaars-t-m-15a-lithium-accu-s/gvb10-lithium with the option to buy them with charging voltages tailored to certain cell voltages and arrangements common in lithium packs.

Not cheap at almost £150 but the price of the panels has fallen so sharply in recent years, that absorbs some of the overall outlay.

Would it be safe to wire up a series of lipo cells in series/parallel to a charger like this? Thinking of 4s 5p. With an intermediary BMS if necessary. Are there any other/better options out there?

Edit:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Votronic-Duo-MPP-MPPT-Solar-Regulator-Charge-Controller-LiFePo4-Lithium-Lead-/261599213144?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3ce8873658 Apparently suitable for LiFePO4 charging?

Edited by Hemisphere - 03 April 2015 at 3:02pm

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Hemisphere Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Old Croc Joined: 21 April 2008 Status: Offline Points: 2272	Post Options Post Reply Quote Hemisphere Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Solar charging lithium cells Posted: 03 April 2015 at 1:42pm
	Looking at the possible available options for solar charging lithium cells, can't seem to find a cheap reliable looking option. Lots of possible hacks/diy ideas floating around. I'm concerned about how well the charging would be balanced between cells. If balanced charging for lipos is so important to regulate when using mains chargers why would it not be equally important when using solar controllers? As a dedicated solution these look very nice: http://solbianzonnepanelen.nl/laadregelaar/mppt-regelaars-t-m-15a-lithium-accu-s/gvb10-lithium with the option to buy them with charging voltages tailored to certain cell voltages and arrangements common in lithium packs. Not cheap at almost £150 but the price of the panels has fallen so sharply in recent years, that absorbs some of the overall outlay. Would it be safe to wire up a series of lipo cells in series/parallel to a charger like this? Thinking of 4s 5p. With an intermediary BMS if necessary. Are there any other/better options out there? Edit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Votronic-Duo-MPP-MPPT-Solar-Regulator-Charge-Controller-LiFePo4-Lithium-Lead-/261599213144?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3ce8873658 Apparently suitable for LiFePO4 charging? Edited by Hemisphere - 03 April 2015 at 3:02pm

DJ-Dulux Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Registered User Joined: 24 August 2009 Location: Kenilworth, UK Status: Offline Points: 379	Post Options Post Reply Quote DJ-Dulux Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 April 2015 at 1:34pm
	I've been looking at the victron range of mppt chargers, they can be programmed to set votages and max current. They seem ok with lifepo4 as far as i can tell as they have a range of them, start at around 70 quid. http://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers/mppt-75-15 I am going to get one when i am at crick boat show as usually deals to be had... Dupe...
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