OBSIDIAN Series 25 Watt Trickle Charge Kit (Magnetic Mounts)

I purchased the kit as it was on sale, but just needed the Obsidian 25 watt solar panel. I did not need the included PWM controller, as I already had a MPPT controller.

Before purchasing I did an online Chat with Zamp to verify compatible with my existing Victron BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 charge controller.

Problem - The Victron MPPT controller requires the solar panel output voltage to be 5 vdc greater than the battery voltage in order to initiate charging. My battery is a Battle Born 100 Ah LiFePO4. The Battle Born battery bulk charges at 14.4-14.6 vdc. The Obsidian 25 watt panel has a maximum voltage output of 18.4 vdc (mine measured 17.38 vdc). Because of this charging only occur when the Lithium battery is substantially drained, and the battery will never reach a full charge.

By replacing my MPPT controller with a PWM controller the system now functions correctly. The PWM controller is less efficient but only needs a +2 vdc voltage difference. I hope this information might be helpful to others.

Great product only wish the instructions for the magnetic legs were present. It’s doing what it should be doing, keeping the battery charged. TY

Thank you, Zamp, for making my decision so easy! I did a lot of research to educate myself on portable and trickle solar solutions to keep the batteries charged on my living-quarters horse trailer while it's parked and while primitive camping. Your kit made it so easy! Your customer service is exceptional as well.