Ukiyo

We'll these Chinese controllers aren't really PWM they are basically fake. However they do work as basic controllers and 30 amp is very cool for the price (assuming it can really do that) . At the moment I have a Morningstar controller which really is PWM but is only 10 amps. Still that does give me scope to expand a little and keep the same controller. This does open up the question of whether its worth ditching PWM and just getting a really cheap Chinese controller with plenty of amps.

I can definitely understand that way of looking at things and it is quite traditional but I find that in practice, for me at least, it's always about having to make a compromise. You are never going to have enough power for the kind of things that might be normal on mains power. However each step up might allow you to do something more. I guess that's why it's called power. As a lot of people have pointed out there is also the physical aspect which is something I need to think about more.

I can understand what you are saying but OTH I've already had some great answers. At the moment I have a tiny set up (about 20-30 watts) and I have been getting by but it's always nice to have more! I guess there are various points at which you have to decide if its worth the step up to a vastly more expensive controller or settle for less panels.

Yes that's exactly right, well other than the "he" bit anyway..

You can presently get really quie high wattage solar panels for a great price. The trouble is that this means more amps get pulled though the solar controller and high amp solar comtrollers are expensive. At what point is it worth buying a larger panel? Freya

Hiya, I'm new to the forum and I'm struggling to find a new pace to put my boat on the Thames. Now Lion has gone it would seem that Eel Pie is just packed out. I'm having trouble finding anywhere to move my boat to. I need to work on it and I want it to be safe. I wondered if there is a good place on the Thames where I could moor on a temporary basis but also be in a bit of a community of fellow boaters so we could watch out for each other a bit. Does anyone know of such places or somewhere I could moor the boat cheapy while I fix it up? Freya