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Showing results for tags 'mppt'.
Found 12 results
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i have 3x 110Ahr new domestic batteries and a smaller starter battery. i have a 295 W solar panel with a 20 A MPPT charge Controller that has a feature to turn on a load for an hour before sunrise or an hour after sunrise, (probably for lights). i lay the boat up for winter with all batteries fully charged; and the solar keeps the domestic batteries well topped up through out. but last spring the starter battery was down to 11.1V. so I'm thinking of using the load timer to top up the starter battery for an hour daily after sunset when the voltage will probably be around 12.5 V, I'll include a 10A fuse with 4m of 16A cable. will this work? and will it cause any problems/damage? some years i have permanently connected the batteries together with no problem, but if there was i would then have all batteries flat!
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Hi all - hoping someone might be able to help troubleshoot a solar charging problem. The problem is: it isn't working. The set up has worked perfectly since I installed it 5 years ago, and nothing in this system or any of the electrics on the boat has been changed recently. Yesterday, I noticed the epever xtra MPPT controller was showing the panel had light, but it was not charging. Vpanel = ~12.4v and Vbatt =12.6v at that time. This was around midday, it was working in the morning. I have a second identical and fully working MPPT controller, so first thing I did was rewire into this one - same problem, so not the controller. I was also able to switch out the panel with another similar one - same problem, so not the panel (I also tried the second panel on both controllers). So presumably the problem lies between controller and batteries? The batteries are healthy, they charge fine with the engine running and they hold their charge. One thing I noticed is when I ran the engine and Vbatt went up to around 13.4V, the Vpanel shown on controller was ~13.1v. I also tested the wires from the panel when disconnected from the controller, and it was giving 31V. So, something in my electrics is dragging it down? I took out a single leisure battery and connected the controller direct to this, so nothing else on the system. Same problem - still showing not charging, and volts always about 0.2v below Vbatt. This has my completely stumped, so any other thoughts very welcome! Thanks, Andrew
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Just a quick headsup: Most 'MPPT' in this price range are in fact PWM, but this solar controller checks out as a genuine MPPT: Youtube linky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05IcvuI7kJ8 Charge voltage is fixed at 14.7V which may be a little high for some, though not high enough to properly charge or equalise traction batts, but will give them more than a tickle. Max solar input is 50V. Found a couple of links for these on Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MPPT-Solar-Charger-Controller-12V-24VDC-10A-20A-Battery-Regulator-USB-5V-Output-/142188324794 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5A-10A-12V-24V-MPPT-Solar-Panel-Regulator-Charge-Controller-100V-Input-DC-USB-JS-/181861868553 Not as good as the latest Tracers and may be not as reliable, but possibly a good budget option for a small setup.
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Just starting to think about solar as otherwise I'll be missing out on "free" power this summer. Looks like I'll want an mppt type controller and a fairly hefty one at that. 60a Victron coming in at best part of £300, other much cheaper options available so I'm after your thoughts and suggestions, please. It may be that I'll be wanting to start of with one solar panel due to budget constraints and add them as I go - hopefully ending up with several 100/150w panels, or maybe more. That's if I can ever decide between flexi's and rigids. But the ability to just add on more panels would be good. I heard there is a thing called a combiner also? Or do some mppts do that too? Am I correct in thinking that you can have more power (in terms of panels) than the mppt can use, so it just goes to waste rather than damages anything? As I'm thinking that the main advantage of having lots of panels would be not so much peak output under ideal conditions, but to still get something worthwhile out of them at other times. thanks
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I currently have 3 x 250W + 1 x 250W panels connected. The string of three are connected in series through a 60A controller, the 1 panel is connected through a seperate controller. I would like to change the configuration to 2+2 in series, as one of the controllers is playing up and needs replacing. I was originally considering the Tracer BN series (40A) controller, but upon browsing, came across these(Tracer 7810):- https://www.bimblesolar.com/offgrid/mppt/Waterproof-Tracer7810BP Now I know they are only rated at 30A (390W at 12V). My panels are 43 V open circuit,and they are flat mounted. Would 2 of these controllers be ok, or should I go for the 2x40A? Thanks as always
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I have just purchased 4*250w 24v panels and a 40a MPPT controller(tracer 4215BN). I am running a 24v 460amp batteries (4*12v 230amp in series and parallel). Which would you suggest as the best way to set up the panels with the Controller? Max voltage or maximum amps? Or split 2 and 2?
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I write this in the hope that others will see the light! Being a liveaboard I have been on a mission to reduce power usage. I run a 62ft trad boat with led lighting, led 240v, hurricane heater, shurflo 11.6gpm pump, plus shower drain box. Along side the usual I have a couple of tablets, the missus has a laptop and her obligatory hairdryer a d bits. (say no more) I run a victron multiplus 1900w inverter/charger. Victron mppt 75/15 regulator. I now run 2 x LG 305w b3 9a solar panels. Previous to this the solar panels were 2x 200w 5 amp panels The battery system is basic. Just 3x 110ah albions plus a starter. We ran the 200w panels for a year with the inverter charger in he background For a month now I've been monitoring these new panels and I'm stunned by the difference. The new system yield I'd 1.2kwh to 1.6kwh! I physicaly can't store that much! When we had all that rain the other day I was still receiving 5 amp. It sits at the moment around 14.6a thru the day this is limited by the 15a regulator which will soon be replaced. I should point out that the panels are mounted flat on the roof. They aren't aimed at the sun. The panels are house panels. 24v and the latest technology. Which has helped reduce the thickness of cabling required and also reduces current loss overy long distance. The panels you might think would be too big but there is still space to walk down the sides of the roof. With the previous panels I couldn't get away from needing a 240v hookup. With the new panels I have been off grid from day one. Even the good lady can't upset the system... The panels are LG x-mono b3. They allow sun to penetrate between the cells and reflect onto the rear of the cell aswell as the front. This allows an amp increase of up to 9.52a per panel. As opposed to 6 to 8amps. I hope this information helps someone as I and others in our basin have been thoroughly amazed by the changes Something to point out here is that these panels are available in ones and twos. Go to the main importers and ask them for any spares off the months order. They will import a container full at a time but 99% of the time the orders they have will leave a few spare. They're no good to a house install in 1s or 2s but ideal for us boaters. The companes will give you favourable rates in. Half price if not more discount! It makes this option really affordable. Yes you may spend a bit more.on a. Mppt regulator but trust me.. the difference is phenomenal. Dont go for the cheap regulators as the algorithms used aren't clever. I swear by victron. They really do what it says on the tin. If I can be of help or you think I've missed something then let me know and I will endeavour to assist or update.
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Hi all, I have 2 x Trojan T105 6v batteries producing 12v with a capacity of 225 amps. I also have a solar panel that is now actually becoming useful now the sun has come out to shine! What settings should I set it at? Bearing in mind the table listed by Trojan below: Daily Charge: 14.8 Float: 13.2 Equalize: 15.5 The settings on the solar controller are: Load On (Voltage): Presuming this is the "Daily Charge" setting? Load Off (Voltage): Presuming this is the "Float"? PV Off (Voltage): No idea what this is PV: Showing the current amps the solar panel is producing Thanks in advance!
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Hi there, I've got one of these (see pic below), but want to change it for something that can take more solar panels and is a bit more modern. We use it with a 60A alternator, and 1x 100w solar panel (although I think this regulator can only take up to 60w solar. We don't have a wind turbine. It only seems to produce a max of 14.1v when the engine's on (even after hours of cruising) and recently has been hitting 15.1v through the solar panel - which seems a bit high?! I'd like to replace it with a charger suitable for the alternator, and maybe solar as well. Do I need to get a separate charger for the alternator, then an MPPT charger for the solar panel (I also want to add either one or two 175w solar panel to make 275w or 375w in total). We have 3x 110ah leisure batteries and a starter battery, and a Sterling 1600W pure sine wave inverter that is yet to be hooked up.. Any advice, brands, models to watch out for etc, most welcome! Cheers, Alistair
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Hello Bonus is in and it gives me just enough to install some solar on the roof. Based on my usage needs I can do with pretty much all I can get . Although I'm all low power & LED I do have a few luxuries that it would be good to power with solar when/where possible and off grid (Currently on hook up but don't see that as necessarily lasting forever) I've started coming up with a plan to help me identify what I don't know. My first pass is below and I have already identified a few questions that I need to answer. I've spent a little time reading up on the forums and have experience of building a small set up a long time ago (To power a caravan) but definitely need to get myself educated on the subject. What are your thoughts on game plan below? Are you able to point me in the right direction with any of the questions I have identified thus far? 1. Design top boxes - Come up with a design for ‘sloped’ wooden top boxes with solar panels embedded in the top (to match lines of existing DB style dog box) 2. Map out roof and all fixed location extrusions - Including ‘to be’ pump out location (Another DIY task) 3. Identify optimum solar panels and box design that matches both electrical and aesthetic requirements (See a bit of back and forth comparing panel characteristics/sizes and lumps on the roof before settling on something) - Q: Any ideas on how to mount centre lines to roof with sufficient strength on port and starboard side? I have spray foam insulation and design that makes removal of internal roofing a PITA so anything that gets around both would be great! - Q: Does anybody have a top box with solar panels that also had a mushroom vent underneath? Does the temperature under the panels cause any issues with circulation? (Assuming not?) - Q: Any recommendations on good places to read up on different panel types and how to select right ones for needs and how to match to MPPT controller and installation design (Thinking max voltage considerations vs temperature etc.) 4. Identify optimum wiring of the panels to MPPT - I’m going to be using MPPT. Don’t yet know whether I will be wiring panels in series/parallel etc. or single vs multiple controller - TBD Q: Does having panels pointing in different directions (Like the doors on a dog box) create additional wiring considerations? 5. Identify optimum wiring of the MPPT to batteries - I’ve got a Victron Multiplus 12/3000/120. - In scenario where plugged in to mains I’d like solar to take priority and charger only to kick in if batteries discharging because solar not providing sufficient charge. - Q: Is that possible? - Q: If not, what’s the forums view on second best option (Looking for automatic rather than relying on me to check voltage, switch on/off chargers etc 6. Buy the stuff and build Apologies, looking back that is a lot of questions. Hopefully others have got or will have similar questions so this isn't all about me!
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NB Col D'Or Hi all. we're now out of the marina and continuously cruising, left Yelvertoft, wnet down the Leicester Line to the GU then Braunston, Hillmorton, Hawkesbury & the Coventry, now making our leisurely way along the Ashby. We've got 2 x 180w PV panels with a cheapish regulator. Can anyone please suggest a good, not too expensive MPPT controller? Thanks in advance for any help. Coldor
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Hello, So I have read a lot on forums about how PWM and MPPT charge controllers work and their pros and cons. There seems to be a lot of disagreement whether a MPPT controller is worth the extra money for systems in the 200-500W range. This is where my chosen panels lie. My system is: 3 x 100W panels each at Vmax = 18.75V Voc = 22.09V Imp = 5.33A feeding 3 x 110ah leisure batteries So what I am asking is has anyone got any experience/advice on each type of charge controller and is an MPPT worth the extra money? I guess I should also say that the boat is a live aboard mostly in and around London. Thanks in advance
