Solar controller MPPT or PWM

[MtB]

800 Watts?!

 

You could almost run an electric kettle on your boat from that...

 

 

MtB

[Top cat]

Thanks guys , most interesting, I've learned a lot.

 

That stuff on E bay looks quite good value

 

Now off to add up the cost of all the other bits I need for installation and compare that with the fully fitted price my supplier has quoted

 

TC

[FidoDido]

I have a 36v panel. Is a 20A tracer the best value mppt to get? They come in at about 80 quid direct from china. Any other options? 170w panel. Ta

[smileypete]

If you have 12V batt bank, aye!

 

ETA If buying from Asia to save money, the seller Ningbo Solar might be worth a look:

 

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/20A-Tracer-2210RN-EP-MPPT-Solar-Controller-Regulators/319525_550000067.html

 

In the UK Bimble Solar have it quite reasonably priced:

 

http://www.bimblesolar.com/offgrid/mppt

 

Bear in mind if it comes from Asia it might take a few weeks through normal air mail or be liable for duty payments if it comes DHL or UPS etc, plus what to do if it goes wrong...

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited June 6, 2013 by smileypete

[bowten]

Right so now I have fitted my Trojan 6v batteries(450amp)I need solar.Thinking of fitting 40amp tracer MPPT controller and around 350watts of solar panel.What do the educated think?

[FidoDido]

I'm no expert.. However, I'd have thought a 30A controller would be fine for 350W. Of course, that would leave no room for later expansion..

 

Navitron have some Sanyo 220W panels at £120 at the moment.. bargain I'd say. No idea how big though.. Might be big and square. I got one of the s/h ones from Bimble, and they leave enough room you can walk on the roof either side of the panel. (Mine is mounted flat)

[matty40s]

The navitron polycrystalline tend to be very Square whereas the mono panels tend to be 80 or max 90 cm wide, leaving ample walkspace if offset.

I reckon that will be all you need Bowten, and am quite sure you are able to fabricate the brackets to suit given your woodworking skills.