which solar controller

[londonron]

I use a morningstar tristar 45 mppt on my old boat im happy with but thats going.

 

I have a new boat and wondered with everything changing all the time whats the current leader.

 

3x 210 watt panels and will have 4x120 leisures. May go traction.

 

Anyone have a recent experience?

[Robbo]

Well an Outback is arguably the leader at the moment for a preimum controller.

 

Victron do all in one charger/inverter/controller. - http://www.victronenergy.com/solar-pv-inverters/easysolar/

[londonron]

am thinking i have a bit of space and may get seperates. Love the idea of the all in one but also am aware if 1 bit breaks.

have got a quote coming in for batteries , controller and invertor. Could be a heart attack moment. I shall sit down when i read it

[b0atman]

A wise move all eggs in one basket one faulty part and all are away for repair then how do you manage .Its false economy and not following KISS

[Robbo]

A wise move all eggs in one basket one faulty part and all are away for repair then how do you manage .Its false economy and not following KISS

 

Well apart from the all eggs in one basket. But keeping it simple it's more simple than seperates!

Edited October 29, 2014 by Robbo

[Nightwatch]

What do the panel think of the Victron MPPT 75/15 Blue Solar?

 

Martyn

[colin stone]

I am also looking at a new controller and veering towards the new Tracer BN series because it has max 150v input and remote battery temp sensor.

2215BN, 20A, is £90 plus £21 for remote meter, but I'll probably go for 30A 3215BN £120.

Bimblesolar, with several happy barge customers.

[bottle]

What do the panel think of the Victron MPPT 75/15 Blue Solar?

 

Martyn

 

I have one, bought as stop gap because it was on the shelf.

 

It works but the settings are fixed, so no variation on charging voltage etc.

 

My previous one (cheap chinese or similar) had lots of settings for different batteries.

 

Victron is fixed at 28.8 (24 volt system) so probably 14.4 for 12v

[londonron]

have decided on the outback flex 80. Does everything as you would expect for that price (500) but its good for a 1000 watt 150volt system so I can add to my 600watt 3 panels should i ever want to and as i have a 70ft narrow boat i do have a bit of roof space.

 

Trouble with the victron was it looks great for a small boat. 75/15 i would need more amps. and the 100/50 i would need a few more volts. Horses for courses and all that. The all in one was very tempting though untill i remembered i already have a charger and havent used it in 2 years since i had the solar.

Edited October 31, 2014 by londonron

[TaffyRon]

I am also looking at a new controller and veering towards the new Tracer BN series because it has max 150v input and remote battery temp sensor.

2215BN, 20A, is £90 plus £21 for remote meter, but I'll probably go for 30A 3215BN £120.

Bimblesolar, with several happy barge customers.

Yep, I got tracer, 38v in 12 out, 12amps if its clear for 260watt panel

Yep, I got tracer, 38v in 12 out, 12amps if its clear for 260watt panel

bimble is best for boats

[Peter-Bullfinch]

Just beware with Bimble that they have actually got the parts in stock before you pay unless you are happy to wait for a while. My order took some time to arrive but was complete. Luckily I wasn't in too much of a hurry.

[TaffyRon]

I use a morningstar tristar 45 mppt on my old boat im happy with but thats going.

 

I have a new boat and wondered with everything changing all the time whats the current leader.

 

3x 210 watt panels and will have 4x120 leisures. May go traction.

 

Anyone have a recent experience?

 

630watts should do you nicely

[londonron]

good advice about checking in stock. Will make sure i ask. once i have the Controller i bet i stick the 4th panel on the boat. So nice to have full batteries all year around