Solar controllers

[larryjc]

Sorry if this is old hat but I did a search and couldn't find an answer. I have a combined inverter/charger/solar regulator (Powermaster SL). If I leave the boat with the inverter on so that the solar panels can keep the batteries topped up, the inverter is so current hungry even in standby (needed to allow the solar regulator to function) that it just about negates the value of the panels. Also it is of the old non mppt type so is not as efficient as it could be. Consequently, I am considering a separate charge controller but being mean don't want to pay too much. I want something that needs little power to run it but can safely manage full batteries.

What would the panel recommend? I've seen several 'Chinese' ones on Ebay and also this on Amazon which has some decent reviews:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solar-Controller-Regulator-Charger-360w/dp/B008A2X9OO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1419008835&sr=8-5&keywords=mppt+solar+charge+controller

 

 

[matty40s]

How many and what voltage output/wattage panels do you have. ??

[valrene9600]

This is not a MPPT controller which I have learnt on the forum is best. Also check the max wattage of your panels, this one is 360. Think if you want to add more panels later.

I am sure some good advice will follow me.

[Tom Richmond]

Bimble solar is your best bet.

 

Get MPPT.

 

Match to the output of your panels, but as suggested above, consider 'future proofing' by allowing for addition of more panels if you want. The website indicates panel wattage/charger amperage, but in general it's about 10A for every 100W of panel output.

 

I think my 30A controller cost me £120 from Bimble... Don't feel you have to have the extra remote panel. It has loads of modes and functions, but in reality the only useful thing it tells you is the voltage. On the other hand, if you don't have a simple reliable way of viewing your voltage, then the remote panel might be a good way to do it!

 

Best of luck!

[SamKingfisher]

I find the remote panel useful. It tells me amps in, which I find endlessly fascinating, and also tells me when the panel voltage is stuck at 20v and the controller needs rebooting.

[larryjc]

Sorry - should have said - 200w 12 v and although I understand the argument about future proofing, I have no intention of getting more as I have an inboard gennie and when we are on the boat we move nearly every day. I put MPPT into Amazon and should have read more carefully as clearly this isn't one. However Ebay have these:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30A-MPPT-Solar-Panel-Regulator-Battery-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-With-LCD-USB-PK-/310857447913?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item48608c39e9

 

I tend to flinch from things from China but at a third the price of the Bimble ones one has to think about them.

 

Edit: Sorry should have added that I'm not sure of the panels voltage - need to measure it next time I'm at the boat but I thinks its about 19v.

Edited December 19, 2014 by larryjc

[Detling]

I can recommend Tracer MPPT controllers they seem to work fine and you can get them for reasonable money on fleabay, either from UK supplier or direct from china/Hong Kong. not sure about warranty tho from china.

[smileypete]

For 200W solar and 12V batts a Tracer 20A MPPT should do, can be had directly from Asia for £70:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EPsolar-Tracer-2210RN-MPPT-Solar-Battery-Charge-Controller-Regulator-20A-12-24V-/231110747570

 

If PWM is OK a lot of the cheap PWMs aren't all that, but this should be one of the better ones being made by the Tracer folk:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EP-Solar-Landstar-20A-12-24V-Solar-Controller-inc-15-Hour-Light-Timer-Function-/281533914262

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

[robo joe]

I have the 2nd one the poster showed very happy with it .no problems at all.

[trackman]

Agreed, we got a Tracer from ebay and it's been good for the 12 months we've had it.

I was lucky enough to find an offer with the remote meter included for next to nothing extra. It doesn't tell me how many Ah has been delivered, which might be more useful, but does say what current is going into the batteries plus the actual panel voltage and battery bank voltage.

It also makes easier the process of checking & adjusting the controller settings.

[matty40s]

The new model Tracer listed by Bimble is only a bit more,,and it's remote meter does give you cumulative figures.....and nd the unit can also be connected to a pc.

[larryjc]

Robo Joe - sorry, do you mean the second one I posted ie this one:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30A-MPPT-Solar-Panel-Regulator-Battery-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-With-LCD-USB-PK-/310857447913?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item48608c39e9

 

Or do you mean the second one that smiley pete mentioned??

[roggie]

I brought this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360521804335?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT which I had read a good review (on YouTube). Also read a poor review to one of your other cheaper suggestions. Early days as I only installed it the other week and there isn't much sun out there this time of the year. I also hear good things about Bimble but there a a tad more expensive. I only have a 70w panel and no plans to add more.

[Timleech]

I brought this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360521804335?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT which I had read a good review (on YouTube). Also read a poor review to one of your other cheaper suggestions. Early days as I only installed it the other week and there isn't much sun out there this time of the year. I also hear good things about Bimble but there a a tad more expensive. I only have a 70w panel and no plans to add more.

 

I've had one of those for six months, seems to do what it says on the tin.

 

Tim

[Arthur Brown]

There is NO warranty on anything that you buy from China. In fact you as the importer are responsible for it's CE compliance as it enters the EC. AND if the customs notice you, there could be import duty and VAT to pay.

[robo joe]

Yes the 2nd one