Solar Install: what would you change
I’m going to do a small solar install on my 5th wheel, and I am curious what you would change about your current setup. What did you do that was wrong, not good enough or just a minor annoyance. M...
Forum Discussion
An MPPT controller will always outperform a PWM controller (this isn’t an absolute, but close enough for the purposes we are discussing). However, the cost difference between the two should be weighed into the decision. If your panels are within the voltage range of a PWM controller and you plan to run the panels in parallel only, then a PWM controller may be more cost effective on a budget.
I personally always size a controller bigger (within reason) than is needed for systems I design. It is more cost effective to spend a little more up front for a controller capable of growing with your needs than it is to by a smaller/less capable controller up front and then have to buy a completely different controller later in order to expand. I apply this same reasoning to wire size in my systems. Spend a little more up front to allow for growth rather than having to rip everything out and start over when you want to expand. Of course everyone has a budget that has to be met, so all of this has to be weighed against that to make an informed decision.
I personally always size a controller bigger (within reason) than is needed for systems I design. It is more cost effective to spend a little more up front for a controller capable of growing with your needs than it is to by a smaller/less capable controller up front and then have to buy a completely different controller later in order to expand. I apply this same reasoning to wire size in my systems. Spend a little more up front to allow for growth rather than having to rip everything out and start over when you want to expand. Of course everyone has a budget that has to be met, so all of this has to be weighed against that to make an informed decision.
