Best charge controllers..

BFL13 wrote:
In MPPT Bulk it seeks Vmp. In PWM mode in Absorption and Float it lets go of Vmp and does "on demand" with voltage varying (not constant) The voltage appears to go higher than Vmp down the knee and back up the knee if demand increases. Actually it is turning on and off (PWM) with durations varying.

What happens when you have multiple panels in series and the VMP is over 40V? That's right...has nothing to do with Vmp

In MPPT Bulk it seeks Vmp. In PWM mode in Absorption and Float it lets go of Vmp and does "on demand" with voltage varying (not constant) The voltage appears to go higher than Vmp down the knee and back up the knee if demand increases. Actually it is turning on and off (PWM) with durations varying.

time2roll wrote:

groundhogy wrote:
So.. PWM, with its switching the higher voltage on and off extends battery life and removes sulfation, while MPPT does not? MPPT results in shorter battery life?

Is there an MPPT charge controller with a boost? Mode? Boost mode is for cleaning off sulfate?

MPPT only functions in bulk mode then moves to PWM for absorption and float.

It does't really run in a PWM mode other than to limit current so it isn't really the same thing as a PWM controller. It is still doing its DC to DC conversion at all times.

During absorption it is in Constant Voltage mode. It can still deliver higher current that the max current of the panel which is the drawback of a PWM controller. You only get the max current that the panel provides with a PWM controller.

An MPPT controller is essentially just a DC to DC converter. If you have panels wired at 100V putting out 10A for a 1000W, trust me, you will be putting in more than 10A in absorption mode.

groundhogy wrote:
So.. PWM, with its switching the higher voltage on and off extends battery life and removes sulfation, while MPPT does not? MPPT results in shorter battery life?

Is there an MPPT charge controller with a boost? Mode? Boost mode is for cleaning off sulfate?

MPPT only functions in bulk mode then moves to PWM for absorption and float.

My Morningstar runs one of three different programs depending on the battery voltage at start up. Basically for storage, normal use or excessive use. All programmable to suit your needs. And yes it will do equalization automatic or manually. Again all programmable on time, voltage, and frequency. Or it can just blink the lights to suggest manual maintenance.

groundhogy wrote:
So.. PWM, with its switching the higher voltage on and off extends battery life and removes sulfation, while MPPT does not? MPPT results in shorter battery life?

Is there an MPPT charge controller with a boost? Mode? Boost mode is for cleaning off sulfate?

Say what?

Victron MPPTs have equilization modes if that is what you think you want.

No reason these days to buy a PWM. The price difference between PWM and MPPT is so small, just get an MPPT.

I just replaced my Morningstar MPPT with a Victron MPPT. Why? Setup is super simple with the Bluetooth app. I have the PV controller networked with the battery monitor through a Raspberry Pi so now I get email alerts if the battery charger goes down. I'm a meter freak and I really like the phone app and HTTP interface. It seems like Morningstar has slacked off on the integration side of their small controllers, Victron has really pulled ahead there. However, time will tell in regards to reliability; my Morningstar worked for 10 years without a hitch and that's something.

Bruce

mchero wrote:
I installed four high voltage 250w panels so I could run standard PV cable. Only drawback was i had to purchase charge controller that could handle the voltage the panels put out when wired in series, up to 120 volts! Midnight Solar Classic Light 150 fit the bill and has been running w/o issue for the last 3 years. Will FULLY charge my four Interstate batteries!

Morningstar has a controller that goes to 600 Voc.

Did I see a separate device you can buy that is a desulfator?
Thought I saw something.
Like it uses bursts of RF energy?

So.. PWM, with its switching the higher voltage on and off extends battery life and removes sulfation, while MPPT does not? MPPT results in shorter battery life?

Is there an MPPT charge controller with a boost? Mode? Boost mode is for cleaning off sulfate?

I have Morningstar and it has worked flawlessly from day one.