charge controllers...ebay china cheapos vs morningstar
Has anyone started out with an ebay cheapo and then upgraded to a morningstar?? If so, did you see any real difference??...tia
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I very timely post......
I bought a $288 solar system from Solar Blvd
http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-Systems-12-Volt-Solar-Kits/c1_272/p2748/12-Volt-120-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-SHIPPING/product_info.html
It included the following:
1 pcs: 120 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel
1 pcs: Phocos CML-20, 20 Amp 12V PWM Charge Controller
1 pcs: Phocos CMM Volts/Amp Display For Charge Controller
1 pcs: 40 FT 10 Gauge AWG PV Solar Cable w/ MC4 Connectors
1 pcs: Z Bracket (4 Pack)
The first Phocos did not work so I called Solar Blvd and the next day I had a replacement. Great service! The second one kinda worked but it didn't seem to be letting the battery charge properly. The panel was putting out "X" and the controller was only applying a small percentage to the battery.
I realized that AltE Solar was a bout three miles from my office
http://www.altestore.com/store/
So I bit the bullet and bought a morningstar 20A controller for $79 and installed it with the same wiring the Phocos was using. Immediate improvement. Battery charged right up to full within 8 hours of good sunlight. Seems to be working great!
Now I'm a happy camper!
BTW, I wrote a whole article about this experience on my web page
www.rvbprecision.com
I bought a $288 solar system from Solar Blvd
http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-Systems-12-Volt-Solar-Kits/c1_272/p2748/12-Volt-120-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-SHIPPING/product_info.html
It included the following:
1 pcs: 120 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel
1 pcs: Phocos CML-20, 20 Amp 12V PWM Charge Controller
1 pcs: Phocos CMM Volts/Amp Display For Charge Controller
1 pcs: 40 FT 10 Gauge AWG PV Solar Cable w/ MC4 Connectors
1 pcs: Z Bracket (4 Pack)
The first Phocos did not work so I called Solar Blvd and the next day I had a replacement. Great service! The second one kinda worked but it didn't seem to be letting the battery charge properly. The panel was putting out "X" and the controller was only applying a small percentage to the battery.
I realized that AltE Solar was a bout three miles from my office
http://www.altestore.com/store/
So I bit the bullet and bought a morningstar 20A controller for $79 and installed it with the same wiring the Phocos was using. Immediate improvement. Battery charged right up to full within 8 hours of good sunlight. Seems to be working great!
Now I'm a happy camper!
BTW, I wrote a whole article about this experience on my web page
www.rvbprecision.com
