Display for PWM Controller?
After years of thinking about it, I’m about to get a solar setup. I live 5 minutes from SolarBlvd in Norco, so I will get most the stuff from them. The plan is to use the 140w Solar Cynergy panel (...
Forum Discussion
I’ll also get the Z mounts and cable from them (after I measure to determine how much cable I need).
Tell them to keep Z-mounts, those are useless for RV installations.
Cable: you need 2 different kinds in different length, a cable from panel to controller AND much thicker cable from controller to battery.
As to the display - you don't need it in this case. But you could get either of those, in order of increased cost and functions:
1) Turnigy $30. I think it needs a shunt and you have to re-wire or switch it when you change the mode, and it has to be near battery. But I might be wrong since don't have it.
2) Victron battery monitor $130
3) Trimetric battery monitor - this one will cost the same or even more than a small PWM controller with display, though will have more bells and whistles.
Solar Blvd is a reputable store but they do sell cr-ap as well. Morningstar is a reputable brand, but from looking at brief description I can't see what is the bulk voltage and whether it is a 3-stage and if so what are the setpoints. Disposable Chinese electronics is getting cheaper, but raw materials are getting scarce at the same time (and this is not a coincidence). Replacing the prematurely died battery will cost you a bit.
