Handy solar info for lead acid batteries

hbski wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

His bias against all charge controllers except for Morningstar. There are other reliable units. Outback makes quite wonderful stuff. And there are some Chinese knock offs that are essentially identical to the Morningstar MPPT units at 1/4 the price.

I've not read that blog cover to cover, but I have read a lot of it and never seen him bash anything other than the Midnite stuff he's personally had problems with. Also he has actually said on the blog not to ask him about controller X or Y because he can't evaluate without having used one.

pianotuna wrote:
His bias that the trimetric is the 'only' amp hour counter that is perfect. Victron makes one that is cheaper and better.

I can't comment on which one of you is more accurate on this since I've not used either one, but I can say that obviously you are biased to your choice as well.

pianotuna wrote:
His recommendation for HUGE cables with PWM controllers. Once you have cable that will carry the number of amps safely then there is no need to go larger. MPPT is a different matter and size is important

Working with small voltage differences 1 to 3 volts difference from battery voltage to charge voltage will rob you of a lot of potential power at small voltage losses since the losses are based on the line voltage.....on his charging puzzle page he indicates 3% drop or less from the roof......that doesn't equate to "HUGE" cables.


I too find him cranky and opinionated, but he also provides some good info. He definitely has a bias for Bogart and Tristar, but admittedly says he has not tried many others and recommends what HE knows will work from experience. He also alludes here and there about his frustration with folks asking him to evaluate this or that and asking questions without reading what he has already posted......generally understandable positions.

What I got out of it was some good info and perspective. I personally don't subscribe to all of his opinions and bias, but it was a good read all the same and I found nothing that was listed as fact that was "dead wrong"

Well said. I agree 100%