House/solar battery opinions
My current battery space is 20"L x 14"w x 10"H Going solar, and want to packs as much AH in there as I can (reasonably). Currently looking at 250 - 300. Price is not THE deciding factor, unless ...
Forum Discussion
westend wrote:
I looked at finding a sweet spot with a smaller system (200-400w) and ended up with a single 235w module and the MS-MPPT-15 controller. It is all performing as planned.
Hidden in the MS product literature addressing input capability is the admonition to limit watts to 210w. The controller will not fail from inputting a larger amount, it is locked to 15A, output, though. The availability of configurable charge parameters, the cost, and assumed brand quality are the qualities that influenced my purchase.
I understand.
I ran my 130W 7.44Isc panel through an SS 6PWM for a year. Yes, I was relying on the quality of Morningstar products. Their Amp rating for the Gen 2 version controller is already DERATED 25%, unlike other cheaper, dodgy controllers.
Also for two years I have run a 170W 10.24Isc array with an SS-10PWM with the same derating. A cheap controller would have advertised/spec'ed at 12.5A!
If the 25% derating applies to the MPPT 15, it may be possible to go up to 250W by relying on the Morningstar reputation. OTOH, you may have an expensive slow-blow fuse.
HTH;
John
