Looking To Add Solar Down The Road

BFL13 wrote:

I have not been looking each time to see. I did happen to be looking when it went from bulk to float and it did say absorb for about a nano-second. It does drop to 14.4 right after hitting 14.8 every time with beginning SOC as low as 70% from what I have been able to tell. No idea about all situations.

I was thinking it might be more to do with how high the SOC is by the time the voltage reaches 14.8 on four 6s when using only 15 amps charging. That low a charging rate would have the batts at high-90s SOC before bulk ends at 14.8v. So maybe the controller sees that and just goes to float?

Might be different on just two 6s or one 12, where it would end bulk at a lower SOC and then maybe stay in absorb for a time?

BTW I did see 16.x (instead of the usual 15.x )without cloud edge effect the other day, but the sky was exceptionally clear and blue. The 130 was also doing over its Isc so that is how I know it was an unusual day for insolation.

With cloud effect, I did see 18.x amps briefly and 17.x for several minutes running. That is what I was hoping MPPT would do all the time! :( Anyway, that 230, Eco-W combo is very nice as it stands.

It is just that I would have been as well off with 230 and PWM as it turns out. But then I would have missed all the fun playing with these things and taking measurements :)

I'll have to pay attention the next time I have the grp 27 down. it takes a good 3 hours to get to float from 12.3 on it.

I knew you would start seeing better numbers once summer got here. We were always in float by the time the clouds showed up at noon. I have the 245's now and a load to push them. Should be fun.

MPPT isn't worth the cash based only on the handful of extra amps a day you get, I agree. That said which system are you keeping? Like the Tracking, tilt and flat test, the side by side comparisons are appreciated.

With matching panels, it will be interesting to see how the Eco-w fairs against the Morningstar side by side. Will saving money cost amps or will there me a difference big enough to be worth a higher dollar unit if you don't need the features.