Lowest OCV An MPPT Is "Worth It"?
There has to be some experience here on this forum to share. When I look at the MPPT manufacturer's data specs, the incredo-hyperbole gives me diarrhea.
Forum Discussion
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
...
That being said, there is a lot of space between say 14.8 volts and lower OCV "optimum working voltage" of say 17.5 VDC. Got it? Damned near three volts. Is the excess supposed to run around in circles and yell "Help! Help!"?
...
Where are they getting these idiots that design controllers? Companies like Outback have genuine engineers, but I am not going to have a 7 piece Oneida sterling silver place setting administering a Chinet plate. I do not have that kind of money.
Bogart Engineering might be working on near the same idea (due out soon):
"The SC-2030 is designed for use with a 12V panel (36 cells) and a 12V battery, or a 24V panel (72 cells) and a 24V battery with efficiency comparable to that of MPPT charge controllers, but without the high cost of MPPT."
Of course, we did not have the unused watt problem 2 decades ago. When installers were running 14-16 gauge wire from the panels we were lucky to get 15v at the controller. 8>)
