Need help choosing a solar controller
I have 6, 53 watt Siemens panels I am going to use to keep 4 100amp batteries charged up at my cabin. I am looking for some help picking a 30 amp controller suitable for the job. I looked on ebay ...
Forum Discussion
BFL13, what is the NEC reference about a "20% margin". That's pretty vague.
OP, There are a lot of charge controllers available for sure. The PWM controllers are less expensive but leave some of the array's potential output "behind". To get the most out of the array an MPPT charge controller is necessary. If the input voltage of the controller will allow wiring your panels in series will simplify the wiring and reduce voltage drop.
Morningstar and Blue Sky would be my 2 choices for a small charge controller. Both offer PWM and MPPT versions. Most with options for remote temp. sensors, meters, etc. You need to decide what features you want.
A proper charge controller won't need you to reprogram it depending on if your using the cabin or not. You would simply program it to the manufacturers recommended charging specifications for the batteries and leave it alone.
OP, There are a lot of charge controllers available for sure. The PWM controllers are less expensive but leave some of the array's potential output "behind". To get the most out of the array an MPPT charge controller is necessary. If the input voltage of the controller will allow wiring your panels in series will simplify the wiring and reduce voltage drop.
Morningstar and Blue Sky would be my 2 choices for a small charge controller. Both offer PWM and MPPT versions. Most with options for remote temp. sensors, meters, etc. You need to decide what features you want.
A proper charge controller won't need you to reprogram it depending on if your using the cabin or not. You would simply program it to the manufacturers recommended charging specifications for the batteries and leave it alone.
