Quick Test of Eco-Worthy MPPT Controller

JiminDenver wrote:
The MPPT vs PMW debate will rage on just as the FLA vs AGM will. BFL is doing all of us a great service with his comparisons and testing, those designing a system should pay attention.

Cost is a easy basic comparison but should be on the whole, not just the controller. 12v panels cost more per watt, have a larger footprint per watt, need heavier wiring all so you can save a few bucks on the controller.

Look at the controllers being compared too. The ultra cheap PWM controllers have few if any features. The one from Solarblvd has many returns too. Are you saving money if you have to replace the controller or decide you want one with features like a display, the ability to set charge values or in some cases even a float? What does a nice PWM controller cost and how does that system on a whole compare price wise?

I was hoping the $12 RJ special MPPT controller was real and would give a apples to apples comparison for price. Then we found it didn't do MPPT at all and a 24v panel would only be good on a 24v bank. Too bad too because that would have really dropped a 24v system in price.

12v has always had the edge in price while the 24v system has it in footprint. Cheaper 24v panels and controllers like the Eco-W brought them closer until I saw the 200w 12v system shipped and ready to go for $300. That's going to be hard to beat unless you can find your panels cheap like I did.

A 140 W 12 volt panel from Solar Blvd for $140 and a 10 or 15 amp PWM on ebay is hard to beat, price per amp. 7 to 8 amps per hour peak, if you aim it and chase the sun 2 or 3x a day, is not a bad start for a person in a travel trailer. Add in a $15 RC charger indicator in line, and you can figure out quite quickly where to aim to pull in then max chaging amps per hour of the day.