Solar Charge Controller
I need some recommendations on a Solar Charge Controller. I want to upgrade my solar charger. I have a 100 watt solar panel with a cheap charge controller with lights only. I want to upgrade to a d...
Forum Discussion
mtnman - you should measure voltage in the morning, not in the evening.
At sunset, when it's just finished charging, voltage is unstable, descending from 13.6 where controller was keeping it. Late in the evening it may read 12.7 not because it's full but because it didn't settle down yet. Or - below 12.7 if there are any loads, while still being nearly full. Morning voltage before sunrise (and preferably without loads) will give you much better picture.
After battery has been charged, it takes 20-24 hours for voltage to settle down to its "true" level, but overnight is close enough.
Wire that little meter so that it would read amps and amp-hours too, not just volts. This, together with voltage, should be enough for your uses.
At sunset, when it's just finished charging, voltage is unstable, descending from 13.6 where controller was keeping it. Late in the evening it may read 12.7 not because it's full but because it didn't settle down yet. Or - below 12.7 if there are any loads, while still being nearly full. Morning voltage before sunrise (and preferably without loads) will give you much better picture.
After battery has been charged, it takes 20-24 hours for voltage to settle down to its "true" level, but overnight is close enough.
Wire that little meter so that it would read amps and amp-hours too, not just volts. This, together with voltage, should be enough for your uses.
