Solar component(s) help needed

While I do not have the Bogart it seems to work very well for those that do. You can attach up to 45 amps to that 30 amp controller as it will protect itself. So you could eventually add several 12v panels on the roof and still have a few portables when needed without fear of overload.

johnm1 wrote:
I've been pondering the Bogart 2030 (?) units for the PWM charge controller and battery monitor

This one is truly programmable. Note that you have to buy both units by Bogart. There are monitors that are either better or lower priced, but Bogart controller won't do you any good with a different monitor.

johnm1 wrote:

Just so much info out there and lots of people disagree on what's best for this or that.

Because you need to specify the goals and environment. Too many variables, different goals and different methods.
One limitation of Bogart PWM is that it is PWM. If you ever decide to go big, it will limit your array to ~400W @12V bank, and parallel wiring only.

SMK, I agree that a fixed install will harvest more with MPPT.
Nice thing about fixed is that it works all the time, including time on the road - where there is no shade.

OP wanted to know whether MPPT is better in the shade than PWM. Dense shade is a killer, no light = no charging, doesn't matter MPPT or PWM.
Partial shade - spatial not temporal - may affect MPPT more than PWM, if it's a single panel or 2 panels in series.

Smketter ... thanks for that. I think I'm sort of, kind of, starting to understand ... a little. I've been pondering the Bogart 2030 (?) units for the PWM charge controller and battery monitor (sorry, on cellphone and don't have part #'s) since they talk to each other which is nice.

Just so much info out there and lots of people disagree on what's best for this or that. It's hard to find my way through the forest sometimes.

For a fixed set of solar panels the MPPT will harvest more.
However if the extra money was spent on an extra panel with PWM the yield could be higher.

Larger systems tend to be MPPT because as the wattage grows users have a tendency to use lower cost 24v panels designed for home or commercial grid tie installations. Then suddenly you need MPPT to convert 24v to 12v.

Also if MPPT gives you an extra 5% to 15% that is not much on 100 watts but starts to add up at 500+ watts. The extra only happens during Bulk charging mode. Once in Absorption you have excess power either way so no benefit.

MPPT typically includes superior programming, remote voltage sense, temperature compensation, etc. Lowest cost PWM do not have these features. To really compare price it is best to compare a PWM that has the same features as the MPPT.

MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking
PWM = Pulse Width Modulated

Yes, most MPPT are more programmable than PWM. Though there are exceptions to either side. There are some primitive MPPT. And some very programmable PWM - from the top of my head, at least 2, by major brands.
I will leave examples out.

MPPT can be more programmable.
Not all MPPT are better than all PWM

Both can be better maintainers than your existing converter/charger when parked/storage.

johnm1 wrote:
Does the MPPT harvest the sun better than MWP in the shade?

None or very little benefits in the shade. And, in a partial shade - when part of a single panel is shaded - MPPT is sometimes worse than PWM, depends on particular panel.

The only reason for getting more expensive MPPT is if you plan on substantial expansion of the system, with +400W in mind.

(Disclaimer - I have MPPT, and a good one).

Ok ... next question. Does the MPPT harvest the sun better than MWP in the shade? I have no problems paying for the MPPT if it's going to serve my needs better.

Correct, there are no problems using MPPT for a small array. Most people just say its a cost vs. performance thing. You pay for the extra cost of MPPT without all of the gains of a high voltage or massive array.

With that said, I think your plan is solid. I also have never used 120V beyond at the house where I needed to run tools and such.