Solar Controllers--Don't be a Sucker! :(
Just got to say it again, how it is we are sitting here for five months off grid on solar with no problems at all (third season on solar like this), using the non-programmable, non-MPPT, solar control...
Forum Discussion
i only use one controller the blue sky, the xantrex is a spare for backup use, it came with the last set of panels i bought
because it has a higher max current, i tested it and compared it to my blue sky controller
in full sun the output was about 2amps higher, but bulk/absorption only lasted 4 hrs, then went to float
with my residential fridge running on inverter, i was losing amphrs
the xantrex C30 is not a new controller, and the 4hr full power is supposedly a battery saver to avoid overcharge and heating
on a cloudy day with intermittent sun, it would charge most of the day, and give higher 'peak' 'cloud effect' amps
but tested over a period of days, i came up short in total amphrs compared to the blue sky
the fridge cycles all day/night never turned off, so we use power 24/7
and need all the amphrs we can get
afternoon is not a matter of full SOC and wasted amps
my dinner time genset run is my top off, as the batteries are still taking amps
because it has a higher max current, i tested it and compared it to my blue sky controller
in full sun the output was about 2amps higher, but bulk/absorption only lasted 4 hrs, then went to float
with my residential fridge running on inverter, i was losing amphrs
the xantrex C30 is not a new controller, and the 4hr full power is supposedly a battery saver to avoid overcharge and heating
on a cloudy day with intermittent sun, it would charge most of the day, and give higher 'peak' 'cloud effect' amps
but tested over a period of days, i came up short in total amphrs compared to the blue sky
the fridge cycles all day/night never turned off, so we use power 24/7
and need all the amphrs we can get
afternoon is not a matter of full SOC and wasted amps
my dinner time genset run is my top off, as the batteries are still taking amps
