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
Um, I don't think I "get the rant" either... Then again, I'm maybe not a typical RV camper.
As Jim (HiTech) said, it's the programability and installation flexibility, that I want the most, MPPT is a secondary benefit. My two SunSaver MPPT15 controllers give me a lot of control over how I care for my batteries and allow me the freedom to use the available power as I see fit. I depend on my solar/battery/inverter setup to run some sizable loads in my TC, including the microwave, air-conditioner and hot water heater... and I almost never run a generator and I don't refill the LPG tank very often.
My "fancy" MPPT controller(s) has a programable diversion load output so when the batteries are full the "extra" power available is used to heat the hot water tank... It has two separate fine-tuned charge profiles (float & daily 3-step) which can be selected with the flip of a switch, it is temperature compensated and has a battery-mounted thermocouple which means that I charge at the correct voltage regardless of battery temp. The control also has a handy serial interface for programming, monitoring, and data logging.
With regard to the MPPT functionality; My panels are wired in series (2x100W and 2x64W) and the strings are each around 37V this means that I'm above charging voltage (~13.6V) from sunrise to sunset (nice if I want to run the A/C on a hot afternoon).
Yes MPPT controllers are more expensive, but IMHO they're worth every penny.
Cheers
-Mark
As Jim (HiTech) said, it's the programability and installation flexibility, that I want the most, MPPT is a secondary benefit. My two SunSaver MPPT15 controllers give me a lot of control over how I care for my batteries and allow me the freedom to use the available power as I see fit. I depend on my solar/battery/inverter setup to run some sizable loads in my TC, including the microwave, air-conditioner and hot water heater... and I almost never run a generator and I don't refill the LPG tank very often.
My "fancy" MPPT controller(s) has a programable diversion load output so when the batteries are full the "extra" power available is used to heat the hot water tank... It has two separate fine-tuned charge profiles (float & daily 3-step) which can be selected with the flip of a switch, it is temperature compensated and has a battery-mounted thermocouple which means that I charge at the correct voltage regardless of battery temp. The control also has a handy serial interface for programming, monitoring, and data logging.
With regard to the MPPT functionality; My panels are wired in series (2x100W and 2x64W) and the strings are each around 37V this means that I'm above charging voltage (~13.6V) from sunrise to sunset (nice if I want to run the A/C on a hot afternoon).
Yes MPPT controllers are more expensive, but IMHO they're worth every penny.
Cheers
-Mark
