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
Morningstar recently released/published a white paper on MPPT. Their conclusion was that MPPT was best if had a minimum of 200 watts of solar panels. Otherwise, MPPT would not be effective.
As an aside, if using RV constantly, solar controllers which want to go into float don't make much sense as there will probably be a load on the batteries. If RV is in storage, then float makes sense not to kill the batteries.
Also, each battery manufacturer has different specs on voltage for each stage (e.g., Concorde/Lifeline AGMs have different ideal charging voltages than Odyssey AGMs. Programmable controllers allow you to set different voltages and different times (with caveat, that simultaneous loads/drains on batteries may change what stage you are in charging.
As an aside, if using RV constantly, solar controllers which want to go into float don't make much sense as there will probably be a load on the batteries. If RV is in storage, then float makes sense not to kill the batteries.
Also, each battery manufacturer has different specs on voltage for each stage (e.g., Concorde/Lifeline AGMs have different ideal charging voltages than Odyssey AGMs. Programmable controllers allow you to set different voltages and different times (with caveat, that simultaneous loads/drains on batteries may change what stage you are in charging.
