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
Salvo wrote:
In that case, you must really be solar undersized. Most people state they are in absorption by noon or 1pm. Seems like your batteries never get fully charged; at least not with solar.
Not at all. 370 watts of solar, 440 Ah storage. The last trip out of 13 days, 100% solar, no HU, full charge everyday.
Here's what PD says:
14.4-VOLTS (Boost Mode) – Returned the battery to 90% of full charge in approximately 3-hours. The battery reached full charge in approximately 11 hours.
http://www.progressivedyn.com/prod_details/charge_wizard.html
PD says the battery is 3 hours in boost when it is starting with 0% SOC. From 0% SOC, boost duration is 27%. We usually start with 50% SOC. Therefore I think 20% in boost is fairly accurate.
What does converter charging have to do with this? Yes, I can charge my bank to 90% in three hours with the WFCO at 65 amps, but that's a different game from solar charging. I will quite normally see 20 to 27 amps from the Rogue with peak watts exceeding rated panel output happening often enough not to be a rare event. Maybe what's confusing you is that I use solar for more than just battery charging. Even after the batteries are in float, usage demand (an afternoon pot of coffee or a movie) will drop the controller back into MPPT to supply the demand.
There's no difference between 12V and 24V panels in this regard.12thgenusa wrote:
Of the more than 12 hours my system is charging these days, at least eight are in MPPT. There again it may be different for 24-volt panels.
