Forum Discussion
BFL13
Mar 25, 2014Explorer II
In the photo above, for a time I had only the 130w panel in it (I sold the two 100w ones) but was still way out from the trailer same place and I still got my 8.2 amps from the 130w panel. Controller was similar to the OP's, being a $13 "RJ Special" from ebay.
Just use the same AH figures as in my previous post and cut them in half for your 160w results instead of 320w.
BTW I admire folks who can do things in a craftsmanlike manner, so all I am saying is that you can still get decent results if you are more of a slob like me.
The two 80s in series would make 44v so that would be more than the $102, 42v Eco-W 20a MPPT can handle. The $125 Tracer could do it. After that you are up into the $300 range. Meanwhile the $13 controller is getting you nearly the same daily AH haul with the two 80s in parallel.
ISTR MPPT is just not worth it unless you have a bigger array at the 300w level on up. You need enough more amps than PWM to justify the high cost of the controller.
The other issue is that if you do your 300w as one big panel you have no choice--it must be MPPT. If you had two 150s you could still choose PWM or MPPT. Choice is good.
Just use the same AH figures as in my previous post and cut them in half for your 160w results instead of 320w.
BTW I admire folks who can do things in a craftsmanlike manner, so all I am saying is that you can still get decent results if you are more of a slob like me.
The two 80s in series would make 44v so that would be more than the $102, 42v Eco-W 20a MPPT can handle. The $125 Tracer could do it. After that you are up into the $300 range. Meanwhile the $13 controller is getting you nearly the same daily AH haul with the two 80s in parallel.
ISTR MPPT is just not worth it unless you have a bigger array at the 300w level on up. You need enough more amps than PWM to justify the high cost of the controller.
The other issue is that if you do your 300w as one big panel you have no choice--it must be MPPT. If you had two 150s you could still choose PWM or MPPT. Choice is good.
About Technical Issues
Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,341 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 07, 2025