Solar Questions, yes more solar questions
Okay, before you say it, I did search, and have been reading on this for days. Here is my question. I have a bonus coming possibly and am trying to decide if I want to use it for solar on our ...
Forum Discussion
KE6IRJ wrote:
Still looking, but I really like the controller having the remote display so I can see what's happening without opening my storage compartment.
It looks like to do this, I have to run all the power through the controller, not just the power to the batteries.
Still looking. How is everyone's personal experience with Renology? I see a lot of reviews mentioning fire and melting.
#1: Remote display is convenient. $12 Voltmeter will show what's happening with battery charge - this is important. Expensive - and rather basic - remote meter of Xantrex, and similarly basic meter of few other controllers will show this, and also charging current - more fun than usefulness :). Seriously though, I would pay premium for a remote if I needed it (my controller is inside the rig, with onboard display).
#2: I don't understand. You always run "all the power" to battery through the controller. This is what controller does - regulates voltage coming through. Remote meter is connected via network plug and telephone style cable, there is no "power" there. Like I said, it will only show current to the battery, battery voltage and daily solar harvest. Which is not too bad.
A separate "battery monitor" would provide more data and would cost a lot more, you may or may not need it. There is one PWM that does this all - Trimetric SC 2030 - it's an add-on to their battery monitor TM 2030 rather than a standalone PWM, and it's 30A, not 35.
#3: No personal experience with their controllers. From what I see, Xantrex, Morningstar and few other guys will kick Ren's ars with hands tied behind the back. Don't remember if Renogy make 35A or 40A PWM, and 30 won't be enough for 3*160W.
