Update 5 March----------I just got this and will not have a chance till April to test out what its charging profile is or even if shunt or series, but I was able to power it up and find out the mystery number--how high can you set the high set point? Answer- 15.0 voltsI got this so I could match the voltage I set on another controller where both are on the same battery bank (long story)The next mystery is what happens after it gets to the set-point? Manual just says it shuts off the PV and then it all gets going again after voltage falls (sounds like a shunt type) Can't find a float voltage setting like it says it has-adjustable it says--oh well, we'll see.I was hoping it has an adjustable float voltage so I could make that 14.8v too and then it would just stay at 14.8 once it got there till it gets dark, but that might not be possible. At least I can set it to 14.8 as the high.This thing is huge compared with the "RJ special" I have (CMT02 whatever it's called)--which I did get to try out last year and it works fine except of course it is not MPPT as marked, just PWM, but it maxes at 14.4v and I want 14.8This one has nice big wire terminals too, takes #8 easy. The terminal screws work backwards though--counter-clockwise tightens the terminal onto the wire :)I got it from a different ebay guy than this one, but this is the unithttp://www.ebay.ca/itm/30A-Solar-Panel-Charge-Controller-Regulator-SOLAR30-30A-12V-24V-AUTO-360W-720W-A-/181306473974?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a36b53df6Another thing that is great about this, is the AH counter on it. Last year with a split battery bank and one controller on each bank, I could only have the Trimetric on one bank. So I could use this controller on the other and have an AH count of what goes in. (No use like the Trimetric is for counting AH out of the battery though)

And all for $31 shipping included. I can not see trusting hundreds of dollars to a cheap single stage converter. the 10.5V cut is at 0% SOC (I am unsure as to what that refers to). Do some testing, I will be interested in the AH setting.

Most of the settings are to do with loads. Nothing to do with actual battery charging. After we get to our seasonal in mid- April, I will be able to try out this one and the Eco-Worthy MPPT too I haven't used yet. (Although JiminDenver has already reported on that one working ok)I just need a simple PWM to run the 130w panel while the Eco-W runs the 230w panel in MPPT. If I stay with a combined bank, then both need to be on it at the same voltage at least up to 14.8. After that amps taper and batteries will be nearly full and the 130w panel will be superfluous since by then the 230w could do it all.Based on past years, I will soon wish I didn't even have the 130 :( Maybe I can sell it to some newbie in July after I get some more use out of it in cloudier April-June :)

What do the instructions say for setting the float voltage? There should be something in there about it after setting the bulk charge voltage. Hold the button for 5 seconds or 10 seconds to get it into the next "mode" of adjusting the settings.If 14.4 is the bulk voltage default setting, I'd think they would give you + or - .9V as settings?Just ordered one, so I blew $31 to be a guinea pig for all of us. Plenty of sunshine here in So Cal to figure it out.

Niner it is all your fault I got this thing! :) The manual says in one place it has an adjustable high set point and in another that it has an adjustable float voltage. In real life, it seems there is only the one adjustable voltage for when it stops charging (high set point)http://www.chinasolarregulator.com/user-manual/solar30.pdfWhatever, I am not sorry I got this. I don't even care if it is shunt instead of series. I had a shunt one before and it did the job just fine. You can way over-do the fancy stuff in this racket.BTW there is a Youtube that Russian guy uploaded I linked some time ago that shows how to push the buttons. Came up on Google.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOw-ZxYJJ2QHe also has the RJ special so you can see how big the Solar 30 is.

BFL13 wrote:BTW there is a Youtube that Russian guy uploaded I linked some time ago that shows how to push the buttons. Came up on Google..Is that the one that shows my clothesline? I was hoping he Photoshop'd that out by now.

Solar30 Controller Test Update | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 16, 2014
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Panel specs include a WORKING VOLTAGE value. Residential panels that require an MPPT controller are rated way higher than 17 volts working voltage. Open Circuit Voltage is another clue closely related to Working Voltage.

A high voltage panel used with a low voltage system is like using a 3,000 PSI water faucet connection that delivers a maximum of a gallon a minute to a garden hose.

So you mean a 17.0 VOLT WV, not a 17 watt panel. The watts, being so low, had me confused. 17 watts, with a working voltage of 17.0V is 1 amp charging rate... not enough to charge much of anything, including lap tops or smart phones.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 16, 2014
Panel specs include a WORKING VOLTAGE value. Residential panels that require an MPPT controller are rated way higher than 17 volts working voltage. Open Circuit Voltage is another clue closely related to Working Voltage.

A high voltage panel used with a low voltage system is like using a 3,000 PSI water faucet connection that delivers a maximum of a gallon a minute to a garden hose.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 16, 2014
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Has BOGART ENGINEERING introduced that new PWM charger yet?

Adjustable absorsorbion voltage limit and TIME at absorbsion limit before reverting to adjustable float.

My money is on BOGART for panel OCV to 22 volts.

Someone finally got their head out of their (ummmm...) desk drawer, when conceptualizing what a battery actually demands.

I can only wonder what the price will be. But as far as PWM controllers this protocol is the way-to-go IMHO. With those inexpensive 17 watt WV el cheapo panels, we talkin' do-able for us po folk.

What is a 17 watt WV el cheapo panel?
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 16, 2014
mena661 wrote:
NinerBikes wrote:
What did Mena661 ever end up building for his solar panel setup?
Haven't bought any panels. Was waiting for a deal, then decided to jump in but needed to fix my car. Thought I might be able to pick up those Sunelec panels but not liking the automatic order cancellation if you choose anything other than freight shipping even though the other shipping methods are listed. Also, it seems their customer service is lacking too. Yes, I know some customers can be really difficult but the shipping thing was a deal breaker. So I'm back on the waiting list. I still have some prepping to do in the MH before I buy any panels anyways.

Well mena... If you like the Mega Watt, you'll love the Solar 30 amp job, if you don't bury it with too much amps from all your panels in your plans. Three 140 watt panels, maybe 8 amps each, should be within the realm of this solar charger. If roof mount, they, of course, will have the morning sun to really get the voltage up, and by mid day, your amps could be dropping off.

Just don't invite your snobby friends inside your motorhome to see your bells and whistles.
Bend
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Has BOGART ENGINEERING introduced that new PWM charger yet? ...

Yeppers!

http://www.bestconverter.com/SC-2030-Charge-Controller_p_558.html

But... you also need the new battey monitor for full affect:

http://www.bestconverter.com/Trimetric-2030RV-Battery-System-Monitor_p_557.html
BFL13
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2014
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Has BOGART ENGINEERING introduced that new PWM charger yet?

Adjustable absorsorbion voltage limit and TIME at absorbsion limit before reverting to adjustable float.

My money is on BOGART for panel OCV to 22 volts.

Someone finally got their head out of their (ummmm...) desk drawer, when conceptualizing what a battery actually demands.

I can only wonder what the price will be. But as far as PWM controllers this protocol is the way-to-go IMHO. With those inexpensive 17 watt WV el cheapo panels, we talkin' do-able for us po folk.

Here is what we would pay. Link at bottom to the new Tri plus shunt and wire too. (probably costs less in the States)

http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=SC%252d2030-30A-Solar-Charge-Controller-that-works-with-the-TriMetric-TM%252d2030-Monitor
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
Has BOGART ENGINEERING introduced that new PWM charger yet?

Adjustable absorsorbion voltage limit and TIME at absorbsion limit before reverting to adjustable float.

My money is on BOGART for panel OCV to 22 volts.

Someone finally got their head out of their (ummmm...) desk drawer, when conceptualizing what a battery actually demands.

I can only wonder what the price will be. But as far as PWM controllers this protocol is the way-to-go IMHO. With those inexpensive 17 watt WV el cheapo panels, we talkin' do-able for us po folk.
mena661
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
NinerBikes wrote:
What did Mena661 ever end up building for his solar panel setup?
Haven't bought any panels. Was waiting for a deal, then decided to jump in but needed to fix my car. Thought I might be able to pick up those Sunelec panels but not liking the automatic order cancellation if you choose anything other than freight shipping even though the other shipping methods are listed. Also, it seems their customer service is lacking too. Yes, I know some customers can be really difficult but the shipping thing was a deal breaker. So I'm back on the waiting list. I still have some prepping to do in the MH before I buy any panels anyways.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
What did Mena661 ever end up building for his solar panel setup?
BFL13
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2014
JiminDenver wrote:
BFL

Those four 125w panels would be perfect for that controller, right around 30a too. :)

Ha ha. My Eco-W is still working with the 230w thanks anyway.

On those 125s just so nobody gets confused, you should have a 20% margin in controller amps over max expected amps, which is the Isc when panel is in full sun. Isc on those is 7.6a so 4 x = 30.4a no margin.

PWM 30a controller with 20% margin would be 25a expected and 5a margin

Using 130w =8.2a then 25/8.2 x 130 = 396w max for the Solar30 or any other PWM 30 amper. Of course you can max out an MPPT controller with no margin required since it will clip the amps to its rating.

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Solar30 Controller Test Update

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