Usefulness Of MPPT Technology
This isn't a trick question. I wish to take a "Short Course" in the reality versus hype of MPPT control... Users who have MPPT and can report real-life experience... Let's say I get a pair of panel...
Forum Discussion
westend wrote:
I guess it matters on how much solar charging you want beyond the AC needs. Also, the budget. I would certainly equip for future solar as I would bet your Utilitario Diablo is not going to lower rates in the future.
For the kind of installation and economic terms you're dealing with, I'd suggest to commit to the higher voltage panels and an MPPT controller that will allow you some flexibility along with the expanded monitoring functions. I may be off on this if you're the kind of guy that loves tinkering and has to have a hands-on relationship with your hardware. As I get older, the less I want to mess with things, physically. If I could, I'd spread the gas on the lawn and not fill the mower tank. :B
I agree with ya, I used to love working and modifying my cars, the old back doesn't like bending over under the hood any more, kinda hurts, so those days are over... but still do my oil and filters myself, just don't trust others without high school diploma's working on stripping out the threads on an aluminum oil pan.
I think for all the sunshine down there by Mex, the KISS of PWM is the cost effective way out... 30 amps at 24 V is 720 watts, for $20 to 25, or get 24v 10 amp PWM controllers for $11.00 each, one per panel, and have some reduncancy so that if one controller fails, the other two at least keeps on recharging the battery bank at 2/3 the normal rate.
