MPPT solar charge controller recommendation?
So I've got some cash now to put into my new to me Lance, and I've decided to build my own 200watt system from scratch rather than purchase an all inclusive kit. I'm going to use cross bar roof rack i...
Forum Discussion
Back in 1999, I upgraded my solar system with a pair of $429 each 120 watt solar panels and a $300 something Solar Boost 50 amp MPPT controller.
That said, I would not recommend a MPPT controller, solar panels are just to cheap, and if you have $300 to spend, it is much better to buy a $35 controller and a second solar panel. You will get more amperage out of the second panel than the MPPT controller.
Sunelec.com sells a 140 watt solar panel for $229 right now that has a frame and 12 volt output (nominal that is actually about 21 volts open circuit).
The price of solar has dropped a LOT in the past 10 years. In 10 more years, there might be a new style solar panel that is printed on a ink jet like printer. This might bring the prices well below $0.75 per watt.
I would avoid 'flexible' solar panels. Not because they will fail, or any particular reason except that a 100 watt panel is HUGE compared to a normal panel. You also need to double check your space requirements. IF you found a panel that will work, fine. I made the mistake of installing the first pair of panels to close to the RV TV antenna. So it cast a shadow on the panels in most locations, unless the antenna ended up north of the solar panels. . .
For mounts, I used 6" long 2" angle aluminum. 3 holes 3/16" with #10 screws into the roof (and lots of rubber roof sealant) kept the panel mounts on the roof. 5/16" hole with a tamper resistant bolt into a 'nutsert' kept the panels from falling off the mounts for the past 20 years!
Remember that the CO and propane detectors and the refrigerator will consume about 35 AH daily, about what one of my 120 watt panels will put out each day.
Have fun camping!
Fred.
That said, I would not recommend a MPPT controller, solar panels are just to cheap, and if you have $300 to spend, it is much better to buy a $35 controller and a second solar panel. You will get more amperage out of the second panel than the MPPT controller.
Sunelec.com sells a 140 watt solar panel for $229 right now that has a frame and 12 volt output (nominal that is actually about 21 volts open circuit).
The price of solar has dropped a LOT in the past 10 years. In 10 more years, there might be a new style solar panel that is printed on a ink jet like printer. This might bring the prices well below $0.75 per watt.
I would avoid 'flexible' solar panels. Not because they will fail, or any particular reason except that a 100 watt panel is HUGE compared to a normal panel. You also need to double check your space requirements. IF you found a panel that will work, fine. I made the mistake of installing the first pair of panels to close to the RV TV antenna. So it cast a shadow on the panels in most locations, unless the antenna ended up north of the solar panels. . .
For mounts, I used 6" long 2" angle aluminum. 3 holes 3/16" with #10 screws into the roof (and lots of rubber roof sealant) kept the panel mounts on the roof. 5/16" hole with a tamper resistant bolt into a 'nutsert' kept the panels from falling off the mounts for the past 20 years!
Remember that the CO and propane detectors and the refrigerator will consume about 35 AH daily, about what one of my 120 watt panels will put out each day.
Have fun camping!
Fred.
