Charge controller recommendations

[TurnThePage]

I have a small solar charging system consisting of two 12v 75w panels wired in series and a failing cheap MPPT charge controller. I may be acquiring another identical panel too. I'm currently leaning toward the Morningstar 15 Amp MPPT model. I looked at that Eco-worthy model that several forum members purchased, but am now a bit gun shy about off brands. I don't think it could handle a third panel in series either. Bluesky doesn't appear to offer anything that fits my system at a reasonable price point. I couldn't tell what Rogue had available.

I also seem to remember that my panels can be configured for 6v operation which may open the door to some of those marginal controllers.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

[Almot]

Sunsaver 15 still costs $200, lacking battery temperature control (optional $), and display (optional $). If I were to go MPPT route, I would rather get Rogue.

About how much "more energy" MPPT will extract... This is beyond my expertise. But I recall one of those debates - with the consensus somewhere after a dozen pages that MPPT gain, compared to PWM, is somewhere from 0 to 10%, depending on battery SOC and other things.

So... Get any cheap PWM, doesn't matter how cheap or what brand. If you really want more energy, then also get the 3rd panel - this will result in MUCH higher total energy at the same or slightly higher cost than MPPT + 2*75W.

[mena661]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

While MPPT is less cost effective it does extract more energy from the panels.

If you can possibly wait for the new Rogue I'd do so.

I wouldn't spend $300 on a controller for 3 75W panels. I'd get a bunch of cheap one's and replace them as needed and have money left over.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

While MPPT is less cost effective it does extract more energy from the panels.

If you can possibly wait for the new Rogue I'd do so.

[Chuck_Gail]

IMHO you should at least look at the BatteryMINDer solar controller. Sure works great for me, in fact I have two of them. I like the automatic desulfation feature.

[time2roll]

You will not go wrong with Morningstar Sunsaver MPPT with 3x 12v in series.
Programming gives the value not just MPPT.

[mena661]

Almot wrote:
Wire them in parallel and get 15A PWM controller for a fraction of cost.

X2 Your panels won't benefit at all from MPPT. Get a decent, cheap PWM controller.

[Almot]

New Rogue was expected to arrive about this time, but I am not sure they have it yet. With the previous model sold out, they don't have those either. The last update says that new circuit board has arrived, so they must be doing some testing, so it's probably a few weeks or more until the first unit is up for sale.

I am waiting for Rogue. But, you don't have to. With 5A current of 2 small panels in series, Rogue $300+ is overkill. Wire them in parallel and get 15A PWM controller for a fraction of cost.

[Fire_Instructor]

Third season with my Rogue, with no problems at all! They have a new version of it out. Call there, and talk to Mark. He's incredibly helpful!