Where to mount MPPT controller?

[Fishbreath]

I have a new 2016 Itasca 27n Class A. I have 500 watts of solar that are going on the roof and a Morningstart MPPT 45 controller.

The very detailed instructions say to mount the controller in a well ventilated space. Other than somewhere on the chassis, there is no ideal "ventilated" location to mount it. I have lots of space available in a storage bay adjacent to the battery storage area. Is this an acceptable location? I have seen quite a few controllers mounted in storage bays and never gave it a thought, but now.......

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

Bill

[BFL13]

AFAIK, the main issue besides actually frying the controller is that it loses efficiency as it gets hot, so ventilation or fan cooling is good for getting more output watts (compared with input watts from the array minus line loss there) which is divided by battery voltage to get your amps input)

Most have small heat sinks and have those fins outside the casing to allow venting up the back if wall-mounted. Better to keep the whole thing clear of a wall for more venting space if possible (hang it by a string--no kidding!)

With it in a cargo bay, and the door left open to improve ventilation, it still has to be back far enough so it is out of the sun. Parking on grass is way better than parking on asphalt of course, whatever else you do.

I have my Eco-Worthy screwed down half way up a wall above the batteries, which are not in a box. Much of it is clear of the "wall" and it gets good venting. I have had no problem with battery gassing eating the controller either, despite all the warnings about that. (The inverters are behind the "wall" farther in)

[Fishbreath]

Wow!

All of these responses and a consensus to boot!

Thanks for the feedback. I will post an update when I get it all installed.

Bill

[Crabbypatty]

I am mounting my MS 45 PWM in the storage bay behind the batts. Its the only option I have other than to put it in another batt box on top the batt boxes on the tongue. Others do the same so I feel good about the location. Just put 448 watts upstairs and might expand it another 224 watts. The thought of no genny while dry camping is very appealing.

[More_To_See]

I'd bet practically all charge controllers are mounted in the bays - and as close to the battery bank as possible per recommend practices.

I just installed a new Xantrex yesterday and it is specified for operation from 32 to 104 F. I know that running across the desert in the summer time my bay temperatures get way above that but I would assume the controller will either throttle back or shut down at some point. I certainly wouldn't worry about it.

[time2roll]

Compartment described is probably fine if you can mount the controller in compliance with the ventilation space requirements shown in the manual.

[MrWizard]

storage bay is good

[EsoxLucius]

A storage bay adjacent to the battery compartment would be about ideal for locating the solar controller.

[Crazy_Ray]

Agree with westend, that where I put my controller.

[westend]

A storage bay would be considered a ventilated space.

[Shadow_Catcher]

My controller actually sits on top of the battery box, it is however a 150AH AGM. The next compartment over will work but you should have the remote battery temperature sensor.