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Subject Topic: Solar panel controller Post Reply Post New Topic
04/2/2024 at 11:21am
 Location: Shropshire
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I am going to fit a 120w Solar panel onto the roof of my Caravan can anyone advise which solar panel controller would be the most suitable to keep the battery topped up for mainly tv and usb top ups usage

Post last edited on 04/02/2024 13:18:06

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via mobile 04/2/2024 at 1:12pm
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A 12 watt panel won't need a controller and in all probability won't do what you want it for.
We use a 50 watt panel to maintain the battery in storage and add a further 100 watts when away off-grid.


04/2/2024 at 1:34pm
 Location: Yorkshire
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Victron and Morningstar have a decent reputation, I have a PWM controller but if I was to start again I'd go for a MPPT type.

I would also buy one which would be practical just I case you want to upgrade the 120w one


04/2/2024 at 1:45pm
 Location: West Mids
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Quote: Originally posted by Newtoabbey on 04/2/2024
I am going to fit a 120w Solar panel onto the roof of my Caravan can anyone advise which solar panel controller ...


Greatly depends on your budget, you could opt for a decent PWM type controller, of which Voltanic Solar do a good range, see here.

Personally, I prefer the efficiency of MPPT controllers and currently use a Victron 15a controller, as per this at Amazon. These offer Bluetooth monitoring and you can tweak for best performance too, and even add a remote module to monitor battery temperature. This could be better in the long run, you may find you become more reliant on solar use.
** If you do opt for Victron, aim for their SmartSolar range as opposed to their BlueSolar controllers, the Smart type have bluetooth monitoring built in as standard, but the BlueSolar range require an additional module to allow full monitoring.

Avoid the offerings on FleaBay, I've known of various issues with the budget brands you may find there.

Post last edited on 04/02/2024 13:53:16

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Paul

Every day's a school day!


04/2/2024 at 7:03pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
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Thanks
,is the MPPT controller difficult to set up and use I’m getting on a bit and not fully up to scratch with these items

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Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


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04/2/2024 at 7:48pm
 Location: West Mids
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Quote: Originally posted by Newtoabbey on 04/2/2024
... is the MPPT controller difficult to set up and use ...


Not particularly, most are plug-n-play, and the Victron, although you have options to tweak it, they will run pretty well at their default setup once connected, so you could just fit and forget.

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Paul

Every day's a school day!


05/2/2024 at 8:28pm
 Location: Shropshire
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Ok thanks I’ll see how I get on when I get one, I use my van mainly for Vintage and Steam rallies and they are all off grid so Solar is a must rather than a generator


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Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


11/2/2024 at 12:38pm
 Location: Shropshire
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G7ACU
I have got a Panel controller rated at 100A when ordering I didn't specify the A rating will this be suitable for the above usage please advise

Brian

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Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


17/2/2024 at 4:21pm
 Location: West Mids
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Sorry Brian, hadnt seen your last query.

That will be more than adequate, a 10a would do at a push but I'd suggest 20a, so you've more than enough capacity.

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Paul

Every day's a school day!


18/2/2024 at 9:48am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
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Thanks Paul I am just waiting for the weather to become a bit more favorable before attempting the Solar set up

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Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow



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