We have bought a Solar Panel which we want to start using on Rallys this summer, cam anyone recommend a Solar Charge Controller.The prices vary quite a bit so is it a case of you get what you pay for ?
First thing is what size solar panel have you got? I had a 135W panel that worked well with a 10amp controller I've had a couple of steca controllers and have recently installed a Morning Star controller in our new van. These are not cheap and I am sure a lot of cheaper controllers will do the job. This controller seems to be sold under a number a guises including I believe Truma contoller
Goodluck
Ps some will tell you that you must have Mppt controller rather than a PWM controller. MPPT controllers are more expensive. I have always used a good quality PWM controller and we rally 12 months a year and never have had a problem with a flat battery.
Quote: Originally posted by boff on 06/2/2016
Oh dear you have opened a can of worms
First thing is what size solar panel have you got? I had a 135W panel that worked well with a 10amp controller I've had a couple of steca controllers and have recently installed a Morning Star controller in our new van. These are not cheap and I am sure a lot of cheaper controllers will do the job. This controller seems to be sold under a number a guises including I believe Truma contoller
Goodluck
Ps some will tell you that you must have Mppt controller rather than a PWM controller. MPPT controllers are more expensive. I have always used a good quality PWM controller and we rally 12 months a year and never have had a problem with a flat battery.
So something like a 7 amp controller would be fine. Bigger will work but you don't want to pay for extra capacity that you don't need. It is also with making sure that you have a decent battery and swapping to led lights.
I'd go for a Morningstar Sunsaver, midsummer leisure are good.
The choice of controller is more important than the choice of solar panel so buy a good one
As stated you have opened a can of worms, solar panels , controllers, batteries etc depend on what you are going to use them for and how long etc. some people think that you can run Blackpool illuminations from a solar panel, a controller and a 100ah battery. You have got to say what lights you are using how long for, if you are running a tv and what type etc etc then from that information you can work out what size of panel (s) you need what size of controller and the battery capacity needed to keep them running also don't forget running a leisure battery or batteries down to less than 50% of their capacity can damage them.