BajaBlanca - 7-17-2012 at 01:52 PM
we are in need of a controller - ours is faulty.
If you have one you want to sell, pls let us know
Les has been at this solar system for weeks now and we are alllllmost there.
Bob and Susan - 7-17-2012 at 04:26 PM
another trip to the border...
monoloco - 7-17-2012 at 06:25 PM
I highly recommend a quality MPPT type controller, they allow you to wire your panels in series allowing the use of smaller cable and they are more
efficient. Buy a good name brand unit, don't be tempted by the cheap Chinese ones on E-Bay.
DavidE - 7-17-2012 at 08:08 PM
Blanca, how often does your system "charge all the way up" and go to float, meaning the voltage reduces for long term maintenance?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using two 30 amp controllers. I have done many systems with a pair of the old Trace C-30 controllers. Sixty
amps capacity.
Yes an MPPT controller is the thing to shoot for. Right now a pair of 30 amp controllers will do just fine.
Bob and Susan - 7-18-2012 at 05:38 AM
i disagree...get an MPPT controler like monoloco said
you NEED to spend the extra cash
run your LARGE wire cable down from the roof at a higher voltage
this reduces resistance
then the controller changes the voltage to charge your batteries
make sure you have a single pole breaker installed from the solar panels to the controller to avoid problems in the future
DavidE - 7-18-2012 at 08:40 AM
An MPPT controller would be ideal. So would a Freightliner full of stuff from 600 miles away. There are few people coming down right now. That's why I
suggested the parallel 30-amp controllers, meaning two charging lines from the panels. Two banks of panels. Just disconnect one bridge wire to do it.
This will protect the controller from over-current in case one controller goes off line.
This is a lot better than nothing, and it will buy time. Time enough maybe to fill the piggy bank, shop and find a good MPPT controller, and then a
person to bring it down. A five hundred dollar controller would cost THREE HUNDRED more dollars to have it shipped. To a point six hours distant from
where they live. A six hour drive.
I "wish" I had my hundred dollar Arkansas three stone knife sharpening set here instead of in Michoacan. I don't so I had to make do the best I can
with what I got.
I'm going to try and help by doing some online shopping around for an MPPT controller for BajaBlanca and Les. Just ideas, links, tips and opinions.