My feeling based on my research was that the price delta on the MPPT vs PWM controllers only becomes worthwhile when you get over 100 watts. For my 65 I use an el cheapo Chinese made PWM controller that displays AMPs out. None of the high end ones recommended do and it is a very handy feature. It also displays voltage and has a temp diode to control charge rate based on temperature. I got it as a kit with my 65 watt panel complete with plenty of 12 gauge wiring and MC4 connectors already crimped for about $200 CAD.
Now, if I had lots of solar on my boat and I relied on it to *live, *then I would invest in better technology. As it stands now, my 65 watter got us through a three week cruise last year. We don't have refrigeration or anything like that on board. Just the basic fans, pressure water, stereo, lights, etc. My .02. Steve Suhana, C&C 32 Toronto On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:54 PM, Bill Bina via CnC-List < [email protected]> wrote: > MPPT regulators do indeed offer a noticeable benefit with small panels. > The problem is that many regulators advertised as MPPT do not actually have > MPPT circuitry within. Buy a Genasun MPPT regulator! > > Bill Bina > > > > On 6/2/2015 3:24 PM, ed vanderkruk via CnC-List wrote: > >> As you begin to regulate higher amperage and voltage you can have the >> same considerations as alternator regulators and smart chargers. >> >> Battery type influencing bulk and float voltages ... can they be >> programmed or adjusted on the cheapest regulator. >> >> Do you need a way to dump to some shunt when batteries are fully charged >> ... usually not a problem for solar but significant for wind. >> >> MPPT controllers converting over-voltage typical in solar to useful >> amp-hours at standard voltages gives higher efficiency in good >> conditions if you need it ... at a modest price premium. >> >> Ed >> >> Prime Interest >> 1982 LF38 >> >> Toronto >> >> On Jun 2, 2015 2:59 PM, "Edd Schillay via CnC-List" >> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >> Bob, >> >> I haven’t, but I want the ability to move up to a stronger panel if >> I need to. >> >> All the best, >> >> Edd >> >> >> Edd M. Schillay >> Starship Enterprise >> C&C 37+ | Sail No: NCC-1701-B >> City Island, NY >> Starship Enterprise's Captain's Log <http://enterpriseb.blogspot.com/ >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Jun 2, 2015, at 2:57 PM, Robert Boyer via CnC-List >>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> 15 watt is so small I wonder if you even need one. Have you >>> measured the voltage output from the solar panel? >>> >>> Bob >>> >>> Bob Boyer >>> S/V Rainy Days / Annapolis MD >>> 1983 C&C Landfall 38 - Hull #230 >>> email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>> blog: dainyrays.blogspot.com <http://dainyrays.blogspot.com/> >>> >>> "There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as >>> simply messing about in boats." --Kenneth Grahame >>> >>> On Jun 2, 2015, at 2:54 PM, Edd Schillay via CnC-List >>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> Listers, >>>> >>>> I’m looking for a decent charge controller for my 15W solar panel >>>> running to my house bank. There seems to be so many choices out >>>> there landing from a few bucks to over $60. >>>> >>>> What should I be looking for? Will this one work well enough? >>>> >>>> http://www.amazon.com/Controller-Battery-Regulator-Protection-Controle/dp/B00UTECG5O/ref=sr_1_30?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1433271044&sr=1-30&keywords=solar+panel+regulator+12V >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> All the best, >>>> >>>> Edd >>>> >>>> >>>> Edd M. Schillay >>>> Starship Enterprise >>>> C&C 37+ | Sail No: NCC-1701-B >>>> City Island, NY >>>> Starship Enterprise's Captain's Log >>>> <http://enterpriseb.blogspot.com/> >>>> >>>> >>>> <PastedGraphic-1.tiff> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> >>>> Email address: >>>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to >>>> the bottom of page at: >>>> http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com >>>> >>>> >>> <PastedGraphic-1.tiff>_______________________________________________ >>> >>> Email address: >>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>> To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to >>> the bottom of page at: >>> http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> Email address: >> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >> To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to >> the bottom of page at: >> http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> Email address: >> [email protected] >> To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the >> bottom of page at: >> http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com >> >> > _______________________________________________ > > Email address: > [email protected] > To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the > bottom of page at: > http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com > >
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