I disagree (respectfully) with Lee, however open for discussion. There is something to be gained when using a separate controller for each panel. A single controller can obtain the maximum power possible from two panels only if both panels are identical and they are operating under identical conditions. Also, I doubt the wiring losses in a reasonably sized installation could have a significant effect on overall charging efficiency. I will be glad to do the math if anyone gives me the wire size, length and current for both series and parallel cases. Wishing plenty of sunshine for all sailors and panels. Ahmet SV8827
> From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 07:15:10 -0400 > Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] Solar charge controller > > > I don't think there is anything to be gained using 2 controllers, > especially considering that each needs a minimum amount to get efficient. > My controller at 50A is too big, (and not as efficient as it might be) but > the 25A size was too small. > It is best for battery life to leave the 2 banks connected together, > forever. A battery monitor, like a Xantrex XBM that counts amp hours down > and up is an essential item on a cruising boat. Use that to monitor charge > state of the entire battery set. I see solar companies selling an amp and > voltmeter as a battery monitor, but that is NOT the same. > Next best tool for a tinkerer is a hand held clamp on DC ammeter. > Lee > >>> >> That's good info. I'll have to arrange it so I can quickly reconfigure >> from series to parallel and do some testing of my own. I may break down >> and buy two controllers, putting one on each battery bank. The panels >> are mounted on both sides of the boat, aft. The mizzen and main can >> block if they're up. Even the mizzen mast will block once in a while. >> >> Thanks, >> Jim. > > _______________________________________________ > Liveaboard mailing list > [email protected] > To adjust your membership settings over the web > http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard > To subscribe send an email to [email protected] > > To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] > The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ > > To search the archives > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > The Mailman Users Guide can be found here > http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html _________________________________________________________________ Rediscover Hotmail®: Get quick friend updates right in your inbox. http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Updates1_042009 _______________________________________________ Liveaboard mailing list [email protected] To adjust your membership settings over the web http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard To subscribe send an email to [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] The Mailman Users Guide can be found here http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
