which solar controller

[silverweed]

We are about to install solar panels. 2x 100 watt panels. Can any one recommend a good controller please.

 

[Wooie1958]

A lot of people seem to rave about this one including a few on here :-

200W 20A 12V mppt solar charge controller LCD off grid | eBay

 

[Techno100]

Yes that's the one. I've upgraded mine to the 300 watt now. Both great

 

[Neckender]

A lot of people seem to rave about this one including a few on here :-

200W 20A 12V mppt solar charge controller LCD off grid | eBay

I've also fitted this charge controller and it's a great piece of kit, also seller is excellent to deal with if any problems.

John.

 

[Techno100]

From the four I've had from that seller only one caught import duty and even then it was only £16.50, half of that was a handling charge. Compared to anything in the UK it would still be a bargain at twice the price

 

[silverweed]

Oh well looks like this one it is then. Thanks all for the advice, good to have a recommendation rather than going cold turkey

 

[ovalball]

Has anyone had one of the 100w panels from here,they seem a bit of a bargain at £79?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

 

[craig9760]

solar panel

Has anyone had one of the 100w panels from here,they seem a bit of a bargain at £79?
100W Monocrystalline module 12V solar panel for camper, caravan, boat *NEW* | eBay

hi these are ok got two on my motor-home
NEW 100 WATT SOLAR / PV PANEL MONOCRYSTALLINE SUN ENERGY | eBay

 

[Neckender]

I've not dealt with this company, but the price is about right for this time of year, as soon as the camping season arrives the prices tend to rise.

John.

 

[oldpolicehouse]

Hello

I got 2 x 80W panels from this seller about 12 months ago. They were fine. arrived well packed in 2 days.
I've since sold that motorhome and will be getting 2x 100W for my new motorhome.

Blue Skies

 

[Techno100]

I bought the Alfrescobay one's from ebay at £108 each. I'm not disappointed

 

[silverweed]

Hi Artheytrate. Iv now purchased one of these controllers. Can you help me. In the instructions on table 3, can you tell me what it means by bulk voltage and floating voltage please

 

[Neckender]

Hi Artheytrate. Iv now purchased one of these controllers. Can you help me. In the instructions on table 3, can you tell me what it means by bulk voltage and floating voltage please

Hi Silverweed, as I understand it, the bulk voltage is 14.3v that is what the regulator sets the charge from the solar panels and the float voltage,
vented battery 13.2
sealed 13.4
gel13.7
nicd 14
are the voltages when fully charged and when they drop below this float charge the regulator then lets more charge to the batteries, and then floats again.
if you send techno100 a pm he might be able to explain better than me.

JOHN.

Ps I've set my controller to no1 vented batteries.

 

[Techno100]

In simple terms Sunlight permitting
If your battery is full the regulator will just maintain it with a small charge know as float.
If you start using your battery it's voltage will drop and the regulator will respond by switching to bulk mode where it simply gives the battery as much as it can deliver.

 

[silverweed]

Thanks all, that's sounds good. Thanks for the explanations. Will get back to you if I can't figure it out. Got to fix solar panels on roof first though so that's prob another headache haha

 

[Neckender]

Thanks all, that's sounds good. Thanks for the explanations. Will get back to you if I can't figure it out. Got to fix solar panels on roof first though so that's prob another headache haha

When you've fitted your panels and controller before connecting to batteries cover solar panel with dust sheet or anything to cut the light off.
Then connect batteries to controller first then connect wires from solar to controller and then uncover solar panel.

John.

 

[Firefox]

I have now upgraded my controller to this one.

I notice there is an ethernet connection port. Is this for a remote viewing/control panel? My controller is in the garage to minimise charging cable runs, but I would put a remote panel on the main control panel in the living area if one were available.

 

[Techno100]

I believe it is for interrogation/bench testing, not for user use but you can email the seller they are very responsive.

 

[oldpolicehouse]

Has anyone had one of the 100w panels from here,they seem a bit of a bargain at £79?
100W Monocrystalline module 12V solar panel for camper, caravan, boat *NEW* | eBay

Hello

2 arrived today. Took 4 days, not bad considering they come from Belgium and the disruption on channel crossings.
Very well packed and they look very well made.
I was happy with the 80W panels on my last camper from the same seller and these look even better made. Frame looks very robust 35mm.

Blue Skies

 

[Firefox]

I believe it is for interrogation/bench testing, not for user use but you can email the seller they are very responsive.

OK thanks for that. The voltmeter and ammeter readouts and state of charge etc are better than on my analogue meter and it would be good to have a readout in the van itself.