I have fried 2 charge controllers! Please help!!

[MushroomMan67]

Beware... I have that exact charge controller. Mine is only a 2 stage. Have you confirmed it is a 3 stage?

I do not know the difference from a 2 / 3 stage. However, I just changed to an 80 amp. CC.
Is this 3 stage? I can't find info.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

just cancelled and am purchasing an 80 amp.

make sure it's a 3 stage.

 

[MushroomMan67]

To be honest, with 3-200 watt panels I exceed 30 Amps quite often. I have a feeling you would benefit with a 100Amp CC but if it’s a matter of money, 80 will get you there as well. But 60 amps is just way too small. Then again, I have no idea where you live so if it’s the Antarctic…?

Yes...the 100 amp. was CRAZY EXPENSIVE. I did get an 80 amp. (just ordered).

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I do not know the difference from a 2 / 3 stage. However, I just changed to an 80 amp. CC.
Is this 3 stage? I can't find info.

That looks like the 80A version of my 60A.

3 stage means:

Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage and allow current to taper as the battery fills.
Drop to float and hold battery at full/near full charge.

The two stage operates:
Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage.

2 stage is only truly appropriate for standby systems or 3.7V Lithium systems.

 

[MushroomMan67]

That looks like the 80A version of my 60A.

3 stage means:

Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage and allow current to taper as the battery fills.
Drop to float and hold battery at full/near full charge.

The two stage operates:
Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage.

2 stage is only truly appropriate for standby systems or 3.7V Lithium systems.

I just posted the question. I'll let you know when they answer. Crossing my fingers that I don't have to return it.
You would think something that important would be advertised on the listing/selling.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I just posted the question. I'll let you know when they answer. Crossing my fingers that I don't have to return it.
You would think something that important would be advertised on the listing/selling.

When an item is 40-60% cheaper than other well known brands, expect surprises.

 

[MushroomMan67]

That looks like the 80A version of my 60A.

3 stage means:

Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage and allow current to taper as the battery fills.
Drop to float and hold battery at full/near full charge.

The two stage operates:
Charge at max current until absorption voltage is reached.
Hold at absorption voltage.

2 stage is only truly appropriate for standby systems or 3.7V Lithium systems.

I just watched the video and it has a setting for 'floating charge'. So I would say yes!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Yep.. 2 stage:


Can only set float and "equalize" voltage. Just like mine.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I just watched the video and it has a setting for 'floating charge'. So I would say yes!

Float is the ONLY setting. It's a two stage charger.

 

[MushroomMan67]

Yep.. 2 stage:

View attachment 109264
Can only set float and "equalize" voltage. Just like mine.

Ok...now I am confused.
Are you saying it is not capable of keeping a charge while on a load?
I'm a little confused.

By setting the float to a specific amount does that not make it 3 stage?

 

[MushroomMan67]

Float is the ONLY setting. It's a two stage charger.

OK. I should cancel and find a 3 stage. Correct?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Ok...now I am confused.
Are you saying it is not capable of keeping a charge while on a load?
I'm a little confused.

By setting the float to a specific amount does that not make it 3 stage?

They're calling "absorption" "float".

Again, I have this charger. My manual looks exactly like that.

It will charge to the float voltage and simply hold it there. I watched it do this to my AGM batteries every time I used it. They would never get fully charged.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Will recommends these:

DIY Off Grid Solar Charge Controllers

Building a vehicle mounted solar power system? Let me help.

www.mobile-solarpower.com

 

[MushroomMan67]

They're calling "absorption" "float".

Again, I have this charger. My manual looks exactly like that.

It will charge to the float voltage and simply hold it there. I watched it do this to my AGM batteries every time I used it. They would never get fully charged.

OK. I will cancel and keep researching.
If you know of a CC name brand that does this PLEASE let me know.

 

[MushroomMan67]

Will recommends these:

DIY Off Grid Solar Charge Controllers

Building a vehicle mounted solar power system? Let me help.

www.mobile-solarpower.com

NICE!
I was able to cancel via Amazon (it was close).
I'll research this brand. THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[MushroomMan67]

NICE!
I was able to cancel via Amazon (it was close).
I'll research this brand. THANK YOU!!!!!

OK. I will cancel and keep researching.
If you know of a CC name brand that does this PLEASE let me know.

NICE!
I was able to cancel via Amazon (it was close).
I'll research this brand. THANK YOU!!!!!

This brand does not carry an 80A.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

EPEVER has some 80A models. You could also buy 2X 40A.

 

[MushroomMan67]

EPEVER has some 80A models. You could also buy 2X 40A.

That's funny. That is the one I fried.

 

[RVLiFe]

Here is some simple math using Ohms law. If your panels can produce up to 37.6V at 5.32Amps that equals 200 watts. V x A = W. The MPPT will reduce the voltage to that of your battery but it will keep the Watts output the same. That means it will have to increase the Amp output. So even if you are only getting 170 Watts per panel at let’s say 34 Volts, the panels will be producing 5 amps each. However, if your battery is at 24 volts, the MPPT will decrease the voltage to 24 and increase the Amperage to keep 170 Watts. That means your output per panel from the MPPT will now be closer to 7.1 amps per panel(170/24). Now multiply that by 10. As you can see, you will hit the 60 amp threshold of the CC pretty quickly with only 85% of the panels actual capability. Hope this helps you to understand what a MPPT controller does and why 60 amps wasn’t going to cut it.

 

[MushroomMan67]

Here is some simple math using Ohms law. If your panels can produce up to 37.6V at 5.32Amps that equals 200 watts. V x A = W. The MPPT will reduce the voltage to that of your battery but it will keep the Watts output the same. That means it will have to increase the Amp output. So even if you are only getting 170 Watts per panel at let’s say 34 Volts, the panels will be producing 5 amps each. However, if your battery is at 24 volts, the MPPT will decrease the voltage to 24 and increase the Amperage to keep 170 Watts. That means your output per panel from the MPPT will now be closer to 7.1 amps per panel(170/24). Now multiply that by 10. As you can see, you will hit the 60 amp threshold of the CC pretty quickly with only 85% of the panels actual capability. Hope this helps you to understand what a MPPT controller does and why 60 amps wasn’t going to cut it.

Yes! Thank you.
I think the best thing to do is get a 60A / 150V x 2.