I already have six 250w/30v (38v max) panels and this Morning Star controller looks like it would work well. I can go down to 5 panels to stay under 120a. I have always heard good things about morning Star. I also know you can buy a screen to go with it and it has a port to hook up your computer. This is for a small system at our camp with no inverter. It takes 4+ hours of running the generator just to charge the batteries. Is it worth triple the EPever or double the renogy/RichSolar?
5 panels 1250w at 12v = 104a
6 panels 1500w at 12v = 125a
I was thinking 2 controllers and run the panels parallel into each controller to stay under the max 48v. If I go with EPever or Renogy I can get more bang for buck and its even cheaper to add more panels some day with another controller. Esp since I can get the panels for $35.
I have too many panels for what I need but I think that with this controller not being as efficient I will be fine charging my 12 volt RV batteries. I will not have an inverter it's just to run the 12 volt appliances - 12v lights, propane fridge LCD, Furnace LCD, 12v pump for camping propane instant water heater, and to charge devices. For large draws I just turn on the generator remotely to run the microwave or blender or something for 5 minutes. Everything else is 12v. It takes hrs to charge the 4 golf cart batteries 2s2p with the generator. I have the panels and a rack already on our enclosed storage trailer.
Morning star Tristar 60a PWM $238*2= $476
EP ever 60a PWM $61 x 2 = $122
Renogy PWM adventurer 30a $50 *3 = $150 and I can get a bluetooth module
Rich solar has the same thing as the renogy for the same price, just rebranded $150
Make sky blue is about $125 for 120a worth plus new high end fans and 2 more fans for back up = $170
The rest of the MPPT from Renogy, EPever, etc start at $500 ish for 120a worth up to $1000 for Victron
On a side note the panels were $35 each and are 5+ years old so I bet I wont even get the full 250w. 6 may not even produce 125a. That is for a day of testing to find out tho
5 panels 1250w at 12v = 104a
6 panels 1500w at 12v = 125a
I was thinking 2 controllers and run the panels parallel into each controller to stay under the max 48v. If I go with EPever or Renogy I can get more bang for buck and its even cheaper to add more panels some day with another controller. Esp since I can get the panels for $35.
I have too many panels for what I need but I think that with this controller not being as efficient I will be fine charging my 12 volt RV batteries. I will not have an inverter it's just to run the 12 volt appliances - 12v lights, propane fridge LCD, Furnace LCD, 12v pump for camping propane instant water heater, and to charge devices. For large draws I just turn on the generator remotely to run the microwave or blender or something for 5 minutes. Everything else is 12v. It takes hrs to charge the 4 golf cart batteries 2s2p with the generator. I have the panels and a rack already on our enclosed storage trailer.
Morning star Tristar 60a PWM $238*2= $476
Amazon.com : Morningstar - Tristar 60A PWM Solar Charge Controller for 12V/24V/48V Batteries, Lowest Fail Rate in The Industry, Built-in Diagnostics, (TS-60) : Garden & Outdoor
Amazon.com : Morningstar - Tristar 60A PWM Solar Charge Controller for 12V/24V/48V Batteries, Lowest Fail Rate in The Industry, Built-in Diagnostics, (TS-60) : Garden & Outdoor
www.amazon.com
EP ever 60a PWM $61 x 2 = $122
Renogy PWM adventurer 30a $50 *3 = $150 and I can get a bluetooth module
Rich solar has the same thing as the renogy for the same price, just rebranded $150
Make sky blue is about $125 for 120a worth plus new high end fans and 2 more fans for back up = $170
The rest of the MPPT from Renogy, EPever, etc start at $500 ish for 120a worth up to $1000 for Victron
On a side note the panels were $35 each and are 5+ years old so I bet I wont even get the full 250w. 6 may not even produce 125a. That is for a day of testing to find out tho
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I know the morning star is professional type like a Victron, but man the EPever PWM is a great price at $122 to handle more than 1250w
