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Subject Topic: Solar Panel Charge Controllers
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06/2/2016 at 3:15pm
 Location: LINCOLNSHIRE
 Outfit: ACE CELEBRATION
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We have bought a Solar Panel which we want to start using on Rallys this summer, cam anyone recommend a Solar Charge Controller.The prices vary quite a bit so is it a case of you get what you pay for ?


06/2/2016 at 3:28pm
 Location: N Wales
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 590GL
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Oh dear you have opened a can of worms

First thing is what size solar panel have you got?   I had a 135W panel that worked well with a 10amp controller I've had a couple of steca controllers and have recently installed a Morning Star controller in our new van. These are not cheap and I am sure a lot of cheaper controllers will do the job.   This controller seems to be sold under a number a guises including I believe Truma contoller

Goodluck

Ps some will tell you that you must have Mppt controller rather than a PWM controller. MPPT controllers are more expensive. I have always used a good quality PWM controller and we rally 12 months a year and never have had a problem with a flat battery.


06/2/2016 at 3:43pm
 Location: LINCOLNSHIRE
 Outfit: ACE CELEBRATION
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Quote: Originally posted by boff on 06/2/2016
Oh dear you have opened a can of worms

First thing is what size solar panel have you got?   I had a 135W panel that worked well with a 10amp controller I've had a couple of steca controllers and have recently installed a Morning Star controller in our new van. These are not cheap and I am sure a lot of cheaper controllers will do the job.   This controller seems to be sold under a number a guises including I believe Truma contoller

Goodluck

Ps some will tell you that you must have Mppt controller rather than a PWM controller. MPPT controllers are more expensive. I have always used a good quality PWM controller and we rally 12 months a year and never have had a problem with a flat battery.


We have a 80W PANEL



06/2/2016 at 5:16pm
 Location: N Wales
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 590GL
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So something like a 7 amp controller would be fine.   Bigger will work but you don't want to pay for extra capacity that you don't need. It is also with making sure that you have a decent battery and swapping to led lights.


06/2/2016 at 9:00pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan
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I'd go for a Morningstar Sunsaver, midsummer leisure are good.
The choice of controller is more important than the choice of solar panel so buy a good one


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06/2/2016 at 10:03pm
 Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482
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Have a look at these:

http://www.renytek.co.uk/

I purchased the 150w folding panel with controller on the back.

-------------
Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)


27/2/2016 at 3:48pm
 Location: ne of uk
 Outfit: None Entered
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As stated you have opened a can of worms, solar panels , controllers, batteries etc depend on what you are going to use them for and how long etc. some people think that you can run Blackpool illuminations from a solar panel, a controller and a 100ah battery. You have got to say what lights you are using how long for, if you are running a tv and what type etc etc then from that information you can work out what size of panel (s) you need what size of controller and the battery capacity needed to keep them running also don't forget running a leisure battery or batteries down to less than 50% of their capacity can damage them.


27/2/2016 at 4:38pm
 Location: LINCOLNSHIRE
 Outfit: ACE CELEBRATION
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we already have the Panel its 80W, We have all LED lights and would want to run a TV, we have a decentBattery.


28/2/2016 at 6:31pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan
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Google fake solar controllers, then buy a Morningstar from a good recognised company



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