Advice on solar controllers needed

[RichardS]

How could any reasonable thinking person possibly interpret my response in such a biased point scoring attempt is beyond ridicule.
I clearly outlined my experience. That does not imply, however clever the mental gymnastics perform, that Chinese products are rubbish and German are perfect.
If this person took the time to find out, my panels are CHINESE and very good they are. My controller is GERMAN because the Chinese one melted.
I did not mention extensive research, another figment of a rather excitable imagination.
I did not suggest I wanted to correct anyone or indeed infer or imply anyone here is incapable of thinking for themselves, I have far to much respect for those who take the time to share their experience and knowledge, and I at the very least expect, in this instance in vain, anticipate the same consideration. It would appear, but will nevertheless add to my belief that foolishness resides in us all, if not usually put into print in such a careless and I must say unthinking manner.

I've already given my suggestion concerning the controller so won't address the substantive issue ..... but, if I might make so bold, you don't do yourself any favours by trotting out old tosh chestnuts like "You assume ASS U ME and in doing so you make an ASS of U and ME" on a specialist forum like this, particularly when, as far as I can see, no-one other than you has used the word "assume".

Richard

 

[[176172]]

And my advice is based on the notion that if something works well and gets good reviews from users there really isn't much point in spending more just for the sake of it. Mind you, buying a grossly under-specced piece of kit to save £48 doesn't make much sense either.

I agree, nothing wrong with that, have been fortunate to be recommended something less expensive a number of times which has proved to be very good advice, I did the same with a cheapy controller but came unstuck, and thought it proper to offer my experience in regard to the OP question. I have now found the controller I purchased, and would from experience choose again.
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories. Available from Amazon.
In the light of experience from this thread I had better state I have no connection with either the manufacturer or the retailer, but simply a very satisfied customer.
On further reflection, I consider controllers now as gatekeepers managing a powerful flow of sun produced energy into my boat, that gatekeeper must be man enough for the job.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I did not suggest I wanted to correct anyone or indeed infer or imply anyone here is incapable of thinking for themselves, I have far to much respect for those who take the time to share their experience and knowledge, and I at the very least expect, in this instance in vain, anticipate the same consideration.

In which case, instead of wittering about "expensive is always better", perhaps you could tell us what twenty quid controller you expected handle the output from 400W of panels and what evidence led you to that expectation. The spec sheet would be useful.

Those of us who have recommended particular controller have put the recommendation into context. By the way, my PU one has been running for four years now and hasn't yet blown up, caught fire, fallen over or sunk into the swamp.

 

[[176172]]

I've already given my suggestion concerning the controller so won't address the substantive issue ..... but, if I might make so bold, you don't do yourself any favours by trotting out old tosh chestnuts like "You assume ASS U ME and in doing so you make an ASS of U and ME" on a specialist forum like this, particularly when, as far as I can see, no-one other than you has used the word "assume".

Richard

Yes your correct, I was the first to write the word 'assume'
I did so, and if you care to re-read your post to me it is one long assumption, am I to be criticised for accurately describing is as such.
You are it would seem aware of the ass-u-me, but have, from your inconsiderate approach to my post, learnt nothing from it, and continue recklessly to assume or make assumptions about others motives for passing on their actual experiences as is the norm here, long may it continue.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Like you I sought advice concerning a controller, in my case for a bank of 400w of panels. ...
I replaced it with one made in Germany, which had the ability to sense not only my 750amp/h domestic bank but also my 120amp/h starter.
It cost I recall about £68.00 that was 10 years ago, it monitored both, indicators told me what was going on, which was confirmed by my battery shunt monitor.

I have now found the controller I purchased, and would from experience choose again.
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories. Available from Amazon.

I do hope you bought the right one. For 400W of panels you need the Votronic MPP430, which is currently £189.99 on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/efficiency-Battery-charge-controller-regulator/dp/B01M6WV4C8).

 

[[176172]]

In which case, instead of wittering about "expensive is always better", perhaps you could tell us what twenty quid controller you expected handle the output from 400W of panels and what evidence led you to that expectation. The spec sheet would be useful.

Those of us who have recommended particular controller have put the recommendation into context. By the way, my PU one has been running for four years now and hasn't yet blown up, caught fire, fallen over or sunk into the swamp.

I purchased it based on the recommendations of others.
Your experience is yours and I am happy for the success you claim.
My experience was the opposite, and, like you I feel it is as valuable to the OP as any other.
Why it should attract such opprobrium for daring to do so, I am at a loss to understand.
The unit in question is here:
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories

 

[RichardS]

Yes your correct, I was the first to write the word 'assume'
I did so, and if you care to re-read your post to me it is one long assumption, am I to be criticised for accurately describing is as such.
You are it would seem aware of the ass-u-me, but have, from your inconsiderate approach to my post, learnt nothing from it, and continue recklessly to assume or make assumptions about others motives for passing on their actual experiences as is the norm here, long may it continue.

I must admit to being completely nonplussed.

I stated "I've already given my suggestion concerning the controller so won't address the substantive issue ..... but, if I might make so bold, you don't do yourself any favours by trotting out old tosh chestnuts like "You assume ASS U ME and in doing so you make an ASS of U and ME" on a specialist forum like this, particularly when, as far as I can see, no-one other than you has used the word "assume"."

I have clearly expressed an opinion .... but where is the assumption?

Richard

 

[[176172]]

I purchased it based on the recommendations of others.
Your experience is yours and I am happy for the success you claim.
My experience was the opposite, and, like you I feel it is as valuable to the OP as any other.
Why it should attract such opprobrium for daring to do so, I am at a loss to understand.
The unit in question is here:
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories

I would be obliged if you could control your use of language when describing my manner of posting, it really doesn't help to be agressive to get your point across, and diminishes what you have to say as a result. There's a good chap.

 

[[176172]]

In which case, instead of wittering about "expensive is always better", perhaps you could tell us what twenty quid controller you expected handle the output from 400W of panels and what evidence led you to that expectation. The spec sheet would be useful.

Those of us who have recommended particular controller have put the recommendation into context. By the way, my PU one has been running for four years now and hasn't yet blown up, caught fire, fallen over or sunk into the swamp.

I would be obliged if you could control your use of language when describing my manner of posting, it really doesn't help to be aggressive to get your point across, and diminishes what you have to say as a result. There's a good chap.

 

[[176172]]

I do hope you bought the right one. For 400W of panels you need the Votronic MPP430, which is currently £189.99 on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/efficiency-Battery-charge-controller-regulator/dp/B01M6WV4C8).

Yes indeed it does appear to be the case. However that was recommended and gave excellent service, and to my knowledge continues to do so.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

First of all, as the original poster can I suggest that much of the recent discussion is not helpful, not does it address the question I was asking? We all have our own individual cost/benefit equation that we apply to goods, and arguing about the valuation another person puts on things isn't helpful.

Second, I note that an awful lot of the PWM controllers out there look very much like the same thing rebadged! EPSolar, Photonic Universe and many others all look like the same case, same connections, same monitor attachment.... In which case there is no point in choosing anything except the cheapest that has the right capacity.

Finally, for those who worry about the source of their panels, can I note that China is the leading manufacturer of photovoltaics on a global basis, and that no-one else comes close? Further, I don't think there are ANY UK sources of PV material - several who put the cells together into panels, but no sources of PV material. Further, I happen to be privy to some of the research being carried out on PV materials, and China is up there amongst the world-leaders in that area.

 

[RichardS]

I purchased it based on the recommendations of others.
Your experience is yours and I am happy for the success you claim.
My experience was the opposite, and, like you I feel it is as valuable to the OP as any other.
Why it should attract such opprobrium for daring to do so, I am at a loss to understand.
The unit in question is here:
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories

I would be obliged if you could control your use of language when describing my manner of posting, it really doesn't help to be agressive to get your point across, and diminishes what you have to say as a result. There's a good chap.

Does anyone on here have a clue what is going on?

Richard

 

[JumbleDuck]

I purchased it based on the recommendations of others.

Did you check the specs, though? Because I would be very surprised to learn that anyone makes a controller suitable for 400W for twenty quid. My suspicion, therefore, is that your unfortunate expereince did not come about from spending insufficient amounts of money, but simply from buying the wrong hing

The unit in question is here: Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories

Good. That brings up a 430W one. I am not convinced that you managed to buy it for one third of the current price ten years ago, or even that it was on the market then. Photonic Universie have only recently begun to sell them.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I would be obliged if you could control your use of language when describing my manner of posting, it really doesn't help to be aggressive to get your point across, and diminishes what you have to say as a result. There's a good chap.

Perhaps wading in with unsupported disparagement of the advice of others and then refusing to back up your anecdotes with evidence is not the best way to elicit chummy responses? Just a thought.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

This is the one I am using (20 amp Spark MPPT) and very happy with it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-20A-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[[176172]]

First of all, as the original poster can I suggest that much of the recent discussion is not helpful, not does it address the question I was asking? We all have our own individual cost/benefit equation that we apply to goods, and arguing about the valuation another person puts on things isn't helpful.

Second, I note that an awful lot of the PWM controllers out there look very much like the same thing rebadged! EPSolar, Photonic Universe and many others all look like the same case, same connections, same monitor attachment.... In which case there is no point in choosing anything except the cheapest that has the right capacity.

Finally, for those who worry about the source of their panels, can I note that China is the leading manufacturer of photovoltaics on a global basis, and that no-one else comes close? Further, I don't think there are ANY UK sources of PV material - several who put the cells together into panels, but no sources of PV material. Further, I happen to be privy to some of the research being carried out on PV materials, and China is up there amongst the world-leaders in that area.

Coudn't agree more. My panels are Chinese, excellent.
The controller wasn't as you will have gathered by now.
I would recommend the Voltronic at Amazon. End of my posts. Good luck

 

[lw395]

I purchased it based on the recommendations of others.
Your experience is yours and I am happy for the success you claim.
My experience was the opposite, and, like you I feel it is as valuable to the OP as any other.
Why it should attract such opprobrium for daring to do so, I am at a loss to understand.
The unit in question is here:
Votronic, MPPT Duo Digital charge controller with accessories

Do we know how this unit decides how long to charge the batteries at absorption and how it decides when to switch into 'float'?
Is the engine battery always float charged only?

 

[ghostlymoron]

My approach is the same as Antarctic pilot's
"Second, I note that an awful lot of the PWM controllers out there look very much like the same thing rebadged! EPSolar, Photonic Universe and many others all look like the same case, same connections, same monitor attachment.... In which case there is no point in choosing anything except the cheapest that has the right capacity."
I'm neither from Yorkshire is Scotland by the way

 

[lw395]

My approach is the same as Antarctic pilot's
"Second, I note that an awful lot of the PWM controllers out there look very much like the same thing rebadged! EPSolar, Photonic Universe and many others all look like the same case, same connections, same monitor attachment.... In which case there is no point in choosing anything except the cheapest that has the right capacity."
I'm neither from Yorkshire is Scotland by the way

A lot of these things look the same, but I used to have a couple that looked exactly like the basic Chinese PWM models you get from ebay. But the circuit inside was clearly different, having a big inductor to do PWM voltage conversion. These were relatively old units.
Also these things seem to contain a small microcontroller, even if it's the same hardware, you don't know if it's got the same code in it.
Hence I feel it may be worth paying a few quid more for a well documented unit.
Ideally, I'd like something that's designed for a cruising boat rather than a Chinese road sign.
I think it's certainly worth understanding how your controller behaves and whether it might cause problems.

 

[GHA]

Anyone ordering solar regulator - well worth a look at Google and YouTube. Lots reviews out there.

https://youtu.be/KA3X8XLxWHU