can you recommend a solar panel controller

[lilianroyle]

I have acquired 4 15 watt Maplin panels which do and a controller which doesn't seem to work and I am going to replace. Can someone recommend a basic controller that is reasonably reliable and not over specced.

 

[Pete7]

I have a pair of these because it was easier to wire up two than run long wires. The PWM gives an advantage over a simple on/off regulator but without the cost of MPPT technology. Small enough to mount anywhere. There is a 60w model or a larger 135w model would give you the opportunity to expand at a later date.

http://www.barden-ukshop.com/solara-sr135tl-regulator-1224v-135wp-477-p.asp

View attachment 35194

 

[VicMallows]

Put 'solar regulator' into EBAY and you will find loads.

I use a PWM one like this and it works fine.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-20A-3..._Gadgets&var=440117539015&hash=item20d1cd4552

There are now similar ones at around £10 which claim to be MPPT which might even give a little advantage. They will all protect your batteries from being overcharged, but in my experience are too conservative in reducing the charge to float voltage after a battery has been heavily discharged. (I override the regulator until the battery has fully recharged).

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have one of these from maplin on my engine battery 40 watt solar panel

http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-charging-regulator-37774

You could go for the duel regulator also from maplin to charge 2 batteries at the same time if needed

 

[RAI]

With so little solar power, you might not need a controller at all. How big is your battery?

 

[VicS]

With so little solar power, you might not need a controller at all. How big is your battery?

A rule of thumb is that for no more that 1 watt of solar power per 10Ah of battery capacity a regulator is not needed but it is also generally recommended that a solar panel array of more that 10 watts should be fitted with a regulator regardless of the battery size

I have one of these from maplin on my engine battery 40 watt solar panel

http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-charging-regulator-37774

You could go for the duel regulator also from maplin to charge 2 batteries at the same time if needed

The regulators Roger links too are simple On/Off controllers . Simply switching off at 14.4 volts and back on at 13.4 volts.

Fine perhaps when there is loadsa sunshine and the object is to avoid overcharging the battery.

For locations less sunny than Roger enjoys a PWM regulator may be a better choice. It will at least reduce output to a "maintenance" level rather than simply switching off until the volts fall to the lower figure.

.

 

[RAI]

A rule of thumb is that for no more that 1 watt of solar power per 10Ah of battery capacity a regulator is not needed but it is also generally recommended that a solar panel array of more that 10 watts should be fitted with a regulator regardless of the battery size.

Given that the panel will rarely provide its peak wattage and only operates for part of a day and that a typical lead acid battery loses anything like 6% charge per month, putting a regulator on a 10 Wp panel must be a regulator manufacturer's recommendation. 60 Wp is not going to worry 550 Ah of batteries.