PV Panel controllers

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DavidMcMullan

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I am planning to upgrade my existing 100W solar panel to a 160W panel, which will also necessitate a new controller of around 20A capacity.
Most of the controllers of this size now have inbuilt software for an output load, which I don't require. Are there any simple controllers of this size for just dumping all of the power into the boat batteries?
For this size of panel is it worth paying extra for the higher efficiency MPPT technology?
Thanks in anticipation,
David.
 
The output load, as I undersatnd it, is there to allow the controller to be used to run something simple like an illuminated sign. It will switch off the load if there is too little charge left in the battery so as to stop the load totally discharging the battery. It is an 'optional' feature which you don't have to wire into your system; just ignore it.
 
DavidMcMullan said:
I am planning to upgrade my existing 100W solar panel to a 160W panel, which will also necessitate a new controller of around 20A capacity.
Most of the controllers of this size now have inbuilt software for an output load, which I don't require. Are there any simple controllers of this size for just dumping all of the power into the boat batteries?
For this size of panel is it worth paying extra for the higher efficiency MPPT technology?
Thanks in anticipation,
David.
Click to expand...

The load connection need not be used.

Depending on the intended application of the controller its can be used to prevent a load such as a fridge from running the battery below some set voltage or to turrn a load, eg a street, light on at dusk and off at dawn .

The whole point of a regulator or controller is to not dump "all the power into the batteries" The object is to control or regulate the input as the battery becomes charged.

It is not possible to determine objectively if it is worth paying extra for a MPPT controller.
Your call.
Do you want to squeeze the maximum out of your solar panel or do you have adequate capacity in the system without doing so.
 
VicS said:
The load connection need not be used.

Depending on the intended application of the controller its can be used to prevent a load such as a fridge from running the battery below some set voltage or to turrn a load, eg a street, light on at dusk and off at dawn .

The whole point of a regulator or controller is to not dump "all the power into the batteries" The object is to control or regulate the input as the battery becomes charged.

It is not possible to determine objectively if it is worth paying extra for a MPPT controller.
Your call.
Do you want to squeeze the maximum out of your solar panel or do you have adequate capacity in the system without doing so.
Click to expand...

+1.
I would just add, if you have just thought it necessary to upgrade your output from 100w to 160w then output is clearly important to you.
My view is that the higher you go above 100w the more justifiable the extra cost of a MPPT controller becomes, because
a) Output is clearly important to you (as here it would seem)
b) the cost of the controller relative to the cost of the panel is less.

But as said, it's a personal choice
 
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