Recommend me an MPPT controller

Keith-i

Keith-i

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I am getting close to ordering a solar panel to keep 2 battery banks topped up during prolonged periods of non use. Very tempted to buy from these guys who came recommended on a previous recent thread especially as they are happy to supply to Jersey with the complications that sometimes entails. However, there is a bewildering array of MPPT controllers ranging from £50 to £250. Any advice and features to look out for would be appreciated. It needs to charge 2 battery banks, both presently SFL, one around 240Ah and the other 120Ah. Advice on size of panel wouldn't go amiss either. I was thinking maybe 80w.
 
I have Victron kit (panel, controller, etc)

They have a calculator that works out what size controller you need.

MPPT Calculator - Victron Energy


It is difficult to say what size panels might suit you without knowing your daily power consumption, and requirements, even if the boat is not ib use.

I would certainly go for a system which can be addressed remotely to tell you the state of the batteries, and the how the =charging is going
 
The size of solar array depends almost entirely on the location and space you have for the array. Coupled of course with the money you are willing to spend. Small panel of course won't do much but is easy to mount. With larger panels the cost of mounting becomes a consideration.
For battery maintenance you could start with say 2x 10w panels one to each battery no controller which will aid in keeping batteries alive over long periods of inactivity. or slightly larger with PWM controller very cheap. MPPT are more expensive. Many claim to be MPPT but really are only PWM.
MPPT does give slightly more charge for a given panel but really come in necessary when you use a domestic PV panel like 1m x 2m delivering 40 or more volts (200 to 400w) for a 12v battery. Not the only MPPT controller but Victron are well regarded. ol'will
 
Victron: great products, well designed, super support and intuitive interfaces.

Basically imagine that Apple made an MPPT controller!

For what it’s worth I have 2x Renogy 100w flexible panels controlled by a Victron Smartsolar 75/15 (both products bought from Amazon!)

The MPPT is connected to my single 140ah AGM battery.

The whole setup came in around £300 (2020 prices).

Forget the maths - in real world use in British weather this means I can live and work aboard with enough power for the fridge, laptop charging, hifi, etc… I was ‘off grid’ for 8 weeks last summer and never once worried about power.
 
I’m currently building a new Victron (Multiplus) based system - but still looked seriously at the Epever MPPTs as a way of saving a few bob (they get good reviews and can see them being disassembled etc on YouTube). Haven’t made the final decision yet…
 
Thanks for the comments so far. Victron were on my radar but I do find their website very difficult to navigate. Lots of different models but little description to tell them apart. I can’t even readily see if they do a twin battery version.

I’m on a drying mooring so at the moment it’s really just to limit self discharge and replenish a bit of juice after I’ve done some work onboard with lights and radio on. Longer term we hope to spend a night or two at anchor so power for the fridge would be the principal drain.
 
Hmm, you need to be looking at a PV system that is quite scalable. I'd start with a 'tickover' panel around 60W to keep the batteries happy during periods of unuse. Lots of assumptions about angle of incidence of panel, and relative sun direction.

Invest in a Victron Smartsolar controller 100/20, and that will take care of another panel or two in due course.

Hurricane of this parish did a very elegant and effective install of solar on his big mobo sometime ago. I will try and find the thread.
 
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Have a look at the Photonic Universe kit, fraction of the Victron but just works and if you search many on here recommend also. I have 200w and controllers of theirs and they just work.
 
Another +1 for Victron. Decent kit, Excellent Bluetooth / Phone app. Easy to configure (with phone app). Good support.

Only problem is that you will want more of their blue kit (shunt)etc..
 
ctva said:
Have a look at the Photonic Universe kit, fraction of the Victron but just works and if you search many on here recommend also. I have 200w and controllers of theirs and they just work.
Click to expand...
Looks like some Photonic Universe MPPTs are differently-badged Epevers. One of the YT reviews mentioned comparing the size/quality of the terminals as these can vary - with the ‘OEM’ Epevers being among the better ones. Will try to find the source…
 
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