Solar Panel Voltage Regulators

[Sandyman]

There seems to be an awful lot available and most do not seem to be robust enough for the marine environment.
Most appear to be cheap Chinese junk. Recently purchased two on ebay and both arrived duff. (got an immediate no quibble refund)
So what are your recommendations please and what make(s) do you use ?

 

[halb]

I have a Rutland HRDI works very well with wind genny and 160 PV's, it's not waterproof. I believe that Maplins also sell regulators for PV, again not waterproof. The trick for keeping them dry is to install them in a locker or cabin.

 

[LadyInBed]

I have a Rutland HRDI works very well with wind genny and 160 PV's, it's not waterproof. I believe that Maplins also sell regulators for PV, again not waterproof. The trick for keeping them dry is to install them in a locker or cabin.

Yes, Rutland are good.
I was in Maplin the other day and saw that they had about three different models for sale.

 

[V1701]

I have two of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-20A-3...652972?pt=UK_Gadgets&var=&hash=item5aece786ec
They've been installed 2 years or so in a cockpit locker, no problems at all with them...

 

[Sandyman]

I have two of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-20A-3...652972?pt=UK_Gadgets&var=&hash=item5aece786ec
They've been installed 2 years or so in a cockpit locker, no problems at all with them...

Thanks for that. Unfortunately these are the very one's I have been having problems with. The two I purchased from that
ebay seller were both duff. Looking for something a bit more robust. Thanks all ,will have a look at Maplins site.

 

[nigelmercier]

The two I purchased from that ebay seller were both duff... will have a look at Maplins site.

Duff in what way? Are you sure it isn't your install?

Maplin are never my first choice, try somewhere else first.

 

[VicMallows]

Duff in what way? Are you sure it isn't your install?

I am also curious to know. I have had the identical regulator for 3 years and it has been faultless. I even make use of the (original purpose) light switching function as a very effective anchor light controller.

 

[rgarside]

I have one of these:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EP-Solar-...30770162606?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item1e728253ae

its installed inside as I'm sure it isn't "IP-anything impressive", it's been working fine for 2 years. The remote meter you can add to it is quite neat.

 

[sam_uk]

Could be worth considering a cheap MPPT controller. You get a _bit_ more out of the panels, which could be worth it if like most of us you have limited deck space for panels.

What MPPT is: http://www.windsun.com/ChargeControls/MPPT.htm

This is the Chinese cheapo one I got for £29
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MPPT-15A-...986?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ccba80532

Only had it about six months but seems to be doing the job.

 

[VicMallows]

Could be worth considering a cheap MPPT controller.

This is the Chinese cheapo one I got for £29
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MPPT-15A-...986?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ccba80532

Yes. Agree now they have come down to that price level. The one problem I have with all of the 'street light controllers' for boat use is that they cut back to a charge voltage of around 13.8v far too quickly. (They are designed to recharge a battery sized specifically for the known discharge by the street lamp). With typical boat use you want to maximise the solar panel output for as long as needed to replenish the battery.

I achieve this when onboard by overriding the controller until the battery is replenished (as shown by the BM-1 AHr counter). The solar controller will then perfectly maintain the batteries at float level.