Price differences between MPPT & PWM controllers

[DeeJay]

I'm currently looking at a quality brand 60 amp controller as I have gone & put 6x 250 watt ( 34 volt & 8.2 amp each) on my shed roof.
The Morningstar PWM with a readout is $420 & MPPT $800.
That is a hell of a difference, is it really worth it?


Or
Anybody had any experience with the Flexmax which is supposed to be mostly an Outback?
Seems pretty good value for an MPPT at $499.00

[Vern]

I've used all of the above on small stand alone systems,'i found the flexmax was the best/easiest to use.

[Vern]

How have you wired your panels?

[DeeJay]

How have you wired your panels?


I've used the standard MC4 connectors & then gone the 5 metres from the roof to where the controller is with 6guage wire so there is 34 volts (ish) at the controller.


I cooked a ''supposedly'' 60 amp controller today.
Wasn't a cheapie either

Solar Charger Controller Regulator MPPT Control PCM Charger 12V TO 24V AT 60A | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/161412722167'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

[Vern]

Spend the money, get a good one, once. Check the voltage ratings of the flexmax one, you may/will want to rewire the panels in series/parallel to get the voltage up higher.
So from the panels, then to the charge controller, then to the batteries, then what?

[DeeJay]

Spend the money, get a good one, once. Check the voltage ratings of the flexmax one, you may/will want to rewire the panels in series/parallel to get the voltage up higher.
So from the panels, then to the charge controller, then to the batteries, then what?


I'll be running LED 12V lighting in my shed, garage & outdoor lighting, my computer ( 480 watts) TV & pvr in my shed as well.


Maybe a 1500watt portable heater if it can hack the pace, time will tell:angel:


And yes, I know it will probably never repay itself, but you are talking to a guy with 3 Land Rovers !!

Cheers, David

[Vern]

Hey at least your having fun doing it:).
So there will be an inverter as well?

[spudboy]

Consider one of these. Made in Australia. Will take up to 95v input.

GSL MPPT 60 1 Solar Panel Regulator 60A 12 24 48V Auto Voltage Detection Ausmade | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GSL-MPPT-60-1-SOLAR-PANEL-REGULATOR-60A-12-24-48v-AUTO-VOLTAGE-DETECTION-AUSMADE-/270895094135?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f129b1977)

$330.

http://www.gsl.com.au/solar-products.html

[DeeJay]

Hey at least your having fun doing it:).
So there will be an inverter as well?


Yes, I have 2, there seems to be an honesty in advertising problem with these though.
I have a 2 kw soft start that is fine starting a half horsepower Onga pressure pump & then I bought one of these suckers,


NEW 9000W Peak 24V Pure Sinewave Power Inverter 40A Charger | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-9000W-PEAK-24V-PURE-SINEWAVE-POWER-INVERTER-40A-CHARGER-/281377259394?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4183643f82)


but now I have to go back to Ebay & buy a clamp meter as I suspect it drags a lot more amps on standby than advertised, but, yes, I'm having fun..:)


Just seeing what I can do..