Should I swap controller?

[Motörhead Fun]

Just purchased a new, to us, van. It has one solar panel, 2 leisure batteries, and a compressor fridge.

Been away off grid since Thursday and all seems fine. Main panel showing 13.5 Volts so all looks good.

But should I replace the controller? I keep reading that mttp ones are better and would also satisfy my curiosity in terms of what power is coming in etc.

Thanks

 

[StillGoing]

What size solar panel do you have?

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

A MPPT controller is more efficient and changing to one is easy. There are some that will Bluetooth to your phone and tell you how much power your panel has produced over time.
I would suggest that you work out if your existing panel will be able to provide what you need and if you think you will add more then use that to decide what controller will be best as the more power they can handle will increase the cost.

 

[scotjimland]

Frankly, I would leave as it is.. I have the same set up , 2 x FLA batteries, solar, PWM controller with a compressor fridge and have had no problems .. the extra cost may not be worth while.. or produce any meaningful benefits

It's not as simple as saying MPPT is better than PWM ..

If maximizing charging capacity were the only factor considered when specifying a solar controller, everyone would use a MPPT controller. But the two technologies are different, each with it’s own advantages. The decision depends on site conditions, system components, size of array and load, and finally the cost for a particular solar power system.

PWM vs MPPT Solar Charge Controllers | Solarcraft Inc.

The charge controller is a key component of a solar power system and specifying the best one for the system requires some analysis. Below is a quick overview. The two types of charge controllers most commonly used in today’s solar power systems are pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power...

www.solarcraft.net

 

[Lenny HB]

In bright summer sunlight there won't be much difference but when it's cloudy or the sun is at a lower angle you will gain about 25%.

Victron Smart Solar MPPT Controlers are one of the best and are now quite cheap.

RogerIvy & nigelivy are Offgrid Power Solutions our own Funsters give good prices & a Funster discount.

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[Doonhamer5]

We are considering it. We've had 2 solar panel upgrades fail on current set-up.

 

[the1andonly]

Is the sb also connected to solar controler (cant see whats connected) if so a Votronics duo may be appropriate.

 

[Motörhead Fun]

What size solar panel do you have?

Panel is 1200 x 650. No idea of wattage. 2 No AGM leisure batteries

 

[Motörhead Fun]

Is the sb also connected to solar controler (cant see whats connected) if so a Votronics duo may be appropriate.

I think panel goes straight to the box? First time we’ve had solar so a bit of a novice

 

[StillGoing]

Panel is 1200 x 650. No idea of wattage. 2 No AGM leisure batteries

I’m guessing the panel is 120W. An MPPT controller could give up to 20% more power than a PWM in cool conditions.

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[cyberyacht]

Panel is 1200 x 650. No idea of wattage. 2 No AGM leisure batteries

Probably around 120W given the size.

 

[cyberyacht]

I’m guessing the panel is 120W

Snap

 

[the1andonly]

I think panel goes straight to the box? First time we’ve had solar so a bit of a novice

Is the box also connected to the starter battery?

 

[Just smiffy]

We are considering it. We've had 2 solar panel upgrades fail on current set-up.

That’s unusual, what’s the circumstances of them failing please, it may help others…

 

[Motörhead Fun]

Is the box also connected to the starter battery?

I guess it is given that is sat on our drive all week and the panel shows 13.5V on ‘car’ battery

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[the1andonly]

I guess it is given that is sat on our drive all week and the panel shows 13.5V on ‘car’ battery

So the advice #7 Votronics duo is be appropriate, else additional equipment will be required to keep Sb charged.