who makes the best PWM, 10amp charge controller

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  • Jmac00
    Member
    • Aug 2010
    • 67

    #1

    who makes the best PWM, 10amp charge controller

    I have been looking at this one: http://www.solar-electric.com/ss-10l.html But I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. Why does it have a "load" terminal. is that so you can run lights right off the controller?

    I read the thread (sticky) about charge controllers and quite frankly I was a sleep in three minutes with all the Tech-talk.

    But from what I gathered from it was MPPT's where the best and most expensive, but all I need to do is handle 120watt panel, so I figure all I need is a PWM type controller with a Low voltage disconnect
    I don't get drunk~~~~I get awesome
  • Sunking
    Solar Fanatic
    • Feb 2010
    • 23301

    #2
    Originally posted by Jmac00
    Why does it have a "load" terminal. is that so you can run lights right off the controller?
    The load terminal is rarely used by most people. It is just a fused output ran through the Low Voltage Disconnect relay.
    MSEE, PE

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    • Jmac00
      Member
      • Aug 2010
      • 67

      #3
      Hey, thanks,

      Is the Sun Saver a good unit? or is there a better manufacturer out there.

      I really don't need anything fancy. Im only using 120 watts of Panels but I plan on adding another 80W or so.
      I don't get drunk~~~~I get awesome

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      • Mike90250
        Moderator
        • May 2009
        • 16020

        #4
        The current major PWM charge controllers all do about the same thing. Some of the knockoffs from fleabay are worse than a hunk of wire.

        Morningstar and Trace/Xantrex are both good names, read the fine print anc choose which one you like the best.
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment

        • Jmac00
          Member
          • Aug 2010
          • 67

          #5
          thanx Mike, I'm going to order the one I listed. It is for my weekend "vacation property" up north and has the LVD, just incase I forget to turn something off it won't let the batteries drain, completely
          I don't get drunk~~~~I get awesome

          Comment

          • Mike90250
            Moderator
            • May 2009
            • 16020

            #6
            DON't hook an inverter to the load terminals, you will fry something for sure.
            Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
            || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
            || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

            solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
            gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

            Comment

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