charge controllers takes a long time to charge batteries

[mark dix]

Yeah a little overkill but that is a good thing as it allows you to grow a bit in panel wattage is a Chevy Morningstar 45 amp model. About $150 to $200. You can even go to the 60 amp model for a few bucks more and keep you running a few more years (3200 watts @ 48 volt battery) with panel upgrades.

If you want a BMW model opt to spend the bucks on a Midnight Solar Classic 150. Up to 5200 watts @ 48 volt battery. But we are talking $800 plus but top of the line features, bells, and whistles. You can also get a Cadillac Outback FM60.

Hope that helps

sunking i looked them up and the cheapest i found is about 350 for those CC were do you find them for 150 or 200 ?

[epsgunner]

I think he meant the Morningstar TS45 or TS60 (PWM) model.. they run $150-190

[Sunking]

I think he meant the Morningstar TS45 or TS60 (PWM) model.. they run $150-190

I think that may be correct when I did a quick GOOGLE search. My bad

[Sunking]

sunking i looked them up and the cheapest i found is about 350 for those CC were do you find them for 150 or 200 ?

Sorry my bad. I think when I did a quick Google Search I hit the PWM models. I thought that was a bit on the low side.

[mark dix]

so i want to get a MPPT charge controller? is this a good charge controller?http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_4142wt_724

[Mike90250]

Yeah a little overkill but that is a good thing as it allows you to grow a bit in panel wattage is a Morningstar 45 amp model. About $150 to $200.

Uh, I think you placed the the peg of the PWM controller, into the slot of the MPPT controller. The TS-MPPT-45 starts about $360, bare bones.

When I get my next controller for the 2nd array, it's going to be a Midnight Classic

[Sunking]

Uh, I think you placed the the peg of the PWM controller, into the slot of the MPPT controller. The TS-MPPT-45 starts about $360, bare bones.

Yep I did.

[Mike90250]

so i want to get a MPPT charge controller? is this a good charge controller?http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_4142wt_724

It MIGHT be a good unit, the only way you can tell, is to buy one, and test it yourself. There have been issues with MPPT controllers in the past, not actually tracking the panel output, and staying stuck at a low power point. And some have been downright fraudulent, with PWM controllers having a MPPT sticker applied.

The sales pitch reads well.

[mark dix]

you think i should save up an get the morning star CC.?

[Sunking]

you think i should save up an get the morning star CC.?

It comes down to economics. At around the 200 to 300 watt panel wattage level MPPT controllers are more economical because you do not need as much panel wattage.

Give you an example. Daily requirement = 600 watt hours, and winter insolation is 3 hours.

For PWM.
Panel wattage = 400 watts
PWM Amps = 25 Amps

For MPPT
Panel wattage = 300 watts
MPPT Controller = 25 amps.

Now go price it out with panels and controllers and see which is less expensive.

[Beanyboy57]

Battery measrement.

Use a hydrometer or better still install a Trimetric or Pentametric battery monitor. It pays to watch your battery bank very carefully.