Does the charge controller use maximum power point tracking? (MPPT)
285573
I can't answer your question. I sent mine back. It didn't charge most of the time and it drained the battery at night. Sorry I can't help. Craig
2233948
There are two types of charge controllers; PWM and MPPT. I have 3x 100w panels ran in parallel to triple my charge amperage. This maintains the panels at 12v, but triples the amperage. I have a 30a charge regulator, which is PWM. I have read, though, that MPPT is the newest and best charging technology available. The PWM regulators are cheaper, but you get what you pay for. My next charge regulator will definitely be a MPPT. Google it. You'll figure out the difference between to two. Just be sure that you size your regulator bigger than your solar panel array for room to grow, and so that you don't constantly put your charge regulator under too much stress from incoming amperage. Here's the charge regulator I purchased http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/46835087/789550567/TomTop-30A-12V-24V-Intelligent-LCD-PWM-Solar-Charge-Controller-Solar-Panel-Battery-Regulator/ListingDetails.html?_%24ja=tsid:13315|cat:46835087|prd:46835087&ef_id=Udt8FQAABKfxcsgO:20130709151438:s It works well, but now is starting to be a little troublesome with the display just after 9 months of use. Spend a little more money and get one that is MPPT, and make sure you have an LCD screen. It's nice to know the charge, draw, and basic voltage of your battery bank.
31482
I have had four one hundred watt panels hooked up to this same charge controller for nearly a year and it works fine. At first, I had them hooked up with the panels at 12v and the battery bank at 12v, then I switched the hookup to two sets of two panels in series to put the panels at 24v with the battery bank remaining at 12v. I get a little more power out of the panels this way because a lower amperage means a smaller voltage drop between the panels and charge controller, even though the wattage from the panels is the same. It works fine. With an MPPT controller, the voltage of the panels is not dumped directly into the batteries so you can hook it up either way. If you hook the panels in sets to reach 24v, then your only limit is the 30 amps to the battery bank. Anything above that is simply lost.
925843
It needs a voltage regulator to keep from overcharging the powerpack. I have the cheap 10 amp ($15) controller. Output from this panel can exceed 20 volts in strong sunlight.
340761
As far as I can tell, the charging controller is NOT built in to the panel. At only 6 watts, I don't see over-charging a battery unless it is not used from day to day or as late as week to week. However, a small, low cost controller might be a wise investment if you plan to leave the panel charging indefinitely.
641033
Yes, use the charge controller and configure according to the directions that come with it. I got the 30 amp one.
641032
You're probably thinking of a charge controller, not an inverter. And yes, you always need a charge controller so you don't overcharge the battery with the solar panel
1027176
According to the directions you do not need a charge controller for a 30w panel on this unit. Larger panels would require a charge controller.
1708388
Yes for the solar panel you must have a similar device like the following to regulate the voltage from the solar panels: "Renogy 10 Amp PWM Charge Controller Regulator Off Grid for Battery Charging". The panels have a tendency to make more than 12 volts and must be regulated.
955576
The panel is rated for a nominal rating of 24V. It can deliver to a 12V or 24V battery bank based on the charge controller that is used. If you are using a 12V battery bank you will want to use a MPPT controller.
121290
Most larger, more powerful panels are 24-volt. A good charge controller will automatically step the 24-volt down to a 12-volt battery. I don't know off hand if the HQRP will do it -- it seems to say that it does, but you might want a more expensive controller, a MPPT controller. Also, if you have 150-watt+ solar panel, a 10-amp charge controller is too small, as you probably already know. You'll probably want a 20 or 30 amp.
1873944
I think you need to check your controller specs, but I know some controllers may just shut off to prevent damage. Also note these panels are higher voltage which may not be compatible with your controller. I bought a charge controller that won't work with these because the voltage may go up to 45V on these panels. Now I run two of these with the Morningstar MPPT 45A charge controller. Morningstar has a calculator on their site that will confirm whether a planned setup will work with their charge controllers or not. I am planning on adding one more panel to my setup. The 45A MPPT charge controller can handle 3 of these panels. Good luck!
1112791
For this application, you have two options: 1. An MT-5 Tracer meter works with this MPPT charge controller. It would connect directly to the controller and monitor the solar array. 2. On our store website, we offer a high precision watt meter that connects in line between either the solar panels and charge controller or charge controller and battery.
1960023
This specific charge controller doesn't have an LCD screen to read the charging current or battery voltage. Our Viewstar charge controller does provide that feature for you though.
891471
What you want to do requires an MPPT controller. This controller is NOT an MPPT controller.
200918
Unlike many solar controllers that clam to be MPPT, this controller is a true MPPT controller and I recommend it. Per your question, I have no idea what you are trying to accomplish. db
1523596
yes, i use three 20 volt panels in series so i am putting in 60 volts. the MPPT type of controller means that it an take in any voltage (up to a max, i think 100volts for this controller) and converts it to 12 volts for charging the batteries.