[C38] Solar panel controller

[Charles]

I have 195 watts of solar panels (one Kyoceria 130 and  one 65) mounted 
on the Mighty Quinn.  I went with a $75 generic controller, which 
quickly burned out.  I replaced it with a Morningstar MPPT controller:  
http://store.altenergystore.com/Charge-Controllers/Solar-Charge-Controllers/MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controllers/Morningstar-MPPT-Charge-Controllers/Morningstar-Sunsaver-MPPT-Charge-Controller/p6185/
 
which has really done the job.  I did quite a bit of research on this as 
I rely completely on my panels to run my fridge, radar, etc. as I am 
usually on a mooring.  After two sailing seasons, my experience is the 
combination works very well and I have no reservations recommending this 
combination.  I always have ice cubes when I get on the boat!
The attached picture shows how I have mounted my panels (taken last July 
in Duluth harbor entrance on Lake Superior).  Please note the wind 
charger mount in the upper right side of the picture.  While I am 
keeping the 400 watt wind charger, I almost never use it as it is noisy 
and I don't need the additional power!

Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114
Great Lakes


Max Soto wrote:
> Hi guys,
>  
> Do any of you have experience with the FLEXCHARGE controller that West 
> Marine sells, or any other charge controller for solar energy??
>  
> I`m going to reinstall four ARCO 2.4 amps, 45 watts solar panels on 
> ESTANCIA. The  panels are supposed to regulate the energy produced, 
> but they will never stop sending current and an overcharge can occur. 
> So, that`s what I need a charge controller for my two battery banks. 
> The Flexcharge is a good option, but I assume that some people out 
> there have used other brands.
>  
> Any recommendations or comments will be appreciated.
> Regards,
>
> Max Soto
> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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