Solar Calculators

[Scalf77]

Originally Posted by palsing

Max. Solar Input Power 12V @ 260W


\Paul

Unfortunately this would be part of the spec that says no. You certainly could do the separate controller, not my preferred set up. I would not stick with renogy controllers either, but again that is my preference.

[palsing]

Originally Posted by Scalf77

Unfortunately this would be part of the spec that says no. You certainly could do the separate controller, not my preferred set up. I would not stick with renogy controllers either, but again that is my preference.

OK, I understand. Thanks.

I had CCV install my solar system at the same time that they did my pop-top, and they did Renogy brand only, so that's what I have. I also had them install my (2) 6-volt AGM batteries, which was the first time they had ever done that, they were originally going to give me a single 100 ah Interstate deep-cycle battery. I was somewhat distressed to discover that the Renogy solar controller manual did not even mention AGM batteries, and I was advised to just use the "gel" setting to avoid the system trying to equalize the batteries, which apparently is a no-no for AGMs other than LifeLine...

If I may ask, what brand(s) of solar controllers are best, in your own view? I've done a lot of research and it isn't clear to me.

\Paul

[Scalf77]

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) is a pretty solid unit it will do over 440 watts of panels. Victron is very solid hardware.

If you are looking to upgrade to a DC to DC charger the KISAE DMT1250 has a solar input also for slightly more. It can handle 500 watts of solar (actually you can oversize to 600)

And to be honest Renogy has a pretty good dc to dc charger with solar, at least from a feature set. I have not used it myself.

-greg