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electrical:solar:charge_controller [2019/09/28 17:17]
frater_secessus [MPPT] 		electrical:solar:charge_controller [2019/09/28 17:23]
frater_secessus [sizing your charge controller]
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 If more power is needed (and there is physical space) additional PV can be added to match the charging output of an MPPT charger, often at a lower cost.  [There are no prizes for fanciest or most expensive charge controller!  Do what is best for you -- frater secessus] If more power is needed (and there is physical space) additional PV can be added to match the charging output of an MPPT charger, often at a lower cost.  [There are no prizes for fanciest or most expensive charge controller!  Do what is best for you -- frater secessus]
 MPPT controllers also tend to consume more power to run themselves than PWM models due to additional processing and electronic components. MPPT controllers also tend to consume more power to run themselves than PWM models due to additional processing and electronic components.
 +
 **MPPT may be a better fit** when: **MPPT may be a better fit** when:
   * battery banks are cycled deeply on a regular basis so more time is spent in Bulk   * battery banks are cycled deeply on a regular basis so more time is spent in Bulk
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 [[electrical:12v:multipoint_charging|Multiple controllers (with separate arrays) can be used to charge a common bank]].  The controllers should be configured with similar charging setpoints for the greatest efficiency.((http://www.morningstarcorp.com/parallel-charging-using-multiple-controllers-separate-pv-arrays/)) [[electrical:12v:multipoint_charging|Multiple controllers (with separate arrays) can be used to charge a common bank]].  The controllers should be configured with similar charging setpoints for the greatest efficiency.((http://www.morningstarcorp.com/parallel-charging-using-multiple-controllers-separate-pv-arrays/))
 ===== sizing your charge controller ===== ===== sizing your charge controller =====
-As with [[electrical:inverter|inverters]], sizing the controller correctly will help system efficiency.  An oversized CC will have unnecessarily high parasitic drains as it powers itself.  An undersized CC will not be able to put all the rated solar wattage to use and will leave no room for expansion.+As with [[electrical:inverter|inverters]], sizing the controller correctly will help system efficiency and save money.  An oversized CC will have unnecessarily high parasitic drains as it powers itself and will cost more.  An undersized CC will not be able to put all the rated solar wattage to use and will leave no room for expansion.
 For PWM controllers, the formula is something like (panel wattage / 13) * (1.2 oversize for safety) = charge controller amps.((https://www.altestore.com/howto/sizing-pwm-solar-charge-controllers-a91/))  For PWM controllers, the formula is something like (panel wattage / 13) * (1.2 oversize for safety) = charge controller amps.((https://www.altestore.com/howto/sizing-pwm-solar-charge-controllers-a91/)) 
 MPPT controllers have more leeway in sizing since they can control the output of the panels independently of battery voltage.   MPPT controllers have more leeway in sizing since they can control the output of the panels independently of battery voltage.  
electrical/solar/charge_controller.txt ยท Last modified: 2024/04/16 20:28 by frater_secessus

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