Controllers?

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Windswept-windy

Nice set up! I see a 660AH on your horizon Q. Is your watermaker DC? I have one on here (RO) which is AC, I'm thinking to swap it out for DC unite. Feedback? Thanks!

Yes. I have a Spectra DC water maker so it runs off solar for a long period rather than a quick AC generator run with high output water.

It’s just the way it worked out and is a driver on my solar setup.

So I’m assuming that runs all day off the 1400 KW solar array.

Feedback on Ac or DC watermaker is it all depends on your entire electrical system.

If you are a generator focused boat, AC works perfectly. Makes tons of water fast and done.

If you are a solar focused boat, DC has the edge. Just trickles our water all day long at low power consumption.

[Windswept-windy]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

The outback controllers are fine; we still sell a few. Midnight Solar, Morningstar, Victron are great as well. As you have the Mate already I'd stick with Outback. It's true that service and support as of late have been worse than in years past. But I've had a 60FM on my boat for 7 years and no issues. Just sold it when we upgraded and went to individual Victron's on each panel but it will fine for you as long as none of the panels are shaded

Thanks for the heads up! Not too worried about shade as the array will be on the arch. Having said that....just starting out, would you suggest controller per panel?

You being in the business....I am also being pointed in the direction Outback Flexnet DC. Feedback on the latter? Thanks in advance!

[Windswept-windy]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Welcome to the forum Windswept.

The Outback FM 60 and FM 80 are very reliable and well proven controllers. We had a solar system with an FM 60 on our old boat and it never missed a beat.

I think the Outback was the best choice when installed in our previous yacht, but since then there has been a large range of new controllers released. The availability of small, low cost, but efficient controllers with excellent tracking charging algorithms and low self consumption has made available the possibility of multiple solar controllers (often one controller per panel).

This option provides valuable redundancy and provides better tracking. This extracts slightly more solar power. This is an option worth considering, and what we have installed on our new yacht (3x Victron 100/20). There are pro and cons with both solutions (a single high quality large high capacity and extremely versatile Outback controller versus multiple lower cost Victron controllers).

If considering the single high power Outback controller also look at the rival Midnite range.

Thanks for the welcome Noelex! Great site for sure, needless to say, ton of depth and help from fellow sailors.

Well, I see by your reply and others....running multi controllers may be the best way to go. I'll have research price point for this ol blue collar. Got a lot going on over here my friend. Thanks!! Now if we can just get rid of this freakn' Covid!! Thank goodness for small favors....we should have been out of here last season.

[Bycrick]

I’ve had an FM80 on board since 2014. No problems at all. If you already have the Mate and an inverter talking to each other, you need the small hub to add the third device to the network.

[Windswept-windy]

Originally Posted by Bycrick

I’ve had an FM80 on board since 2014. No problems at all. If you already have the Mate and an inverter talking to each other, you need the small hub to add the third device to the network.

Thanks for the advice Bycrick! Thumbs up on the Hub4 Just trying to figure out, to go all in with the Outback, FM80 then upgrade to the Mate3. I've also been advised to incorporate Outback Flexnet DC. (The latter has really thrown me for a loop) Needless to say, not difficult throwing me for a loop, as solar system is French to me. Learning fast though!

The other option, is....to run 3 separate controllers?

Thanks
Don