Which controller ...last step ...

[4fish]

I am getting to the final steps on configuring my solar system ....
I decided to place on my Bimini on the stern part ,where it will have the least shadows....two solbian sl112 , in a parallel configuration. In the future I may add another panel exactly the same, So having exactly two or may be three of the same panels I can choose to go for a series configuration ....if need it.
I get the recommendation from solbian to go for a WRM 15 . When I ask for the geasun GV-10 .... It looks reluctant but that is possible, I have read many good things for the GV -10 about its simplicity and work that I thinking on getting it instead of the WRM-15 . Can I get some opinions please ?

[djmarchand]

Make sure that the current rating of your controller matches the maximum current expected from your potential three panels. Most controllers seem to give the current rating to the batteries.

So take the total wattage rating of the three panels, and divide by 12. That should be lsss than the current rating of the controller.

David

[4fish]

That's only if I connected in a series with one controler right?
If I connected parallel each controler will have to accomplish your equation right?
So 112 wat into 12 v give me 9'3 amps , so the GV 10 ( 10 amps) 12 v should be fine correct ?
The WRM 15 is for 15 amps....
I did read a lot of good things of the GV 10 that ...
I am doing this right ?

[Jimbo485]

30 A, because your panels are parallel, you add the currents.

[4fish]

Each panel one controller ...I am confuse ...

[4fish]

I thought that on a parallel circuit each panel will work with its own controller independent of each other.....even they are connected to the same battery bank. Making things simpler.
I have to go back to the basics....and do some reading.
But if please could help me on setting two solbian panels SL 112 in a parallel set up and deciding for going for one controller the genasun GV-10 or the Western Co. WR15.....each solar panel with its controller .
Thank you

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by 4fish

I thought that on a parallel circuit each panel will work with its own controller independent of each other.....even they are connected to the same battery bank. Making things simpler.
I have to go back to the basics....and do some reading.
But if please could help me on setting two solbian panels SL 112 in a parallel set up and deciding for going for one controller the genasun GV-10 or the Western Co. WR15.....each solar panel with its controller .
Thank you

Generally you can use one controller sized for the total peak amp load of the system. Though there is a school of thought that say to put one controller per panel for maximum output. But that is sometimes excessive for marine systems.

[tartansail]

If your panels are wired in parallel and you are using one controller per panel, the Genasun GV-10 should be fine. I have the 125 watt Solbians in parallel with a Genasun GV-10 for each panel. They are both wired to the same house bank. If you are wiring both panels in parallel to a single controller, that may be too much current for a GV-10.

[Paul L]

Is anyone finding decent discounts on the Solbian panels from the lists?

[tartansail]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Is anyone finding decent discounts on the Solbian panels from the lists?

I'm not sure what qualifies as decent, but I got a bit of a discount. I'm not sure if it was a deferred boat show discount -- we met at Newport -- or just catching the seller on a good day (and asking). It seemed as though he was trying to put together larger orders on the larger high output panels in order to get a better price.

[4fish]

Ok then I think my initial idea will be the same set up than Tartan sail, but using the smaller panels SL112 with the GV10 .

... I don´t see any "votes" to the WR15

Thank you.
Everything looks correct now.

[Jimbo485]

Why not just one 30 A controller?

Why a controller for each panel?

[4fish]

Good question, and simple.
Well while I was reading is what I thought was necessary ....and I was seeing the circuit totally independent one from the other.....May be that is not even considered a parallel circuit since the three different circuits (if I get three panels ) have only in common the battery bank. I believe Tartansail has this set up two independent 125 panels with two GV10 controllers. Each circuit conected independentlly to the battery bank , correct?
Maybe the reason is that the controllers can work better in each panel independently....like for example in a shadow in one panel and not the other, but not sure what is better.....Could someone help clarifying this....

[goboatingnow]

If you can afford it , the best technical solution is always a separate panel connected to its own mppt controller. That way each panel will operate ( if needed) at its Vmp and Vmp will vary as panels experience differing light levels.

At the moment few do this due to cost and extra wiring.

Note there is no advantage to separate controllers if all you are using are PWM ( ie bang bang) regulators ( charge controllers)

Dave

[4fish]

I understood that MPPT charge controllers is a must nowadays. Affordability is a big issue, but looking all the costs....

Thank you.