Which MPPT Solar Controller?

[sv Winterlude]

We've had the Bluesky MPPT SolarBoost since 2003 -- almost 10 years. I can't comment on the pros or cons of the others since when we bought ours, there were no competitors, Bluesky was the first.

We have never had a problem with the SolarBoost - it just works, through years of cruising including 170 straight nights at anchor without seeing a dock.

No greater praise, but I've probably just jinxed it...

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by sv Winterlude

We've had the Bluesky MPPT SolarBoost since 2003 -- almost 10 years. I can't comment on the pros or cons of the others since when we bought ours, there were no competitors, Bluesky was the first.

We have never had a problem with the SolarBoost - it just works, through years of cruising including 170 straight nights at anchor without seeing a dock.

No greater praise, but I've probably just jinxed it...

Mind if I ask how many watts of panels and how much amp/hrs. your batteries are?

[silverp40]

I agree with s/v Winterlude: Blue sky controllers are really well built.

We also have been running on solar (98%) and have not plugged in for over 3 years despite running a 12V refrigerator, even when docked. No problems whatsoever with the Blue sky controllers and Kyocera panels - they just keep putting out silent, free energy....

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by silverp40

I agree with s/v Winterlude: Blue sky controllers are really well built.

We also have been running on solar (98%) and have not plugged in for over 3 years despite running a 12V refrigerator, even when docked. No problems whatsoever with the Blue sky controllers and Kyocera panels - they just keep putting out silent, free energy....

Mind if I ask the same question as in post 32?

[jeremiason]

OK... Thanks for all the geek speek!

I am very happy with my 40+ amps per hour from my Blue Sky Controller as it keeps up with the refridgerators and other electrical on my boat, regardless of the formulas.

The only thing I need now is a formula to decrease the mount of cloud cover during the rainny season here in Central America, which most days, reducing my total amp hours considerably.

Next year, when I get into the Caribbean, I am installing AirMaax Wind Generator to compliment the solar.

[silverp40]

Hi Celestialsailor

We have 400W Pvs and 465aHRs in the house batts. let me know if you need any more info

Cheers

[silverp40]

Jeremiason

"Thin cables to greatly reduce installation costs with zero loss of current"

Airmaax makes some lofty claims about DC cables.......

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by silverp40

Jeremiason

"Thin cables to greatly reduce installation costs with zero loss of current"

Airmaax makes some lofty claims about DC cables.......

Not a lofty claim at all. Any cable will have zero loss of current. Of course, the thin ones will lose a whole lot of voltage!

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by silverp40

Jeremiason

"Thin cables to greatly reduce installation costs with zero loss of current"

Airmaax makes some lofty claims about DC cables.......

Just went to their website. They're not rectifying at the unit, they have an external rectifier/regulator at the batteries. The cables are therefore AC, not DC.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by cwyckham

Not a lofty claim at all. Any cable will have zero loss of current. Of course, the thin ones will lose a whole lot of voltage!

Go thin enough and it will melt, that tends to cause a significant reduction in current

[silverp40]

Makes sense to rectify at the batts and hence use Ac current for the wire run...

I just needed to point out that a thinner cable will loose voltage over distance but increase amperage to the point that if there is enough distance it could fry the cable.and damage other things also (like the boat)

BTW, the Ac cables better not chafe and touch the windgen pole inside or else there could be some nasty surprises especially if it rains....

[Rhian]

Thanks everybody for your advice and knowledge. Looks like we will go for the Bluesky 50amp controller and link the 4 panels, with 2 pairs in series and then parallelled back to the controller, as most of you seem to recommend.

Hadn't thought about the well ventilated area for mounting the unit, not sure where to put it yet but thanks for the tip!

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by silverp40

Hi Celestialsailor

We have 400W Pvs and 465aHRs in the house batts. let me know if you need any more info

Cheers

...Ok good...so far I'm at 250 watts of panels (2@ 100w and 1@50w) 400 a/hr of batteries. Just got the refer running, so I'll see how it keeps up...thanx

[silverp40]

There are a few factors to consider about the fridge: Temperature inside the boat, insulation, how low you set the thermostat, temp of water around the boat, etc.

This sort of departs from the original thread though...

[Celestialsailor]

Yes...I know...I'm at about R 25. 1" of aerogel and 3"s of pour foam with only a 2.2 cu.ft. box.