Recomend a cheap charge controller.

[Squatch]

Just got back from a gathering of my Isuzu group. Someone had arranged a group buy of used medical vehicle refrigerators. Similar to my Truckfridge but without any bells an whistles. I believe they were from a drug distributor. Anyway several folks bought them and now have an interest in part time solar with a folding homemade suitcase panel after seeing my setup.

These will be for partime use on pop up trailer ect. So they don't need something like my Bogart stuff.

Just looking for a decent sub $100 controller to build a couple of portable suitcases.

Does anyone have any recommendations of one you have used and are happy with?

Not interested in ready made suitcase systems.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Just got back from a gathering of my Isuzu group. Someone had arranged a group buy of used medical vehicle refrigerators. Similar to my Truckfridge but without any bells an whistles. I believe they were from a drug distributor. Anyway several folks bought them and now have an interest in part time solar with a folding homemade suitcase panel after seeing my setup.

These will be for partime use on pop up trailer ect. So they don't need something like my Bogart stuff.

Just looking for a decent sub $100 controller to build a couple of portable suitcases.

Does anyone have any recommendations of one you have used and are happy with?

Not interested in ready made suitcase systems.

Go to the Renolgy solar company site.
They have a big selection of panels and controllers at good prices.
Frank

 

[Squatch]

So does Solar Blvd. Hoping to hear from about something folks have actually used.

 

[Beach]

You didn't specify the size of the system, my system is only 60w so I use a Morningstar Sunsaver . Quite pleased with its performance, very simple install. About $50-$60

 

[Bosque Bill]

I've been happy with my WindyNation 30A controller. It can accept up to four 100W panels (I connect one or two depending on conditions - one roof mount & one "deployable"). Has a nice display with programmable parameters. Sells for $52 on Amazon these days.

https://smile.amazon.com/Regulator-Controller-Digital-Adjustable-Settings/dp/B00JMLPP12/ref=pd_ybh_a_96?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EKN33QEK14BZKCF1QQDY

 

[Squatch]

You didn't specify the size of the system, my system is only 60w so I use a Morningstar Sunsaver . Quite pleased with its performance, very simple install. About $50-$60

Small under 200 watts for sure. We plugged one of these fridges into an outlet in my camper. The Trimetric only showed about 2 amp draw with a warm fridge.

 

[ckent323]

Squatch,

The Victron 75/15 is small in size and about $89 from PKYS (Peter Kennedy Yacht Services). I have had good experience with them.

http://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energy-MPPT-7515-Solar-Charge-Controller_p_7177.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_euizrut1wIVTpV-Ch3cMgT0EAQYASABEgLS8PD_BwE

You can add a bluetooth dongle now or later for an additional $45 - $50 and be able to monitor the charging from your smart phone (within a radius of about 50 feet).

Regards,

Craig

 

[rando]

I have used both the Morningstar Sun Saver 10 (~$50) and the Victron MPPT 75/15 (or 75/10, ~$80). Both worked well, the Victron is a tad nicer as it is MPPT and is entirely programmable if you change battery chemistry in the future.

 

[Squatch]

Thanks folks.