If you had to buy a new solar controller...

[where ever i may roam]

Which one would you choose?

My system in my van consists of (2) 100 Watt Renogy Panels, (2) Optima Blue Top 12V batteries (75Ah each), and the POS Tracer 2010 Mppt charge controller that came with the panels.  This has worked ok for the last couple of years, but suddenly something has changed.
Recently, the charge controller stopped bulk charging at 14.4 volts, and is bulk charging at only 13.5 volts, I suspect (guessing) the charge controller is on its way out.

I am not a full timer, I weekend camp often and use my van for beach trips, tailgating, etc. My electrical needs aren't substantial, I have an ARB fridge, a 12 volt TV, stereo, and a few led lights, but most of the time, my fridge is the only load on the system.

What solar controller would you recommend, without breaking the bank?
Thanks!

 

[BradKW]

That Blue Sky controller Bob is selling might be just the ticket for you: https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-MPPT-controller-for-sale?pid=235846#pid235846

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Blue Sky is a good brand.  So is Morningstar.  You won't go wrong with a controller from either of these companies.

BTW, there are a lot of people who think that the MPPT controllers aren't worth the extra money for only a one or two panel setup.  They are very worthwhile on the bigger setups.  If money is tight, just get a good PWM controller.

 

[Willy]

I think, if you can get a decent deal, that it's worth going MPPT.. especially now with panels getting so expensive. One thing to keep in mind though is that the MPPT controllers are a lot less forgiving of mix 'n match solar systems. With PWM you can add panels of different types and wattage and it'll work just fine. MPPT controllers, on the other hand, don't play well in that regard and can even get 'confused' when trying to set the MPPT. ..Willy.

 

[jimindenver]

You can get a MPPT controller for $100 or less that is functional. It will make a improvement in the output of your system especially early on when the batteries are low. This can be important if you can no longer add panels to your roof. That said at this level of system, a third panel would bring more bang for the buck than a MPPT controller.

Willy is right about mixing panels and MPPT. It took a computer hooked up to my Morningstart TS-MPPT-60 to see it but with mixed panels the voltage never settled. It would start at one point and jump a bit every second for five seconds and then drop back to the starting point only to do it over again. They say the lowest panel sets the tone for the array but there is more going on.

 

[akrvbob]

Blue Sky 3000i. I can give you simple reason why it's worth the money. Right on the face of the controller you can easily set the absorption voltage and length of time it holds it.

There is practically nothing you can do that is as important to getting the best possible life out of your batteries than that. Especially Optimas, they want high voltage for a long time. Give it to them and they last. Don't give it to them and they die a quick death.

Beyond that I know for a fact they stand behind their products and go above and beyond to keep happy customers.

He already has a matched pair of panels and the easiest possible thing to do is buy another 100 watt Renogy with the Blue Sky. That will be a very, very good system. Chances are your crappy controller has already damaged the Optimas by chronically undercharging them, so you can't expect miracles. But you can get a long life out of your next set.
Bob

 

[skyl4rk]

https://www.solar-electric.com/sunsaver-ss-20l-12v-solar-charge-controller.html

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I have the blue sky 3000i and so far it has been great, the main reason for my choice was that I liked the look of it over the Morningstar, those were the only two brands I was considering, I have been able to get my hands on a couple of large morningstar controllers Tristar 45 for another solar project but have not yet got that connected so I can't comment on them, the Blue sky looks better in my opinion, I think the smaller morningstars look like toys not a piece of equipment not sure why they designed that way.

 

[skyl4rk]

I used the Sunsaver 20 amp model posted above on my sailboat for over ten years with no problem. This is in an environment with high humidity, heat, lots of freeze/thaw conditions (Lake Michigan) and stored outside all winter. It is still working with a new owner who is taking her down the Mississippi at the moment. I have had a Sunsaver 20 with 200W solar in my van for a year. It is pretty much install it and forget about it. I use a voltmeter to watch voltage levels of the battery bank.

The biggest issue I have seen with solar/battery systems is accidentally leaving something on which uses power and draining the batteries to a low level. The low voltage disconnect function will prevent that from happening.

I am sure that there are advantages to the MPPT systems, however for a low cost charge controller, the Sunsavers work well.

 

[cortttt]

I would never go against what Bob says in this area but if the Blue Sky doesn't work out the Morningstar PWM Ts-45 - should be a bulletproof controller - and goes for about $150. From what I've read you don't see much advantage with the MPPT's until you get into higher watts.