MPPT Solar Charge Controller for RV and Boat
Unlike traditional off-grid solar power systems where there is only one battery bank to manage, in these vehicles we have two different batteries to manage: the auxiliary battery (MAIN) and the starter battery (START).
The auxiliary battery is normally used to power all household appliances and electronic devices on board, while the starter battery has the task of starting the engine and powering the engine control unit and other low-consumption appliances, such as the clock on the dashboard.
Both are charged while we are traveling through the vehicle alternator. but what happens when we stop in the middle of nature with the motorhome or we leave our boat anchored? In these cases the auxiliary battery will be discharged as we use the appliances and the starter battery will suffer small inevitable losses. You will probably already know this, but it is the small and prolonged losses that give rise to the irreversible sulphation process in most lead acid batteries; sulphation which then leads to their premature replacement.
It is therefore clear that if we want a really well-designed solar power system for our motorhome or our boat, we need a special dual battery solar charge controller, a controller that is able to recharge the auxiliary battery in the best way and at the same time keep the starter battery fully charged, even if the vehicle remains stationary for a long time. This is exactly what our solar charge controller does.
What types of batteries can be managed and how to select them? As visible from the photo, the controller is equipped, on the right side of its terminal board, with a group of four encapsulated white switches (DIP switch) and a table of combinations. By positioning these four switches it will be possible to select four different types of batteries:
Lead-acid (Sealed) Gel AGM the modern LiFePO4 batteries
The battery type we are going to select will be the main battery (MAIN), that is the auxiliary battery. The starter battery (START), on the other hand, will not be indicated because it will only be kept charged and will receive a maximum trickle current of 1A.
What are the best types of batteries for an RV solar power system? Without a doubt, LiFePO4 type (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is nowadays the best choice as an auxiliary battery, while AGM type (with high inrush current) is a very good choice as a motor battery. If a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery (with dedicated BMS) is not enough to meet the energy needs of the passenger compartment, you can add another one, connecting it in parallel. Here is a guide on how to connect two or more batteries in series and parallel.
And regarding the solar panels? Well, this charge controller accepts solar panels with a peak power up to 350W. If you have three 100W panels you can therefore wire them in parallel. Here is a guide on how to wire multiple solar panels in parallel. Don’t worry about the number of cells that make up the panels because this controller uses MPPT technology and therefore will use all the power of the panels to charge our 12V battery, regardless of whether the rated voltage of the each solar panel is 12V, 18V or 24V. The outer shell of the MPPT charge regulator is in die-cast aluminum in order to guarantee the best ratio between strength, lightness and heat dissipation capacity. In addition, a fan for air circulation is mounted on its back.
Accessories
A good RV solar charge controller can’t be supplied without some important accessories, right? Well, let’s see what they are and their respective function within our system.
The first accessory is the remote digital meter. Thanks to its backlit display you will be able to easily view and monitor all the parameters (battery voltage, charging current, total power, battery capacity, energy) from a passenger compartment point of your choice. The meter comes with 4 fixing screws and a connection cable 5 meters long. In addition, the most tech-savvy users can monitor the progress of the charge even from their Smartphone or iPhone. The controller has in fact a bluetooth antenna and a dedicated app, free of charge, in 8 different languages.
Another important accessory that you will find in the package is the temperature sensor. Fixed on a 3 meter long cable, it must be connected to either one of the two poles of the auxiliary battery. In this way the controller will also take into account the battery temperature during the entire charging process. Reading this information, often absent in the poorer controllers, is essential to guarantee the correct charging voltage. For connection, the inner diameter of the sensor eyelet is 8mm. Finally, you will also have two blade fuses (40A and 5A) that will guarantee maximum protection against any short circuits along the lines and then, of course, you will have the instruction booklet.
Wiring diagram
First, you need to set the type of main battery that the charge controller will have to manage. To do this, just look at the table printed on the controller, find the technology of your auxiliary battery and position the four switches accordingly. Then, the temperature sensor will be fixed on one of the two poles of the battery (or on the side of the battery, as you prefer) and its connector will be connected to the controller port called Temp. Sensor.
Once we have done these two operations, we can connect the auxiliary battery to the controller through a pair of cables with a section equal to or greater than 6mm² and less than two meters long. I advise you to choose a pair equipped with a fuse holder near the positive terminal of the battery so as to place the 40A fuse supplied. Fuse is optional but recommended because in the event of a short circuit on the line, the fuse will protect the cable from immediate overheating and from the risk of fire. The charge controller, on the other hand, already has internal protection against short circuits. We therefore connect the red cable from the positive pole of the main battery (1) to the controller terminal called I MAIN and then the black one (-) to the terminal called I II, with electrical grounding to the chassis of our RV or boat.
Since the negative pole of the starter battery will already be connected to the chassis, we just have to take a red cable with 1.5mm²-2.5mm² section and connect the positive pole of the starter battery to the controller terminal called II START. Also in this case it is recommended to choose a cable with a fuse holder so as to accommodate our 5A fuse and protect the line. Excellent, at this point we can finally prepare to connect the solar panel. Let’s cover the panel to avoid the formation of sparks during the wiring. After that, we can connect the panel through a cable with a section equal to or greater than 6mm² to the terminals and. of the controller (solar input), paying attention to the polarity. Congratulations, the solar power system is now complete and is ready to give you free, clean, renewable energy for all your RV adventures!
Technical specifications
| Maximum PV power | 350W |
| Maximum PV voltage (Voc) | 50V |
| Maximum PV current | 21A |
| Battery type | Lead-acid Gel AGM LiFePO4 |
| Battery voltage | 12V |
| Maximum current to AUXILIARY BATTERY | 25A |
| Maximum current to STARTER BATTERY | 1A |
| Self-consumption | ≤ 4mA |
| Efficiency | ＞ 95% |
| Bluetooth | YES (app in 8 languages) |
| External material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 147 x 74 x 40 mm |
| Weight | 400 g |
Warranty
In compliance with European directive 1999/44/EC, the warranty is valid for 2 years on conformity defects from the issuing date of the sales receipt or invoice. If the product does not entirely meet your expectations, you have the right to return it within 14 days and get a full refund. No questions asked.
Delivery
On average, delivery within the European Union takes 2 to 5 working days. If your delivery address is outside of the European Union, you may be subject to customs charges and delivery may take a few days more. Anyway, you will receive an email notification as soon as the product is shipped.
Payment methods
You can make the purchase using your Paypal account and the most popular credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Click on the Add to cart button and choose the method you prefer. If you have any questions about the product, do not hesitate to contact us.
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Automatic ATS Dual Power Transfer Switch Solar Charge Controller for Solar wind System DC 12/24/48V, AC 110V 220V on/off grid
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PowMr 40A 50A 60A 12V/24V PWM Solar Charge Controller With Dual USB
Making sure your battery has enough voltage for the controller to recognize the battery type before first installation. The battery cable should be as short as possible to minimize loss. The regulator is only suitable for lead acid batteries: OPEN,AGM, GEL it is not suited for nickel metal hydride, lithium ions or other batteries, and the charge regulator is only suitable for regulating solar modules. Never connect another charging source to the charge regulator.
Description
PowMr 40A 50A 60A 12V/24V PWM Solar Charge Controller With Dual USB
- Brand:PowMr
- Product Model: RBL-30A
- Build-in industrial micro controller.
- Big LCD display,all adjustable parameter.
- Fully 4-stage PWM charge management.
- Build-in short-circuit protection,open-circuit protection,reverse protection,over-load protection.
- Dual mosfet Reverse current protection ,low heat production.
Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
3.Make sure your battery has enough voltage for the controller to recognize the battery type before first installation.
4.The battery cable should be as short as possible to minimize loss.
5.The regulator is only suitable for lead acid batteries: OPEN,AGM, GEL it is not suited for nickel metal hydride, lithium ions or other batteries.
6.The charge regulator is only suitable for regulating solar modules. Never connect another charging source to the charge regulator.
Technology Parameter
12V battery, the highest 23V;
24V battery when the highest 46V
Solar panel 8V(Light lights delay)
Solar panel 8V(Light off delay)
Download
PowMr 40A 50A 60A 12V/24V PWM Solar Charge Controller With Dual USB
- Brand:PowMr
- Product Model: RBL-30A
- Build-in industrial micro controller.
- Big LCD display,all adjustable parameter.
- Fully 4-stage PWM charge management.
- Build-in short-circuit protection,open-circuit protection,reverse protection,over-load protection.
- Dual mosfet Reverse current protection ,low heat production.
Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning the installation.
3.Make sure your battery has enough voltage for the controller to recognize the battery type before first installation.
4.The battery cable should be as short as possible to minimize loss.
5.The regulator is only suitable for lead acid batteries: OPEN,AGM, GEL it is not suited for nickel metal hydride, lithium ions or other batteries.
6.The charge regulator is only suitable for regulating solar modules. Never connect another charging source to the charge regulator.
Two Charge Controllers One Solar Panel
A charge controller is used to regulate the power of your solar modules. It ensures that your battery does not overcharge.
While most systems work perfectly using just one charge controller, there are some instances where connecting two charge controllers to one solar panel could be the right solution.
Check out our article to find out what a solar charge controller is, how it works, and whether you can use multiple chargers on a single solar panel.
What Is a Solar Charge Controller?
A solar charge controller controls the power going into the battery bank from the solar array. It makes sure that the deep cycle batteries do not overcharge during the day.
It also ensures that the power doesn’t run back to the solar panels overnight, draining the batteries.
Some charge controllers come with extra capabilities. These include lighting and load control. Managing the power, however, is its main job.
A solar charge controller comes in two different technologies. These are PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking).
Difference Between a PWM and MPPT Charge Controller
PWM type charge controllers are less complex than MPPT type charge controllers.
MPPT-type charge controllers convert excess panel voltage into higher charging amps. This means that they can produce approximately 15% more power than PWM-type charge controllers.
The way each system functions is different. An MPPT charge controller costs more than a PWM charge controller. However, it’s often a better decision to pay the extra money for the MPPT.
PWM Solar Charge Controller
PWM controllers work by making a connection directly from the solar array to the battery bank. When you bulk charge, there’s a continuous connection from the array to the battery bank.
The array output voltage is reduced to the battery’s voltage. As the battery charges, the internal voltage rises. The voltage output of the solar panel rises as well. This uses more solar power while charging.
You need to ensure the nominal voltage of the solar array matches the voltage of the battery bank.
MPPT Solar Charge Controller
The PV voltage is reduced to match the battery voltage after measuring the Vmp voltage of the panel.
When the voltage is reduced to match the battery bank, the current increases. This utilizes more of the panel’s available power. This is because power into the charge controller equals power out of the charge controller (V=IR).
Instead of batteries, you can utilize a higher voltage solar array, such as the more widely accessible solar panels.
Important Terms to Understand
When solar charging two battery banks, the following terms are crucial to understanding:
Solar charge controller : Prevents your battery or batteries from being overcharged by the solar panel.
Dual Battery Bank : Having two separate batteries or sets of batteries that are capable of carrying out various tasks. Start batteries and the house battery bank in an RV are two examples of this.
Solar array : A solar array is a panel or group of panels that use the sun’s energy to charge batteries.
Can I Use Multiple Charge Controllers?
With most solar charge controllers, you can only charge one battery. So, you need to know how to charge multiple batteries with one solar panel.
Some charge controllers now have an added option of having two battery banks. You charge the two banks separately using the same solar panels and the same controller.
You can use multiple charge controllers if the charging current of your solar array is more than the current of your charge controller.
Throughout the battery bank, these charge controllers are connected to one another in parallel.
A single battery bank can power two or more controllers. Large solar arrays are typically configured in this way to provide the optimum benefits. However, there are a few considerations you should make before purchasing additional controllers.
Capacity
The capacity of a charge controller is one consideration. The other is the maximum number of watts that MPPT and PWM controllers can handle.
It’s difficult to mix different wattage solar panels. but not impossible.
A separate solar panel is required for each controller. There must be no other connection between the two solar panels except for the battery bank. The battery bank will be connected to each controller.
In this setup, each charge controller assesses the battery voltage and chooses the amount of current that is sent to its own solar panel.
It’s quite common to use two or more controllers with a single battery bank. It’s particularly useful in big arrays because of how MPPT controllers operate.
It may be better to install multiple charge controllers instead of one large one.
This is because different controllers may have a higher system output if some panels are in the shade and others receive direct sunlight.
When Is It Essential t o Have Multiple Charge Controllers
Complete reliance on an off-grid power system can be extremely important if you rely on them for crucial equipment. You may have vital control or life support systems that depend on constant power availability. In this case, your power generation needs to have some redundancy.
Critical systems like navigation and weather warnings can’t afford to lose power while a sailboat is sailing the Pacific. Installing solar panels on a boat is important. The designed redundancy in such power systems can save lives.
In off-grid areas, it’s common for weather conditions to quickly change. It’s crucial for solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable power sources to be able to generate electricity in these areas.
Is It Dangerous?
It’s possible to have two charge controllers on one solar panel, however, it may not be the best option.
Once the battery is full, the charge controller switch will be mostly off. The other charge controller will then use the solar cell.
The danger might be that if both batteries are low, both controllers will switch on together. This could shorten two batteries together which will damage the controllers.
Benefits of Solar Battery Charging
Solar Power Prolongs Battery Life
Your batteries need pure D.C electricity. Solar panels can produce this when they are exposed to sunlight.
Charging your batteries through solar power helps to prevent ongoing deep discharges. These discharges shorten the lifespan of lead-acid batteries.
Solar power prevents this as the batteries are saturated with electrons daily. With solar charging, you can easily double the life of your lead-acid batteries.
Quiet, Clean, Easy to Use
-Solar panels release no waste and use no fuel.
-There is no mechanical noise because there are no moving parts.
Low Maintenance
There are no air, fuel, or oil filters to change since solar panels consume no fuel and have no moving parts to wear out. All you need to do is keep the panel surfaces clean.
It’s Safe and Reliable
There’s a little chance of starting electrical fires or being electrocuted. A system must be installed using proper wire sizes and fuses. If it’s done properly, then it’ll be safe.
Electrical Independence
You can stay wherever you want if you have the right sized system and the relevant components. There will be no need to use a generator or seek alternative power.
You will be free to go wherever your heart desires, knowing that you have electrical independence.
Can I Use MPPT and PWM Charge Controllers Together?
PWM controllers are best suited for small systems, while MPPT controllers are for large solar arrays. But can you use the two together in one system?
We do not recommend using different types of charge controllers together in one system. These controllers have unique properties. Using them together can result in a system’s malfunction. You will also not get optimal results from your batteries and solar panel.
An MPPT controller is more efficient than a PWM. An MPPT can handle solar panels and batteries with different voltages. The battery voltages and panels have to match with a PWM. If you have an MPPT and PWM controller in one system, the voltages would need to be adjusted differently to one another.
If you have two solar arrays wired together, you can’t use different controller types unless the arrays are linked. It would still be considered a single system. Conflict may arise if you use different types of charge controllers.
You can use different size controllers, but they have to be the same type. For example, if you are going to use PWM then you need to use PWM only, and vice versa.
What Should I Look f or When Buying a Solar Panel?
There are many different solar panels available to purchase. Knowing which one to buy can be tricky.
You first want to look for one that’s low maintenance. This saves you money in the long run.
You should also look for a solar panel that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Good low light performance in cloudy conditions is also advantageous.
In terms of installation, it should be easy to install and compatible with on-grid and off-grid inverters. Pre-drilled holes are also a bonus.
Always try to buy one with a warranty. This will ensure that you don’t lose out on money if something breaks.
Shop Solar Kits has the perfect 200 Watt Portable Solar panel that meets most of these specifications. It also comes at an affordable price.
Key Takeaways
Using solar power for battery charging is a reliable, low-maintenance way to prolong the life of your battery.
In certain circumstances, you will be able to use two charge controllers with one solar panel. There are a few considerations your should make before doing this.
The charging current of your planned solar panel might be more than the current rating of your charge controller. In this case, you should use multiple charge controllers.
A single battery bank can power two or more controllers. However, a separate solar panel is usually needed for each controller.
Luckily these days you get charge controllers that can charge two battery banks with one solar panel.
If you live in an off-grid area then generating electricity through solar power is one of the best options.
Remember when purchasing a solar panel to look for one that is low-maintenance, can withstand harsh environmental conditions, and is easy to install.
Did You Find Our Blog Helpful? Then Consider Checking:
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- Solar Panel Charge Controller Troubleshooting
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- Solar Panel Wiring
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- How to Connect Solar Panels to Battery Bank Charge Controller Inverter
- What Size Solar Panel to Charge 12v Battery
- How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Rv
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