R29 Classic Solar Controller Upgrade Question

[fishheadbarandgrill]

If you've upgraded your solar to an MPPT controller, what brand did you go with and where did you install the controller? I'm favoring the Blue Sky controllers because that's what I installed on my sailboat and really like it's performance. They are not rated for wet environments so I am considering a Victron controller because I think I can install it in the same place where the factory installed the Morningstar controller (in the port Laz). For the Blue Sky I'm thinking forward of the engine near the fresh water pump. Thoughts?

 

[Smcavana]

We went with Victron in the port lazarette at the same time we upgraded to two more modern solar panels on our R27 Classic. A little pricey (the panels, not the Victron controller), but easily kept up with our needs for a week or so on the hook last summer. And at the dock, even leaving the refrigerator on, we rarely plugged into shore power, reducing electrolysis.

 

[Toucan]

We installed a Victron MPPT controller with Bluetooth on each of the 2 solar panels. I really like seeing the operating parameters and history using their app on my iPhone. If I were to do it again, I would hook the panels in series and only use one controller. The Victron 75/15 controller can take up to 75 VDC input from cascaded panels and put 15 ADC into your batteries.

Barry Thompson

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

On thing that I’d like in a controller is the ability to charge 2 banks and the Victron controllers don’t do that.

 

[scross]

A bit off topic but has anyone who has installed a brand new (not replacement or upgrade) solar system on their boat claimed the 30% federal solar tax credit to offset the system cost? It seems to me that most RT and CW models would qualify.

 

[Red Raven]

On thing that I’d like in a controller is the ability to charge 2 banks and the Victron controllers don’t do that.

I have not found a two bank MPPT controller from any brand including Morningstar who makes the two bank PWM controller provided on our boats. However, I don’t think it is necessary. At the dock you are likely plugged in to shore power and running the shore power battery charger. When on the hook the start battery current draw should be minimal such that it should be fine for many many days of anchoring. In between anchorages the engine battery will be charged by the alternator. Also, the ACRs will combine the batteries if the solar charge voltage exceeds 13 volts which would be the case with any significant amount of sun on the solar panel. The batteries should be fine indefinitely with a single output controller with ACRs even if not plugged in at the dock or on a mooring ball if the loads are kept well below the long term average solar panel output.

Curt