Compact Charge Controller: 6-12 amps

[Scott Brady]

I am working on the 12v systems in the Land Rover, and would like to have the option of using my Iowa Thin Film rollable panels for extended camps. Currently, I have about 50 watts (~4amps) of rollable panel power, and would not need to exceed that given the systems in place on the Disco (fridge and some power for the laptop for image processing and charging of camera batteries, etc.)

And since I do plan to run a second battery, having the solar available will be a nice back-up to charge the AGM under the hood.

What I want is something super small and simple, consistent with the small amperage the panels generate. I do not need a 30 or 60 amp controller.

I will permanently install the controller under the hood and leave an easily to connect pig-tail available by the front bumper of similar.

The most simple option appears to be this unit from Brunton which can take seven amps.

A little more trick, and with a remote mounted battery monitor is this Morningstar system. I could mount the digital gauge in the back of the Disco near the 12v outlets.

Part of the SunSaver Duo system

Interestingly, the system would present battery voltage, incoming solar amps and even battery temp. I am leaning against this one a bit, due to unnecessary complexity, but if the unit could solve several problems, including fridge temp, it could be workable.

Morningstar also has this trick little 300 watt Pure Sine Wave inverter I am looking at:

Does anyone have suggestions for alternative solutions, or any feedback on these choices?

Thanks!

 

[jkam]

Here is an option on a compact charge controller good for up to 10 amps.
http://www.sunsei.com/Chargecontroller10A?sc=2&category=112

 

[elcoyote]

Scott,

We have been using the Sungard by Morningstar for the 60 watt Iowa Powerfilm panels. It is about the smallest and simplest controller I have seen on the market. It is rated for 4.5 A.

The Sunsaver 6 we had some failures with the low voltage disconnect.

The Sunsaver Duo would provide you with valuable info on panel performance/placement like the GPRV-25 in your Chaser.

My advice would be to choose a system that gives you readings on battery status and panel performance. These are the two key things you need to know. If you want more info such as consumption stats on your accessories, install a Doc Wattson or a Medusa on the main buss to your accesory line.
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=34676&CtgID=3575
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=36047&CtgID=3575


For managing your accessory power and a super clean install, I would suggest installing a Blue Sea ST Blade Fuse Block.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=295

 

[adventureduo]

Here is an option on a compact charge controller good for up to 10 amps.
http://www.sunsei.com/Chargecontroller10A?sc=2&category=112

I just installed one of these in the cruiser today. It was extremely easy and very straight forward to wire. The unit is small and can be mounted just about anywhere in the engine bay. Combined with a port i picked up at Adventure Trailer, im in business for backing up our dual batteries in case of failure. I picked it up locally at West Marine and installed it the same day.

 

[Corey]

I just installed one of these in the cruiser today. It was extremely easy and very straight forward to wire. The unit is small and can be mounted just about anywhere in the engine bay. Combined with a port i picked up at Adventure Trailer, im in business for backing up our dual batteries in case of failure. I picked it up locally at West Marine and installed it the same day.

I wish I had seen that earlier, I just ordered these two items a few minutes ago.
RA-8 Extension Cord w/ Alligator Clips

RA-9 Charge Controller, 4.5 A

I am getting the 60 watt foldable panel from AT.
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/12volt_solar.html

I may try out that other controller later.
I am very new to this, and Martyn has been helping answer my questions on the subject.

This too will be hooked right to the main battery to keep it topped off while using the ARB fridge, AutoHome Airland interior 12v light, and possibly recharging small batteries if needed.

 

[Scott Brady]

This is the unit I decided on for now: Super compact and a 7amp capacity. It will work with my two solar rolls, my 85watt panel from AT and possibly a new panel idea I have for the roof of the Disco.

As an interesting point, with a properly designed system, an 85watt panel can actually keep a truck running without a battery or alternator if both were to fail. Could be enough to get you to the next town for proper repairs.

 

[Corey]

I could not find the Sunsei one, everyone online seemed to be out until next month.

I ended up just placing an order for the Brunton like Scott got just now.
I have my panel coming from AT tomorrow, and the cables from them will be here Friday.
The Brunton will show up tomorrow, so it looks like I will be installing my setup this weekend.

I will put up a new thread for my installation in this section, or append it to my mods buildup thread.

The Brunton one I will tie into a female plug like Dave used, then plug the extension into it and the panel.

 

[Ursa Minor]

Sunsei observations

Good thread - I went with the Sunsei controller that AdventureDuo used, but I was not too impressed with the unit itself. The unit is pretty crude for mounting inside the vehicle - with a flimsy cover, exposed contacts and microscopic mounting holes. Seems bound for the engine bay by design.

Although I also got it at West Marine, the specs didn't include anything about moisture/splash/dust. I went the overkill route and put it in a housing. Even on my Element which doesn't see any fording I get splashes and dirt in the engine bay (eh, as seen in photos...) and that would likely be the end of it. The housing I used is basic electronics box, not sealed against immersion but just aimed at keeping the odd splash/dribble off. I'll see if it works, not sure how hot it will get. I doubt this unit would last long in a ocean environment having looked at the guts when the cover popped off, and it looks like West Marine is switching to a new one.

Mario at AT was super helpful, and that's where I sourced the folding panel, connectors and other bits.

cheers
John

 

[Corey]

Did you get the same panel that I used?