BUDGET 30 AMP MPPT iSunergy Solar Charge Controller

[@JohnT.4321]

At this time I have a small set up with two 20 amp PWM charge controllers since I have solar panels in two different locations. Since it is small, the decision for the two PWM charge controllers was that it was much easier to calculate the charge controllers with the solar panels using the PWM charge controller calculator which can easily be found on any search engine. I would link but KZbin would delete. All one has to do is enter the short circuit voltage along with how many panels (called strings in parallel) to get the amp number in which you get a higher amp solar charge controller. Example: my short circuit cut off voltage is 5.7 volts on both my 100 watt solar panel. All I had to do was enter one short circuit number. Next box is where I added the two panels (called strings in parallel) and the next box is already at 12 volts since I have AGM batteries. You can adjust that box for lithium battery voltage as well. After entering all the numbers I got the result of 13.93 amps. That told me a 20 amp PWM should be used for the the two solar panels. On the other hand, there is also a MPPT charge controller calculator on a different website. A MPPT charge controller calculations involves more than just the short circuit voltage to get the correct MPPT charge controller. Since I have AGM batteries and a small system involving a 1500 watt inverter, the decision for using both PWM charge controllers made better sense because they are cheap to buy whereas a MPPT charge controller is more expensive. I am surprised, from the video, that the 20 amp MPPT charge controller did not burn out from the 370 watt solar panel. It might have eventually but the durability of it is...impressive! However, the 30 amp MPPT controller is the right choice for the 12 volt system on the video. Furthermore, the cost of both MPPT controllers was also impressive. If I ever move to lifepo4 batteries I bookmarked the link in the description for the charge controller. BTW, great job and I subscribed.

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@JohnT.4321 MPPT you can over panel and not hurt just can’t over voltage from the panels it will only charge up to 20 amps. At least that is what I’ve been told and experienced. Thanks for watching and yeah PWMs work great and I use them on projects. I use them on 20 amps or less stuff where voltage from the panels are close to battery voltage.

[@JohnT.4321]

@@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118 Perhaps you can over panel a MPPT but I am no expert. I just go by a guy who wrote a book on everything about solar systems and his KZbin channel. PWM's are an older technology and great for smaller and midsize solar projects.I am not going to write more on that. I am just glad you showed off the Sunergy 30 amp MPPT. This proves that a person does not have to pay the huge price tag that we see paying for a name. I realized that when I bought a few large appliances. Both name brand and off brand came from the same factory and the internal workings were the same thing with no difference except in name and price. Why pay the price of a Victron when a person can buy something else with identical internal components but with a different housing.

[@travismartinson1813]

I bought the 40 amp, and it works great. I'm getting similar power to my pwm in full sun, but I get more power on cloudy days. I also get power earlier in the day, and it produces power later into the evening. My only complaint is that the screen isn't backlit and is hard to see in dim light.

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@travismartinson1813 I know no bells and whistles, but it gets the job done for a great price. Thanks for watching.

[@ILKnierim]

Thanks for the info

[@debfaloon]

Great video from a handsome man.

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

Thank you kindly

[@THEOFFGRIDMOUNTAINHOMESTEAD]

Thanks for checking out the 30A model! Looks to be another good affordable option from ISunenrgy. You going for the 60A or the 120A next? 🙂 The 120 looks impressive for the cost and they have the E smart series out now too!

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@THEOFFGRIDMOUNTAINHOMESTEAD i have a HQST 60 amp for my 1200 watt total solar panel to a 24 volt system but if I had known I sure would have. The 60 amp is under 100.00 that’s awesome. Thanks so much for the shout out and love your thorough reviews.

[@THEOFFGRIDMOUNTAINHOMESTEAD]

I’ve been seriously considering the HQST 60. Have you tested the low temp charge cutout on it? Appreciate you my friend, glad to help out any way I can. I’m trying to decide on next controller to test. So many options out there now…

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@THEOFFGRIDMOUNTAINHOMESTEAD yes it works and it is a great product as long as you don’t need any customer service that was a big let down they leave you dry. Kind of a big let down. But temperature and Bluetooth work great and a huge heat sync.

[@christophersewell9529]

😊

[@reddog1171]

Thanks

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@reddog1171 you are welcome

[@Pretty_Pooch]

🤠🤘💖

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@Pretty_Pooch thanks for watching. We need to get you some solar on that new camper.

[@ryanmall]

Yes we did miss you Ned lol

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

Thanks Ryan

[@sam_8a]

Can we change the charging current, voltage, other parameters in the controller?

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@sam_8a not the current but you can change the float and voltage of where you want the lifepo4 to stop at. I set mine at 13.7 . Actually came shipped at 12.6 and I was wondering why it wouldn’t charge. Once I set it to 13,7 it has been working great. Also can change the voltage parameters of the load output cutoff voltage and when to turn back on.

[@jameshall5784]

Are we having fun yet???

[@nelsoncruz7278]

Can you kindly confirm if it’s possible to use 12-18v solar panel with this charge controller and charge 24v lithium battery ?

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@nelsoncruz7278 I have not tried that I’ve only charged higher to lower voltage batteries. The Off-Grid Mountain Homestead has a video on theses charges and has a nice test bench with a 24 volt setup if you ask him he is usually really good at an answer or he will do the test for you. I’m on the road right now but can test that when I get back to let you know for sure. I do know though these are true MPPT controllers and I believe it will work but I don’t want to say yes until I try for you.

[@nelsoncruz7278]

​@@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118 thanks for the reply, kindly test it and confirm if it is possible, waiting for your response after the test. Thanks 👍

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@nelsoncruz7278 will do

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@nelsoncruz7278just tried it and you do need more voltage than the batteries to charge. Had to put two 100 watt panels in series to make it charge two 12.8 volt batteries in series.

[@nelsoncruz7278]

@@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118 thanks a lot for the test

[@pureokie.]

OF COURSE WE MISSED YA ...

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

Thanks Pure Okie