Thanks guys, I had been focused on getting a Genasun. I was gonna do 2, one for each 100w panel. I had hoped to use their 5amp unit but in reviewing the specs it looks like I would exceed the ratings by a small margin. I looked at the 10amp unit but it is nearly twice the price. If they made a 15amp unit then I could justify it since I would only need one. Maine Sailor on pbase had some observations about the Genasun units and was not particularly impressed. He cautioned against the cheap Chinese controllers and provided a list of recommended companies. This led me to the MorningstarStar 15 amp MPPT. I liked the control options and customizations. I liked the optional remote display panel. The price for the whole package would have been twice that of 2 Genasun 10 amps. Then I looked at the Victron BlueSolar. A single unit would cover 20amps at the same price as a single Genasun 10 amp. I was close to purchase but then realized I would miss out on the customizations and controls of the Morningstar unit. I was also cautioned that the Victron unit might need at least +5v more than the battery (12v) just to start charging, unlike other units such as the Genasun. In my search I came across the Renogy 20 amp unit which had consistently high reviews on Amazon. The Renogy 20amp unit also has a remote monitor and all for the price of a single Genasun 10 amp or the Victron 20 amp.
Just hoping someone had had good luck with some of these cheaper options. Josh On Apr 27, 2016 9:32 PM, "Frederick G Street via CnC-List" < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > Josh — I’ve never heard of Renogy before; the Vlctron stuff is very well > built and I’d trust that in a minute. > > Fred Street -- Minneapolis > S/V Oceanis (1979 C&C Landfall 38) -- on the hard in Bayfield, WI :^( > > On Apr 27, 2016, at 8:19 PM, Josh Muckley via CnC-List < > cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > Hey guys, > > Anyone have a good experience with an ebay or Amazon, el cheapo solar > charge controller. Particularly a MPPT type. The price for the > Morningstar is just a little prohibitive for what you get. > > Renogy Traker MPPT 20A with the accessory meter is cheaper than just the > Morningstar 15A, MPPT ootion. It is also only a little more expensive than > the Victron BlueSolar 20A MPPT version. > > Thanks, > Josh Muckley > S/V Sea Hawk > 1989 C&C 37+ > Solomons, MD > > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you > like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All > Contributions are greatly appreciated! > >
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