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Posted: 2/23/2024 2:37:21 PM EDT
I have a portable 300w Dokio solar panel system. It came with a 12v 20A controller that uses XT60 connectors.
It's not a bad system, and adequate for what I originally set out to do, but I think I would be better off with a 30A(+) controller so I can run full power on my HF radio (~20A), as needed, without issue (negative ground setup) I have 3x 20AH LiPO4 batteries and I'm using a FT-891 HF Transceiver and a few low current accessories (<1A) Outside of the connectors to the controller, everything else has PowerPole connectors, so while I am equipped with XT60 stuff, all PP wouldn't hurt :) |
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Posted: 2/23/2024 9:35:37 PM EDT
[#1]
The solar charge controller charges the batteries from energy harvested by the solar panels. If you want 30A, why not connect a Powerpole cable to the batteries directly (via a fuse)?
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Posted: 2/23/2024 10:09:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TheOtherDave]
[#2]
Originally Posted By RED_5: I have a portable 300w Dokio solar panel system. It came with a 12v 20A controller that uses XT60 connectors. It's not a bad system, and adequate for what I originally set out to do, but I think I would be better off with a 30A(+) controller so I can run full power on my HF radio (~20A), as needed, without issue (negative ground setup) I have 3x 20AH LiPO4 batteries and I'm using a FT-891 HF Transceiver and a few low current accessories (<1A) Outside of the connectors to the controller, everything else has PowerPole connectors, so while I am equipped with XT60 stuff, all PP wouldn't hurt :) The absolute best performing solar controllers on the market are made by a local EE/HAM radio guy and sold on his site, diysolar4u.com. THIS is what you need. I have been using 4 of the the 16A Apollo charge controllers on my cabin for about 4 years now and have bought another 12 of the Sol charge controllers, the master head unit, and a BMS unit for balancing LiFe batteries from them-it’s a modular system that does everything but mix a cocktail. We are talking 98-99% efficient a max load, global MPPT tracking, and the capability to both buck and boost panel voltage so that it will charge the batteries even when the panel output is lower than the battery voltage-you get more hours of charge time this way…… This company isn’t great at the marketing side of things but they make one hell of a charge controller. ETA: of your panels aren’t putting out 30A, going to a 30A charge controller won’t do anything for you. |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 1:16:35 AM EDT
[#3]
ok, my bad. it's been a while since I dealt with solar charge controllers (those were commercial units)..
I was thinking there was some connection when considering throughput, and I wanted to use the load side of the charge controller as it provides under/over voltage protection, which hooking directly to the battery does not. I thought it puzzling to see some typical system schematics with the load connected directly to the battery. guess I'll do a bit more reading. Thanks for your guys input / help 
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KS, USA
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Posted: 2/24/2024 9:24:58 AM EDT
[#4]
Your charge controller will make sure you dont have high voltage on the battery terminals, and the BMS will protect the battery from high/low voltage conditions. Hook the radio straight to the battery. I have my base station setup this way and have had zero issues.
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Posted: 2/24/2024 10:11:58 AM EDT
[#5]
Sorry to hijack - is a battery necessary? Can you just remove it from the system if you are OK only powering when the panels are producing?
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KS, USA
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Posted: 2/25/2024 12:34:47 AM EDT
[#6]
The panels likely output close to 20 volts. The charge controller regulates that down to useful voltage but requires to be able to see a battery voltage to know what to send it, or if it's full.
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Posted: 2/25/2024 2:34:13 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheOtherDave: The absolute best performing solar controllers on the market are made by a local EE/HAM radio guy and sold on his site, diysolar4u.com. THIS is what you need. I have been using 4 of the the 16A Apollo charge controllers on my cabin for about 4 years now and have bought another 12 of the Sol charge controllers, the master head unit, and a BMS unit for balancing LiFe batteries from them-it’s a modular system that does everything but mix a cocktail. We are talking 98-99% efficient a max load, global MPPT tracking, and the capability to both buck and boost panel voltage so that it will charge the batteries even when the panel output is lower than the battery voltage-you get more hours of charge time this way…… This company isn’t great at the marketing side of things but they make one hell of a charge controller. I did not know about these guys. Thank You. Also looking for a controller for camping HF with an 891 |
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Posted: 2/26/2024 12:34:15 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TheOtherDave]
[#8]
Nvm
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Posted: 2/26/2024 1:25:57 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By kaw_liga: Sorry to hijack - is a battery necessary? Can you just remove it from the system if you are OK only powering when the panels are producing? I can run my panels with just the controller and use the two built-in usb ports (5vdc/2A) without a battery. MY panels don't supply a continuous/steady current at a level that is useful to my needs (load), so the panels are used to offset the load on (charge) the batteries, essentially extending the 'useful' operating time of the battery. For my use, I won't be pulling a continuous load (operating my station) all day, so I should be able to maintain a relatively full battery system into the night for a few hours of operation at night and/or early morning. Of course, power production by the panels is limited to/dependent upon the amount of sunlight available and panel angle in relation to the sun. I will be securing my panels inside my tent for the night or if there is rain or inclement weather. |
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Posted: 2/26/2024 1:53:10 AM EDT
[#10]
XT60 is a superior connector. I am sad that hams standardized on the powerpole and have stuck with it all these years later. most of my stuff is XT60 and now that I'm getting back into ham the PP are starting to spread. I dont like it.
 as to the charge controller, if you panel is 300 watt, at 12v that would be 25amps? my solar panels only put out rated power for about an hour a day 2 weeks in summer. the rest of the time is less, you are probably fine with 20a |
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Posted: 2/26/2024 9:48:26 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By slappomatt: XT60 is a superior connector. I am sad that hams standardized on the powerpole and have stuck with it all these years later. most of my stuff is XT60 and now that I'm getting back into ham the PP are starting to spread. I dont like it. as to the charge controller, if you panel is 300 watt, at 12v that would be 25amps? my solar panels only put out rated power for about an hour a day 2 weeks in summer. the rest of the time is less, you are probably fine with 20a W=V x A, so 300/12=25… Actual amperage would be lower because 12v batteries really aren’t 12v, but you get the idea. |
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Posted: 3/8/2024 6:59:27 PM EDT
[#12]
Victron is solid, but expensive.
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