PV Solar Panel Controllers
A solar controller is an essential component of a marine solar system. A controller gathers the maximum amount of power from the solar panels and delivers the proper amount of power to the battery bank for efficient charging and ensures the batteries are not overcharged. Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) controllers are excellent for smaller solar systems under 300 watts. They are cost effective and use little power. Our PWM controller is designed for charging two battery banks; ideal for cruising sail and power boats. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers are designed to pull the maximum power off a solar system and adjust the charging voltage and current to achieve maximum battery charging efficiency. MPPT controllers are ideal for solar systems above 200 watts in rated output.
Our solar controllers are well suited to our line of solar panels. We have assembled kits that include everything you need to install a solar system on your boat.
Our solar controllers are well suited to our line of solar panels. We have assembled kits that include everything you need to install a solar system on your boat.
High Efficiency MPPT Marine Controllers
Tracer BN MPPT Controller
MT50 Remote Display
EP Xtra-N and DuoRacer MPPT Controller with Display Built in
Victron SmartSolar Solar Controller
Victron MPPT Control Remote Meter
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The Tracer BN and Xtra marine series controllers are EP Solar’s second generation of MPPT controllers. Both have rapid MPP (Maximum Power Point) calculation capability to achieve the maximum output of a solar array. At 99.5% efficiency they are one of the most energy efficient controllers available which means they will convert the maximum amount of solar energy to battery charging power.
These controllers also have extensive communication ability. You can monitor your solar panel performance through your laptop computer or through the MT50 or MT11 remote display. An option to monitor solar system performance through Bluetooth or WiFi is also available. DuoRacer - The DuoRacer marine series solar controllers are the first MPPT controllers designed with dual output. The DuoRacer controller can charge two battery banks simultaneously. The bulk of solar power is used to charge the primary or main house battery bank (batt1) while a lesser amount of solar power is used to trickle charge the secondary battery bank (batt2) which is typically the start battery. The battery banks do not have to be of the same battery type so the primary bank can be LiFePO4 batteries and the secondary bank can be AGM or lead acid. DuoRacer controllers support Sealed, Gel, Flooded, AGM, LiFePO4 and Li-NiCoMn battery types. Tracer BN - The die-cast aluminum design ensures excellent heat dispersion; no heat dissipating fans are required. The Tracer BN package includes the MT50 remote display. The Tracer BN can be programmed from the MT50 remote display or from a computer connected via an optional cable. This controller is ideal for mounting in a warm environment. Xtra-N - The Xtra series controllers include a built in display providing the same information as the MT50 remote display although the MT50 is an optional accessory. The Xtra is designed to manage Lithium ion and LiFePo4 batteries as well as the standard flooded, AGM and sealed batteries. The Xtra can be programmed from the built in display, the MT50 remote meter, a Bluetooth smart phone app or a computer connected via special cable. This controller is ideal for mounting in a space where the meter is readily visible. Victron SmartSolar - The Victron SmartSolar series controllers are available in a variety of capacities and integrate with the Victron family of marine electrical equipment. A remote meter is available to monitor and program the SmartSolar controllers. All SmartSolar controllers come with a Bluetooth capability for remote monitoring and programming of the controller. This controller series also supports LiFePO4 batteries. Compared to conventional PWM controllers and depending upon the performance characteristics of the solar array, MPPT technology may increase the solar system charge efficiency up to 30% and potentially decrease the power of the solar array required. |
PWM Dual Output Solar Controller
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The EP Duo PWM marine controller is designed specifically for charging two independent battery banks. It is easily programmed for amount of charge to each bank. An external display provides information on solar panel output, battery state of charge and much more.
Charge controller for dual battery systems Model EP Duo 12/24v 10 amp (max PV input 140 Watts) Model EP Duo 12/24v 20 amp (max PV input 280 Watts) Model MT1 External Display |
Wiring Diagram for Tracer BN
Should I use an MPPT or PWM controller?
A solar controller is an essential component of a marine solar system. A controller gathers the maximum amount of power from the solar panels and delivers the proper amount of power to the battery bank for efficient charging and ensures the batteries are not overcharged. Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) controllers are excellent for smaller solar systems under 300 watts. They are cost effective and use little power. Our PWM controller is designed for charging two battery banks; ideal for cruising sail and power boats. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers are designed to pull the maximum power off a solar system and adjust the charging voltage and current to achieve maximum battery charging efficiency. MPPT controllers are ideal for solar systems above 200 watts in rated output.