Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
I used two Kyocera 130 watt PV panels. The Morning star controller gave me some problems every once in a while would shut down and the batteries will discharge when I was away for few days. I never figured that out. Yanni boatless in Ontario. 92 Lebaron 3.0 convertible 95 LeBaron 3.0 turbo convertible 07 Yamaha Straotoliner S SCRC 011059 SRO 26-6483 TURBO!cause bottles are for babies and superchargers blow!!! Which would you rather have, go fast goodies or shiny shoes? Your feet may look good but if your engine blows you ain't going nowhere From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List Sent: October 14, 2014 8:27 AM To: Josh Muckley; cnc-list@cnc-list.com; Josh Muckley; cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers You might be well advised to look at Sailboat Owners forum, where this has been discussed multiple times (e.g. here: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1149325 http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1149325highlight=solar%20panel highlight=solar%20panel). Also, a good read here: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel. There are various reports on using the cheap panels vs. the high quality expensive. Apparently, the expensive ones are most often produced in the same factory, on the same production line; however, they are thoroughly tested, so that all cells are working properly and produce equal amounts of energy. The cheap ones are the ones that did not make it through that QA. Don’t skimp on controller(s). There are well documented reports showing that some can deliver substantially more energy (15% or even 20% more), which is especially important if you are using the solar panels to top up your batteries. From what I read, GenaSun controllers have the best opinion (price per performance). Morning Star controllers (supposedly) are also quite good (this is what I have). Some controllers offer dual battery connection (with 50-50 or 90-10 split). If I were doing it again, I would install a simple controller (going to the house side) and an Echo Charger to charge the starting (spare) battery, as needed. I don’t think you need a “dump load”, if you connect it directly to the batteries. If you use multiple controllers, you will have some fun in controlling them, as they would see the wrong voltage on the battery (they would see the combined voltage of all controllers; rather than the battery itself). However, I don’t think you need any diodes, as they all have this protection built in (so the battery cannot feed the panel). have fun Marek s/v “Legato” in Ottawa From: Josh Muckley via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 5:43 AM To: C mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com C List Subject: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each
Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
Josh: You've certainly given this a lot of thought. Don't overthink or overbuild it. KISS If it were me, I'd go with two 100 watt panels back to a single $50 controller and keep the wiring as simple as possible. Keep in mind you're talking about a system that will deliver about 60 ah per day (12v). Frankly I wouldn't even worry about a load assuming you're wiring it directly to a battery bank of any size and not through a switch. You may also want to look at panels from RV stores which are usually identical but lack the boat related price. Check model numbers carefully if you go that route. Keep in mind the weight going onto the Bimini as 4 50 watt panels will nearly double the weight of 2 100w panels. You'll also double the mounting hardware, etc. Just my 2 cents. John Sent from my iPad On Oct 14, 2014, at 5:43 AM, Josh Muckley via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com wrote: Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
You might be well advised to look at Sailboat Owners forum, where this has been discussed multiple times (e.g. here: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1149325highlight=solar%20panel). Also, a good read here: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel. There are various reports on using the cheap panels vs. the high quality expensive. Apparently, the expensive ones are most often produced in the same factory, on the same production line; however, they are thoroughly tested, so that all cells are working properly and produce equal amounts of energy. The cheap ones are the ones that did not make it through that QA. Don’t skimp on controller(s). There are well documented reports showing that some can deliver substantially more energy (15% or even 20% more), which is especially important if you are using the solar panels to top up your batteries. From what I read, GenaSun controllers have the best opinion (price per performance). Morning Star controllers (supposedly) are also quite good (this is what I have). Some controllers offer dual battery connection (with 50-50 or 90-10 split). If I were doing it again, I would install a simple controller (going to the house side) and an Echo Charger to charge the starting (spare) battery, as needed. I don’t think you need a “dump load”, if you connect it directly to the batteries. If you use multiple controllers, you will have some fun in controlling them, as they would see the wrong voltage on the battery (they would see the combined voltage of all controllers; rather than the battery itself). However, I don’t think you need any diodes, as they all have this protection built in (so the battery cannot feed the panel). have fun Marek s/v “Legato” in Ottawa From: Josh Muckley via CnC-List Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 5:43 AM To: CC List Subject: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
I agree with the other recommendation to reduce the number of solar panels, rather than increasing it. I have (2) 100-watt Solbian flexible panels and they work great but I am noticing that in the Fall when the days become shorter, my generation is reduced. So, I will be adding another 100 watts in the Spring. With my panels and their locations, shadows are of no concern. I usually pull my boom off to one side of the boat when in the slip or at anchor. I have heard stories about tremendous impacts of shadowing and I think these cases use one controller for multiple panels--with this arrangement, if one panel is in a shadow, all of the panels on the same controller are reduced in output. I have separate controllers on each panel. The 100 watts I'm adding next Spring will be on two panels because my backstay comes through my bimini where I want to add the panels--so, I will be adding (2) 50-watt panels with a single controller since it is hard to imagine how one could be shadowed and not the other. Make sure that you allow for stretch ion the bimini and that the load does not go into the solar panel! My blog post of April 6, 2014 describes how I dealt with this problem. Also, my canvas guy did not want the responsibility of putting the fasteners on the panel in case he screwed it up (too much liability)--so, I did it. I believe that, in general, the cheaper panels don't last as long as more expensive ones (like Solbian) but I have no data to back this up. In my case, I am using my panels for cruising and I don't want to have to deal with problems with them into my retirement and I need them to last 10 years. If you are simply sailing in the U.S. or Canada and can change them whenever they have a problem, you don't need to think this out like I did. Bob Bob Boyer S/V Rainy Days (1983 CC Landfall 38 - Hull #230) email: dainyr...@icloud.com blog: dainyrays.blogspot.com There is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. --Kenneth Grahame ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
1st off - you can parallel them into one controller with only the very tiniest loss of efficiency despite shadows. 2nd - many controllers out there are crap at best. Morningstar makes excellent PWM and MPPT controllers. I have had great luck with mine. I would not even consider cheap FleaBay contollers. YMMV. PWM controllers are less efficient, but they are a lot cheaper. See http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trad-PWM-vs-TrakStar-MPPT-April-2014.pdf Morningstar MPPT : http://www.amazon.com/Morningstar-Sunsaver-TrackStar-Charge-Controller/dp/B006H9VPL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8qid=1413293847sr=8-1keywords=morningstar+solar+controller+mppt+15+amp about $220. http://www.amazon.com/MorningStar-ProStar-PS-30-Charge-Controller/dp/B003YIB7QQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8qid=1413293962sr=8-7keywords=morningstar+solar+controller+PWM About half that price and includes an anchor light output. Just get one QUALITY controller. Good PWM beats some random MPPT scavenged off of Fleabay. Don't forget to look at panel amp output, don't do the math for 12 volts. Most panels are 16-18 volts, so 200 watts at 16 volts is 12.5 amps and within the range of a 15 amp controller. Joe Della Barba Coquina CC 35 MK I From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Josh Muckley via CnC-List Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 5:43 AM To: CC List Subject: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
I've been very happy with my tiny sunsaver charger. I think 20 amps is about $80. Probably not the best out there by any means but effective and reliable. This really all comes down to what you're doing with the boat. Acceptable for long term cruising is different from weekend sailing in the US. Not better or worse, just different needs. I wouldn't discount high quality rigid panels for power to $ value. But again, keep it simple John Sent from my iPad On Oct 14, 2014, at 9:44 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com wrote: 1st off – you can parallel them into one controller with only the very tiniest loss of efficiency despite shadows. 2nd – many controllers out there are crap at best. Morningstar makes excellent PWM and MPPT controllers. I have had great luck with mine. I would not even consider cheap FleaBay contollers. YMMV. PWM controllers are less efficient, but they are a lot cheaper. See http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trad-PWM-vs-TrakStar-MPPT-April-2014.pdf Morningstar MPPT : http://www.amazon.com/Morningstar-Sunsaver-TrackStar-Charge-Controller/dp/B006H9VPL6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8qid=1413293847sr=8-1keywords=morningstar+solar+controller+mppt+15+amp about $220. http://www.amazon.com/MorningStar-ProStar-PS-30-Charge-Controller/dp/B003YIB7QQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8qid=1413293962sr=8-7keywords=morningstar+solar+controller+PWM About half that price and includes an anchor light output. Just get one QUALITY controller. Good PWM beats some random MPPT scavenged off of Fleabay. Don’t forget to look at panel amp output, don’t do the math for 12 volts. Most panels are 16-18 volts, so 200 watts at 16 volts is 12.5 amps and within the range of a 15 amp controller. Joe Della Barba Coquina CC 35 MK I From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Josh Muckley via CnC-List Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 5:43 AM To: CC List Subject: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
Re: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers
1. Panels in a multi panel system with panels wired in parallel should have a diode in series with each panel, but many panels come with an incorporated diode and adding another one will just waste power. The manufacturer's documentation will say it there is a diode incorporated since that is an added feature. 2. There is no problem hooking up multiple panels to the same charge controller so long as you stay within maximum ratings. Multiple controllers should work fine, but at an added cost. Quality controllers are not particularly failure prone, but I get you desire for redundancy as a matter of principle. 3. I have had good experience with Morningstar controllers, and my choice was influenced by recommendations from several people. Whatever you purchase, get a decent one, and if it has at least a few LEDs to indicate the controller's state and the battery state of charge then you probably won't need a separate battery monitor. A battery volt meter and a current meter for observing charge rate, will be sufficient in my experience. I can't really see that a separate monitor would be of any use unless it can at least keep a running total of the ampere hours delivered to the battery. 4. MPPT controllers will squeeze a bit more current out of your panels but at an increased cost of purchase. Different panels have different efficiency ratings, and all else being equal, will cost more in proportion. 5. My experience with bimini mounted panels last winter is that on a sunny day at anchor you can expect the maximum mid-day charging rate to be about 1/2 the panel ratings, and the total ampere hours for the day to about 3 times the maximum amp rating total for the panels. (You never get the rated output of a panel unless it is pointing squarely at the sun.) To put it another way, with 2 100 watt panels rated at 7 amps each, we got around 7.5 amps at noon hour with both panels in parallel and at the latitude of Miami. This worked out to better than 45 ampere hours per day with the setup we had. Combined with a small wind mill, it was enough to keep the ice box refrigeration going without having to run the engine for a couple of weeks. Steve Thomas - Original Message - From: Josh Muckley via CnC-List To: CC List Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 5:43 AM Subject: Stus-List Solar panels and charge controllers Hey folks, I'm looking to add solar panels to my boat. I have a new hard top dodger that will be a great place to mount some flexible panels. I realize that attention will have to be given to the boom so that it's shadow it minimized. I've given consideration to the fact that some shadow is likely inevitable. My understanding is that one large solar panel can have a substantial drop in it's output or be completely disabled if only a relatively small shadow is cast. As such I am planning for 4 smaller 50w panels instead of 2 100w panels. The idea being that a small shadow will only disable 1 or 2 of the panels at a time. This design also adds reliability such that a mechanical or electrical failure of a single panel doesn't disable the entire system. Additionally, a smaller panel is easier to replace and cost less. To ensure reliability I was also planning to NOT creat an array of series and parallel panels going to one controller but rather each panel to its own controller. I believe the current recommendation is to use MPPT over PWM? There is a wide range of prices for panels and controllers but I'm having a hard time determining which ones are a good value. I know you get what you pay for but over paying is silly. At the boat show, 50w, semi-flexible, 20% efficient, monocrystalline panels were going for as much as $500! I've seen charge controllers as high as $250. I know there are a few ebay haters here but the comparable panels I found were $125 and 20A MPPT controllers for $11 with free shipping. Is there something I'm missing? Besides disparaging comments about ebay or about me being cheap, does anyone have any insights about the design or component selection. I was originally pursuing a multi-channel controller but it seems no one makes them. When using multiple (4) controllers do they need to be diode separated from the battery? What about the dump load? I plan to use a single 200w resistive heater. Would it need to be diode separated from each controller? Thanks, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 CC 37+ Solomons, MD -- ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com ___ This List is provided by the CC Photo Album Email
