Escapees March-April 2024

unit is not large enough for this system. The Rover 60A can handle a 60A charge current and maximum PV input voltage up to 140VDC, as well as a maximum PV input (solar array) up to 800W at 12V, so this will be the better choice for a system of this size.

SHARI GALIARDI & DAVID HUTCHISON In 2012, Shari and David left behind careers and a home in North Carolina to travel with a vintage camper trailer they lovingly restored and outfitted with solar and named “Hamlet.” What began as a short break from careers and responsibility quickly turned into a love a ff air with road life. They have parlayed their higher education backgrounds, desire for life-long learning and thirst for adventure travel into writing, photography, video production and public speaking gigs from coast to coast. Known to their friends as simply Shari & Hutch, you can learn about their full-time, solar-powered adventures at freedomi nacan.com. Or, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as “Freedom in a Can, LLC.” • Input Terminal Size: Are the input termi nals large enough to accept heavier gauge wire (6–8 AWG)? • User Manual: Is the user manual easy to read/follow and does it include trouble shooting information? • Price: Is the price competitive with the quality of the component? • Warranty: How long is the component covered if it fails? • Reviews: What feedback do other users have about their unit in real world conditions? Well, folks, that just about covers what you need to know about solar charge control lers. We’ll be back in the next issue with a deep dive into deep cycle batteries! for the controller as well as the other components which need ventilation (e.g., inverter)? • Plastic Casing: Does the plastic look and feel sturdy and durable? • Heat Sink Size: Is the heat sink (metallic fi ns behind the unit) sized appropriately for the controller? Does it get too hot when the solar array is fully illuminated? (Warm is normal.) • Temperature Sensor: Does the controller have a temperature sensor to increase ef fi ciency with lead acid battery banks? • Indicator Lights: Are the lights easy to read/understand? • LCD Screen: Are you going to place a controller in a location where viewing the screen is a challenge, or does it have the ability to connect to Bluetooth via a phone app or wireless monitor?

This blog provides further detail, as well as speci fi c charge controller recom mendations as they apply to the specs and numbers we’ve discussed above.

The Battery Side of the Equation 1. Lead acid or lithium iron phosphate? Different deep-cycle batteries have different chemistry and therefore different charging parameters. We’ll be diving deeply into the differences in our next article, so stay tuned. For now, know that your charge controller must be compatible with your battery type. Most modern controllers offer this compatibility with the push of a button, some even have an auto detect feature. Just check the specs! 2. Battery bank total voltage? As with solar panels, charge controllers are designed to handle various battery bank voltages. Most accommodate the most common 12V and 24V systems (some can handle 36V and 48V), but it’s always good tocon fi rm the range of voltages for your charge controller, especially if you are building a larger system.

If you are seeking information about building larger voltage systems, check out thisblog.

Now that you are an expert at sizing and choosing a compatible charge controller, here are a few other consid erations before purchasing this essential device for your system. Quality & Features • Cubic Size: Will the dimensions of the charge controller and associated wiring fi t into the allocated space with enough ventilation room (check the specs!)

39

March/April 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine