Why such big different in MMPT solar regulators

Been looking at solar regulators -- there is such a price range. Is expensive better or just expensive?

Hi Stephen


Ok
This is the one that came with our caravan when we brought it.
Which has been working fine for the 6 years we have had the van
It is hook up to 2x130amp hour batteries, and the solar panel thats on the roof, is a 120 watt panel
Runs fridge, tv, and what ever else needs charging, we run the genny at night to make sure the batteries are toped up.. Due to our fridge being a 12 volt compressor fridge, so it runs on the batteries 24/7. 


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Morningstar-ProStar-PS30M-12v-24v-30A-Solar-Regulator-with-Digital-Meter-/111608004887?hash=item19fc5b0117:g:qhgAAOSwNSxU7piA

I found another one, same place, just cheaper price..
I cant see any difference in them, except the price 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Morningstar-ProStar-PS30-12v-24v-30A-Solar-Regulator-/111608004862?hash=item19fc5b00fe:g:9DIAAOSwPYZU7ph3

Then Jen for the reply. Morningstar seem to be the Minelab of regulators. What I was trying to understand is if the other MPPT regulators that are priced in the 50-80 mark actually function as described. I guess it is buyer beware. Thanks for input!

I bought a 30A, $50 one about 3 years ago and have it my my 4x4, solar panel on the roof, deep cycle under the bonnet, and haven't had an issue with it to date. I recently bought 4x of the very cheap $14 from China ones for a mate's setup, 180w panel, charging 4 different batteries, and so far no issues either. He's happy, his batteries are always fully charged when he goes to use his boat.

Jen58 wrote:Hi Stephen


Ok
This is the one that came with our caravan when we brought it.
Which has been working fine for the 6 years we have had the van
It is hook up to 2x130amp hour batteries, and the solar panel thats on the roof, is a 120 watt panel
Runs fridge, tv, and what ever else needs charging, we run the genny at night to make sure the batteries are toped up.. Due to our fridge being a 12 volt compressor fridge, so it runs on the batteries 24/7. 


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Morningstar-ProStar-PS30M-12v-24v-30A-Solar-Regulator-with-Digital-Meter-/111608004887?hash=item19fc5b0117:g:qhgAAOSwNSxU7piA

Jen, Why are you still using a 12V only fridge and wasting money every day having to run your generator?

Hi Nightjar

It sounded as though we run the genny all night hey??  My bad.
We don't run the genny all night..

We just make sure the batteries are topped up to make sure our fridge runs the night through.
Because i have to make sure the fridge doesn't quit on me, due to my medications.

We also don't like the gas fridge, due to when it gets hot, the gas fridge couldn't cope.
 Not sure about the new gas fridges
Plus having to fill a gas bottle every month! What a pain!!!!!

Morning Jen,
No worries Jen, I didn't read your post correctly anyway, you are running a compressor fridge not a 12V amp guzzler fitted to the average caravan.

I have a Plasmatronics PL60 solar regulator on my van and so far it does the job. Some friends with RVs do have MPPT controllers in new rigs and seem happy with them but what one is the best one I don't know.

With MPPT. - Essentially, the power point tracker is an high frequency DC to DC converter that takes the DC input produced by the solar panels, changes it to high frequency AC, then converts it back down to a different DC voltage and current to exactly 'match' the panels to the batteries. A MPPT is used to track the maximum power point as the sun, cloud cover and heat build-up or cool-down of the solar panels changes the output. The charge controller monitors the output of the panels, compares it to the battery charge and converts it to the best voltage to input the maximum Amps into the battery/ies. - Lets-Getaway.com


There is some more info here - http://enerdrive.com.au/mppt-vs-pwm-solar-controllers/

Hope this is of some help.