Suggestions for replacement solar controller ?

[Lance]

I currently have fitted in our Hiace the original CMPT02 10amp regulator which I think is working and doing its job OK, but I'd like to upgrade to a newer unit that will give me more feedback on what is happening with the system.
This is the unit we now have

2016-12-30 20.39.43.jpg

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-CMPT02-1 ... Swu4BVxH--

Our system is fairly basic, 2 x 105ah AGM fed by 150w roof mounted SP.
We don't use much power, lights at night, 12/240v 90ltr fridge and the essential charging practices for phones, cameras etc.

Do we need to go more than 10amp ?
Not too fussed on price but couldn't justify heaps of $ spend.

Any thoughts on an upgrade model, links etc would be great.

[BruceS]

If you are only ever going to have the 150w panel then there's not much to be gained by going up to a 20 or 30A one.
One day you might get a portable panel so then you might think of upgrading.
If you want more info (like a state of charge) then a dedicated one will give you much more info.
Good ones aren't real cheap though!
My personal choice is the Victron ones but there are others too.
My Val sells some too.... I forget the make.
ps. http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/monitor.htm

[Lance]

Thanks Bruce.
Forgot, I do have an 80w portable I've used on occasions.
I can't comfortably fit any more on the roof so I sometimes take the portable with us if I reckon it may be needed.

[Lance]

Medication absorbed to nullify stutters..................

[Dot]

You also have the stuttttters Lance

[Newcastle George]

Lance.

The Victron BMV-700 Series gauges show all you require as far as feedback from your system.

George

[bob r]

The victron 700 for a little over$200 is probably the best way

Bob

[T1 Terry]

Most definitely the Victron 700BMV, it is the best monitor on the market at the moment in my book. The Plasmatronics Dingo 20/20 would be the best controller for the $$ and most versatile. It can be used to a control an open ended solar capacity, I have used one to control 3.2kW or solar feeding 700Ah of lithium on an off grid house with no problems.... well apart from the heat issues due to poor wiring sizing used by the previous "professional" solar installers.
Both these units are programmable to suit any charging regime, 12v through to 48v systems and any battery chemistry currently available, so they will not become redundant due to upgrades or battery changes.

T1 Terry

[JohnM]

I have a simple Ebay pwm 60a controller, it simply converts the solar input to an adjustable limit, in my case 14.3v. and that is it in normal use the batteries are fully charged by midday or shortly after.
No multi stage, no maintenance charge just a single charge level.
I have tried 4 different types of MPPT regulators, and several different PWM regs. before settling on the one I have now.
My last lot of AGM batteries lasted me around 8 years. I looked at Lipo Batteries, and after trying to follow all the debates on line I decided they were too complicated for me, so I replaced them with the same AGM batteries, and decided they will probably outlast our traveling days.