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Ask an Expert Forum Substitute for a solar charge controller.
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Substitute for a solar charge controller.

tohimjob
tohimjob over 2 years ago

I am looking for a DIY way to avoid expensive solar charge controllers. On a sailboat, some panels are always in the shade and running panels in series reaches high voltages near salt water. Can you use an $8 buck/boost converter with an opAmp or regulator for each panel. Would one regulator cover the range of voltages outputted by the panel through the day or would it need to switch between regulators?

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  • robogary
    robogary over 2 years ago +3
    My experience is the controller is the least expensive component in a system, the solar panels and batteries are a big expense. The solar panels have a power curve the controllers attempt to keep them…
  • kmikemoo
    kmikemoo over 2 years ago +1
    Just a thought... A large online retailer is selling a 30A version of this for $11. It might be worth buying one to see what they are doing. I would not really trust the 30A rating, but it's close to the…
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  • dougw
    dougw over 2 years ago

    I'm sure you can, assuming your method of combining outputs is well designed. It is just a question of what architecture is efficient for your geometry.

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  • dougw
    dougw over 2 years ago

    I'm sure you can, assuming your method of combining outputs is well designed. It is just a question of what architecture is efficient for your geometry.

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