Cheap Freeze tolerant Charge Controller

KhellSkKhellSk Registered Users Posts: 82 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
Hello

i need a chrg ctrl that can wistand -34F rated 12v at least 5A as cheap as possible. Any of you got suggestion ?

All i can find as an lcd screen on it. I doubt that gonna work.
_____________________________________________
[2x Flooded  6v 210ah][12v 30a 400wMax CC]
[5x 48w 15.9Vmp + 1x 100w 17Vmp]


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  • PhotowhitPhotowhit Solar Expert Posts: 5,989 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    I would think LCD might not be the problem you think it is unless you need to inspect the screen. I've had my Midnight classic's down to -10, but I don't check the screen. It appears to have survived ok, it does use a bit of energy at idle, so maybe warms it a bit.

    Our sponsor sells a Morningstar SunSaver 6 (and 10 amps) starting around $45

    https://www.solar-electric.com/ss-6.html
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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  • mike95490mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    You are starting to look at military temp specs.  commercial gear may survive but not be accurate

    That would prompt me to look into using hi-rel zeners and schottky devices to protect batteries from overcharge if this is just a winter storage situation.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • mcgivormcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Really cheap controllers probably won't spec an operating temperature range, Morningstar spec -40°F to 113°F,  Midnight is another -40°F to 120°F  they both  have an good reputation and excellent customer support, there may be others.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • EstragonEstragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    I've found LCD screens sorta work in the cold, but are really slow to change.  Patience is needed if you need to navigate a menu.  Plastic, metal, wiring, etc gets quite brittle in such low temps, so a light touch is also needed.  

    Fingers don't work too well for long either.  IMHO, a remote meter/control is worth the $$ :wink:
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
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  • KhellSkKhellSk Registered Users Posts: 82 ✭✭
    #6
    okay thanks guys. I am now rethinking my whole setup
    _____________________________________________
    [2x Flooded  6v 210ah][12v 30a 400wMax CC]
    [5x 48w 15.9Vmp + 1x 100w 17Vmp]


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  • KhellSkKhellSk Registered Users Posts: 82 ✭✭
    #7
    Signature test
    _____________________________________________
    [2x Flooded  6v 210ah][12v 30a 400wMax CC]
    [5x 48w 15.9Vmp + 1x 100w 17Vmp]


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  • BB.BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,082 admin
    #8
    You will not see a signature on mobile device mode.

    Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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