Post #1543785
2026-04-20 10:26 UTC
@ross the problem is basically that it just isn't safe to trickle charge a leisure battery too slowly, so the job of the MPPT is to make sure the feed from the panel is a high enough amperage to allow through to the battery, and if the panel is too small then the amount of time per day where it emits a high enough feed for safe charging is outweighed by the output load.
It's a super fun thing to play with, but you can't cheap out on the tech unfortunately. I tried. 😆
Replies (1)
-
@ric@mastodon.qweb.co.uk 2026-04-20 10:33
@ross oh, and they don't like windows either. I originally assumed I could hook this up in our old.conservatory but it turned out glass is generally engineered to filter out the rays these things rely on. So you have to go external which means designing into waterproof boxes while also accounting for dispersing heat and preventing condensation. I ended up with an IP67 junction box (this one I think: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GEVEELIFE-Waterproof-Electrical-Weatherproof-Enclosure/dp/B0BN3B3MDT ) and some horrifically expensive cable glands + moisture nut thing.