Hi,
In order to recharge portable tools, smartphones and other lights in an remote place, I calculated that I need roughly a 50 A.h/12 V battery with a 50 Wc solar panel. But I can get a 100 Wc panel for free. Can I use a 5A PWM Charge Controller with it? Or should I use a 75/10 MPPT? Can I configure the MPPT to limit the charging current to 5 A?
For the PWM controller It would depend on the panel specifications.
If you use the MPPT controller you can set a lower charge current in the settings. With a smartsolar this can be done over Bluetooth, whereas the bluesolar would require a ve.direct to USB/Bluetooth cable.
Over sizing the panel would give you a lot larger timeframe to fully charge your battery and would give better performance on overcast days.
Of course, if I use a PWM, this is in conjunction with a 12V/36cells solar panel.
My concern is about the price.
PWM Light 12/5 is 25 € ex. Vat (12/10 at 30 €).
SmartSolar MPPT 75/10 is 111 € ex. Vat.
(and VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle itself is at 50 € ex. Vat).
That's why it would be very interesting to be able to use a PWM charger.
