Solar Panel Controller Needed

AchingBack · Oct 28, 2021

I was given a brand new Sunsei model SE1500 solar panel. Evidently the owner failed to buy, or lost the controller. I saw this one on Amazon, along with others. All I want to know is if it will work with my panel. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072MMDY4F/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza Any experts on here? Thanks.

ljjhouser · Oct 28, 2021

Is that a 22 watt 15 volt panel? If so any controller over 2-3 amps should be ok. But not all controllers are the same. What are you planning to power with the panel?

AchingBack · Oct 29, 2021

I'll check the wattage. If feasible I'll be using it to keep my tractor battery charged instead of the battery tender.

skipmarcy · Oct 29, 2021

I've been using 2 different 10w panels to keep batteries charged - one I bought off of Amazon and one I scavenged from an old solar electric fence charger I had for years. I had to purchase 2 charge controllers from Amazon to use these panels and so far all has worked well for several years now. I have 1 panel & controller on my garden fencing with a deep cycle battery and it has worked very well for about 4 years now. The second one I have in a window in my shed and use it to keep my mower & boat batteries charged thru the winter inside for about 6 years now. Both charge controllers were inexpensive - maybe $10 each. Can't remember what I paid for the one 10w panel I bought off Amazon but it wasn't over $20. These 2 controllers say you MUST have a battery attached BEFORE you attach the charge wires from the panel, I just put a disconnect in and make sure the battery leads are attached FIRST like the directions say. They say it will fry the controller if you don't do it this way and I don't want to test this on mine … Anyway, the 10w panels are plenty for keeping batteries up to charge.

nyone · Oct 29, 2021

Dont use that CC. There complete junk and can damage the battery your trying to save. Your really better off not putting anything on vs useing that CC.

AchingBack · Oct 29, 2021

The panel is 23.3 watts.

ljjhouser · Oct 29, 2021

I always like products that have the company name on the product. Amazon.com : Victron BlueSolar PWM-Light 12/24V-10A Solar Regulator Controller : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Victron is a good company. These are both PWM controllers. MPPT controllers are much more efficient. Might want to check out the difference. BUT a MPPT will cost about $100 more. Where ever you mount the controller, it will need to be kept dry. Renogy also is a good solar company. This one is waterproof (so it says). https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-New-V.../B07YXZMKD2/ref=psdc_2236627011_t3_B01BF5C66Y

AchingBack · Oct 29, 2021

nyone said:
Dont use that CC. There complete junk and can damage the battery your trying to save. Your really better off not putting anything on vs useing that CC.

Can you recommend an inexpensive model?

Roadworthy · Oct 29, 2021

Do a bit more research. Check the panel output voltage. From my limited surfing it appears she Sunsei SE series are various capacities of battery chargers. As such it may (or will) have the regulator built in. You may need no additional regulation with that model.

ljjhouser · Oct 29, 2021

It is listed on Amazon as Unavailable but does give info. I was thinking of it as a solar panel. It is sold as a battery charger. But also, in the description it recommends a solar charger or regulator to prevent overcharging. You should be able to find all different prices (usually based on type and current capacity). Again, look on Amazon for the major brands. I use Victron, but they can be expensive and not necessary for your needs. But they do have one or two lower cost. Renogy is a major brand in solar also. I use the solar to charge and maintain my trailer backup battery, trailer GPS. If you are leaving your tractor outside, you may someday want to include a GPS tracker on it. The solar will maintain that also. Most solar controller should have 2 connections for each of these - Solar panel (voltage input), battery (Battery charging output), and load (output to operate additional device) - Load could be gps, light or other. Renogy has this one, but I am not familiar with it. https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Wanderer-Amp-12V-24V/dp/B07NPDWZJ7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=ZKJZ09WPVU0F&dchild=1&keywords=solar+controller&qid=1635529795&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=solar+controller,lawngarden,91&sr=1-3&th=1
Also, be sure it is compatible with the type of battery you want to charge.

ljjhouser · Oct 29, 2021

I just read the op again. I , for some reason thought you were charging tractor battery because you did not mention trailer. The first question I should have asked you is - What are you wanting to charge and maintain?

AchingBack · Oct 29, 2021

ljjhouser said:
I just read the op again. I , for some reason thought you were charging tractor battery because you did not mention trailer. The first question I should have asked you is - What are you wanting to charge and maintain?

Just charging my Optima tractor battery.

AchingBack · Oct 29, 2021

ljjhouser said:
I always like products that have the company name on the product. Amazon.com : Victron BlueSolar PWM-Light 12/24V-10A Solar Regulator Controller : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Victron is a good company. These are both PWM controllers. MPPT controllers are much more efficient. Might want to check out the difference. BUT a MPPT will cost about $100 more. Where ever you mount the controller, it will need to be kept dry. Renogy also is a good solar company. This one is waterproof (so it says). https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-New-V.../B07YXZMKD2/ref=psdc_2236627011_t3_B01BF5C66Y

That looks like an appropriate controller for my needs. Thanks for posting.

briansanders · Nov 2, 2021

ljjhouser said:
Is that a 22 watt 15 volt panel? If so any controller over 2-3 amps should be ok. But not all controllers are the same. What are you planning to power with the panel?

Can't we use solar panels of different voltages?

ljjhouser · Nov 2, 2021

briansanders said:
Can't we use solar panels of different voltages?

Yes. As long as the voltage is higher that what is being charged. But remember, higher voltage and amperage rating means higher wattage capacity. The solar controller sets the voltage and charge rate for the load "battery being charged." It regulates the charge needed.

TractorGuy · Nov 5, 2021

Are you planning to keep the controller out of the weather? I tried several outdoors and didn't have much luck with them lasting.

I have a cheap 10 amp controller and a Battery Tender 5-45 watt controller that are holding up but both are protected in my barn with the panels on top of the roof.

I had one I bought that came with sealed SAE connectors. The first one didn't work right and the seller finally sent me an updated one that lasted a while. I don't remember why I quit using it. I want to say it finally got water in it like the others but it lasted a while. Looks like it's no longer available.

Amazon.com : Sun Energise Upgraded Waterproof 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Solar Panel Charge Controller Regulator with LED Display & Dusk to Dawn Load Control for Gel, Flooded, Deep Cycle Sealed/AGM Battery : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Sun Energise Upgraded Waterproof 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Solar Panel Charge Controller Regulator with LED Display & Dusk to Dawn Load Control for Gel, Flooded, Deep Cycle Sealed/AGM Battery : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com