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donmacn

Member Since: 06 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1841

Solar MPPT controller - who's fixed it where?

Hi folks,

I have a 300Tdi, so the 'battery box' is the compartment under the passenger seat.

I'm considering a portable/suitcase type solar system as an 'off grid' top-up option if needed, mainly to run a fridge and keep the beer cool.

I understand that an MPPT controller is the thing to use - more efficient panel output - but when looking into one brand it said something along the lines of: the controller will turn unused charge/current into heat, and that it should be mounted in a well-ventilated area with 9" of clearance all round.

I had been hoping to fit this into the battery box, but with two batteries it's a little cramped in there. I might find space to fit the controller (they're a bit bigger than I anticipated) but I certainly won't find the 9" clearance, and it's not especially well ventilated. On the other hand the box is a YRM alu. version, and aluminium is a good heat sink.

So for those who've done this, where have you put the controller? If in the seat box has it survived/suffered?

I usually try and search first, and did this time, but couldn't find any info.

ta. Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...

17th Oct 2022 9:24pm

Bill1919

Member Since: 04 Mar 2017
Location: Dorset
Posts: 56

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey

I put both the controller in the battery box under the seat, but had to make a new battery tray so every would fit.

Click image to enlarge 1988 110 csw 2.5Td (19J) (gone)
1992 110 csw Tdi200 (gone)
1995 110 csw Tdi300 (gone)
2015 110 XS csw 2.2 puma

18th Oct 2022 12:30am

donmacn

Member Since: 06 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1841

Hi Bill,
Thanks for that - that's even more cramped than mine! Your batteries are a bit larger, but against my transmission tunnel I have my accessory relay and fuse installation.

Is yours a mppt controller? Have you had no issues with heat generation? Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...

18th Oct 2022 7:15am

Bill1919

Member Since: 04 Mar 2017
Location: Dorset
Posts: 56

Yes, it is a CTEX DC-DC MPPT controller. I fitted it about 3 years ago, no problems with heat. 1988 110 csw 2.5Td (19J) (gone)
1992 110 csw Tdi200 (gone)
1995 110 csw Tdi300 (gone)
2015 110 XS csw 2.2 puma

18th Oct 2022 7:36am

geobloke

Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4410

Curious to know. What does MPPT stand for?

18th Oct 2022 7:58am

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

Maximum Power Point Tracking. Basically, solar panel output varies with temperature and these controllers make the best of what's available, giving an advantage of approx. 25-30% over earlier controller types. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

18th Oct 2022 8:25am

geobloke

Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4410

Quote:
Maximum Power Point Tracking. Basically, solar panel output varies with temperature and these controllers make the best of what's available, giving an advantage of approx. 25-30% over earlier controller types.

LRA you are indeed an anorak, but definitely my kind of anorak

18th Oct 2022 10:09am

donmacn

Member Since: 06 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1841

^^ I knew that too! Does that make me an apprentice anorak??

Bill1919 wrote:
Yes, it is a CTEX DC-DC MPPT controller. I fitted it about 3 years ago, no problems with heat.

Thanks Bill - I guess it's a case of manufacturers covering themselves. Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...

18th Oct 2022 10:20am

geobloke

Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4410

Donald I do feel your signature now requires the addition of the post-nominal A-A

A-A (Apprentice Anorak)

18th Oct 2022 10:45am

Julie

Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: Nantes
Posts: 484

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green

Bill1919 wrote:
Yes, it is a CTEX DC-DC MPPT controller. I fitted it about 3 years ago, no problems with heat.

Yeah.

1x John Deere 110 amp batt
1x AMG 100 amp
And that CTEC charger fit all well in my battery box

And one cable coming out connecting the 120 W foldable solar panel adjustable towards sun light.

1st Installation takes about 90 min. Just mind all the required fuses !

31st Oct 2022 6:56pm

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