I'm looking for a solar controller/battery charger.

[conscious evolution]

Anyone have any recommendations for a good low cost controller that can work with a small array of panels?

[HereSince1628]

1. Google REAL GOODS

It's a company that retails alternative energy products.

[YDogg]

3. here

http://www.realgoodssolar.com/

[conscious evolution]

5. Thanks for the link.

[conscious evolution]

7. Too pricey for what I need.

However,I did find a nice well pump there that is reasonably priced.

[ixion]

2. Sunsei makes a good controller...

I've got it on my solar array...it's pretty basic, and there are others with more frills on it, but this one has been effective, IMO.

It's not a charger, per se, but a controller.

Hope this helps.

http://www.sunsei.com/Charge-controllers

[conscious evolution]

4. Been looking at the Sunsei line

Looks pretty good to me.
How long have you had yours online?

[ixion]

6. I have four sunsei panels w/ controller, and 300 amp hours

a pretty small kit, but big enough to run my computers/network/audio stuff consistently over several days... I've had it up and running for coming up on three years now. I've been pretty happy with the sunsei line, all in all. Their panels are marine-grade, very tough. If there's a downside, I would say the panels are a bit pricey, but I think their quality is worth the extra cash.

[conscious evolution]

8. I have a well that I am trying to

straiten out.
Right now it is being powered by a hobbled together system that needs some serious upgrading.
Right now the pump is connected straight to the solar panels.No controller,no storage,or anything.
It is an electricians nightmare.The only time the pump runs is when the panels are producing power.Til know that has been acceptable because there was no real demand for the water other than some light irrigation.However,we have decided to get our house off the city water and too do so is going to take some work to get the system capable of operating 24/7.
First on the list is to get a controller charger.And so far Sunsei seems to have the best gear on paper.Good specs and good prices.

[ixion]

9. cool, yeah, you need to get a couple deep cycle marine batteries

in the system. I would also recommend picking up a kill-a-watt, a handy little gadget that shows you how many watts are being pulled from your system. The good news is that it sounds like you can forgo an inverter, which is awesome. You're making far better use of the energy you produce.

I'm not sure how big the pump's motor is, but you may want to consider wind power, or a hybrid of the two. Wind turbines offer more bang for your buck at this point. You can pick up a 400 watt turbine for a few hundred bucks. A similar solar set up would cost several thousand.

Just food for thought. :hi:

[conscious evolution]

10. We are using fire/security panel batteries.

Due to fire codes,the batteries in fire alarm panels have to be replaced every two years.The alarm maintainance companies end up with all of these batteries that have been seldom been discharged and have a lot of life left.Nornally the FA companies would just throw them away.By taking them off their hands we extend their use before they have to be recycled.
Right now we are using them to power some lights.I am interested to see how they do powering a motor.

A wind turbine is not a bad idea.Any recommendations?

[ixion]

11. I can share what I know

I don't have one yet, but I've been looking pretty seriously at the sunforce turbines. They also have a solar package I may try out.

http://www.sunforceproducts.com/english/details.asp?id=72

[NoFederales]

12. Check out Morningstar Corporation

Morningstar.com has solar controllers and chargers.

NoFederales

[Ready4Change]

13. I've a Morningstar SunGuard.

It just plain works. No fuss, no muss. It's not something for a larger system, but it's perfect for using my 45 watt 2 amp panels to keep a charge on a marine deep cell battery for occasional use.

If the SunGuard is any indication, I'd say their heavier duty parts should be excellent as well.

[NoFederales]

14. Morningstar makes very dependable products. For heavier apps, although

more expensive, Curtis Instruments makes damn near bullet-proof controllers and chargers.

Impressive companies with which to do business.

NoFederales