Anyone heard of this solar controller? (1 Viewer)

[Minxy]

Due to space/supply issues GoEuropean (GMC) are only able to put a single 150w panel on our new Carthago (instead of 2 x 100w) which AFAIK is being installed with the below controller but I've not come across one of these before so I'd appreciate comments from solar 'aficionados' about it and if anyone else has had one what their experience of it was:

 

[Lenny HB]

If it lives up to the spec (I just downloaded the manual) it should be ok as it is a multi stage charger.
If it was me I'd rather have a Votronic.
Do make sure they wire the panels properly most dealers haven't a clue where the pre installed cables run and often fit their own undersized cables.

 

[ShaKen]

.......most dealers haven't a clue where the pre installed cables run and often fit their own undersized cables.

Interesting point; are you saying that some/ all new Motorhomes come with preinstalled wiring?

I’m considering installing panels on my new(ish) Chausson rather than getting the dealer to install. Having preinstalled wiring would obviously make it easier.

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[Littlewheels]

Just an observation but “space/supply issues” is a bit vague you know it’s wise to get as much Solar as possible some dealers will simply go with convenience have you asked on here what Solar others have with same MH. Just suggesting I had a similar issue and when I got it home I managed to put another 2 x 80 panels on.

 

[Reallyretired]

My mh is 11 years old and has preinstalled wiring. I didnt use it though as wires too thin for my 4 panels.

 

[Minxy]

Just an observation but “space/supply issues” is a bit vague you know it’s wise to get as much Solar as possible some dealers will simply go with convenience have you asked on here what Solar others have with same MH. Just suggesting I had a similar issue and when I got it home I managed to put another 2 x 80 panels on.

Oops, forgot about this thread! I updated my 'oh heck' thread but not this one.

We got a call from the dealer's workshop technician a couple of days ago who said they couldn't fit a single solar (150w or 140w) panel on the rear, only on the front which will cause wind noise issues so they 'suggested' we have 2 x 100w on the rear instead ... which is exactly what we wanted in the first place so that's what we're now having.

Hopefully this will be more than sufficient for our needs and if not I'll just fit more if needs be.

I've never heard/seen this solar controller before though, hence this thread.

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[Lenny HB]

Interesting point; are you saying that some/ all new Motorhomes come with preinstalled wiring?

Hymer's and Carthago's do.
In Carthago A Class cables will be up behind one of the roof lockers and will run down to under the dash. From under the dash another pair of cables will run in the double floor to near the batteries. The two sets of cables are not connected.

 

[Littlewheels]

My mh is 11 years old and has preinstalled wiring. I didnt use it though as wires too thin for my 4 panels.

This is an interesting observation because it appears to me that nothing has changed, I’ve only ever fitted Victron Solar Panels latterly the new Black Monocrystalline which is prewired with 3/4mm wire,however,when connecting to the MH prewire which appears to be normal automotive wire of 2mm, this has been on N+B and Concorde MH’s.

 

[Littlewheels]

Oops, forgot about this thread! I updated my 'oh heck' thread but not this one.

We got a call from the dealer's workshop technician a couple of days ago who said they couldn't fit a single solar (150w or 140w) panel on the rear, only on the front which will cause wind noise issues so they 'suggested' we have 2 x 100w on the rear instead ... which is exactly what we wanted in the first place so that's what we're now having.

Hopefully this will be more than sufficient for our needs and if not I'll just fit more if needs be.

I've never heard/seen this solar controller before though, hence this thread.

Just a thought for the future,do consider the Flat Solars that are stuck on with Adhesive they are quite brilliant and obviously no wind noise,available with 10 Year warranty.

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[Mr Dog]

We had the same one on our Autotrail Mohican it worked fine with no problems.

 

[Campervan_man]

Malibu's are generally Pre-wired but all that means is they pre-wire from the leisure battery under the cab seat to under the fridge.
Pre-wired means partially wired. I am an ex-tech GMC Technician.
I also have the SUN charge controller that I will be fitting to My own van.

https://www.roadpro.co.uk/userfiles/PDFs/product%20information/NDS/NDS%20Sun%20Control%20SC300M%20v3%20-%20Booklet%20ENG.pdf

I have the remote display.
MAX 150W solar input + MAX 150W solar input and an engine battery charge output { Dual controller }

 

[Lenny HB]

This is an interesting observation because it appears to me that nothing has changed, I’ve only ever fitted Victron Solar Panels latterly the new Black Monocrystalline which is prewired with 3/4mm wire,however,when connecting to the MH prewire which appears to be normal automotive wire of 2mm, this has been on N+B and Concorde MH’s.

Hymer currently pressure with 4mm sq cable, Carthago with 6mm sq.
2mm sq auto cable will be less than 1.5mn sq real cable as on auto cables go by the external dia., including insulation.

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[tonyidle]

as on auto cables go by the external dia., including insulation.

They do?

Broken Link Removed

 

[Off da Grid]

My 255watt solar panel the size of a reasonable size door, covers the rear skylight, as we have big windows it’s not an issue.
I just lift the panel when on site.
I fitted 6mm cables from the panel to the controller

 

[Sasbo]

Broken Link Removed, my 2019 Chausson 530 (Welcome VIP Premium spec') is pre-wired for solar, even has the cable gland box fitted on the roof. The solar pre-wiring is located behind a removable screwed cover in the top of the cupboard above the hob.

Have a look and maybe yours will be the same.

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[Minxy]

Meanwhile back to the OP ... has anyone actually USED one of the controllers I mentioned?

 

[Lenny HB]

Judging by the answers I would say no. I would get what you know works fitted even if you have to give the dealer a few quid to stop him wining.

 

[Minxy]

Judging by the answers I would say no. I would get what you know works fitted even if you have to give the dealer a few quid to stop him wining.

whining? or winning?

As they sell Carthagos and do solar panel installs at a fair cost I assume the controller is up to the job so will see how we get on with it first. It may well be that people simply haven't heard of it hence why it's not been as they go for the usual Victron or Votronic ones.

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[sallylillian]

Ask for a copy of the builders roof plan. Should be readily available as a pdf. Then do your own juggling.

 

[DBK]

Meanwhile back to the OP ... has anyone actually USED one of the controllers I mentioned?

Post #10.

 

[Happy1]

Or get panels fitted by an expert later on, wish I had as dealer put them on the only spot where a sat dish would fit after me asking them to leave space for sat.
Ended up taking them off within 30 days for a full refund- got odd looks walking into service dept with a panel under each arm!
They also charged for a dual bat regulator and fitted a single so that also came off.
Then got them fitted properly but lots of effort and grief.

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[Solwaybuggier]

I’d have replied to your original query, Mel, but I have no expertise whatsoever in van electrics, so can’t really speak with knowledge. But we do have that controller with our 150w panel, and it seems fine. Doesn’t give you much information but appears to work. Fitted by GMC on our CTourer T150 when we bought it nearly 2 years ago.

 

[Lenny HB]

whining? or winning?

As they sell Carthagos and do solar panel installs at a fair cost I assume the controller is up to the job so will see how we get on with it first. It may well be that people simply haven't heard of it hence why it's not been as they go for the usual Victron or Votronic ones.

My mates last Carthago, I was going to fit the panel for him but he decided as it was a new van he would get the dealer to do it.
I've never seen such a bodge. Stuck the 100w panel on the roof Sika 20 mm thick one side 5 mm the other. Didn't use the pre installed 6 mm sq cables used 1.5 mm sq mains cable & fitted a 5 quid controller all for £500 that was after he haggled a deal.

 

[Minxy]

My mates last Carthago, I was going to fit the panel for him but he decided as it was a new van he would get the dealer to do it.
I've never seen such a bodge. Stuck the 100w panel on the roof Sika 20 mm thick one side 5 mm the other. Didn't use the pre installed 6 mm sq cables used 1.5 mm sq mains cable & fitted a 5 quid controller all for £500 that was after he haggled a deal.

I need to climb up the ladder to the roof and check on ours but I think they have been installed correctly as the fitter contacted us a couple of times about it and we definitely have the controller I showed in the OP and it already had wiring for solar from Carthago.

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[Lenny HB]

it already had wiring for solar from Carthago.

But did he use it?

 

[PORKSTER]

Dealer will fit what they have on the shelf and what suits them

 

[Minxy]

But did he use it?

I can't see why not ... seems stupid not to ... when it's not raining I'll have to have a shuftie.

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[Lenny HB]

I can't see why not ... seems stupid not to ... when it's not raining I'll have to have a shuftie.

They often don't because with a factory fit they fit the regulator behind the dash so that's where the wires go.

 

[Lenny HB]

Dealer will fit what they have on the shelf and what suits them

And what is the most profitable .

 

[Deneb]

Meanwhile back to the OP ... has anyone actually USED one of the controllers I mentioned?

No, I have a Votronic MPP controller and rate it highly, but I do have two NDS solar panels and am very happy with them. I believe NDS have a good reputation. RoadPro are the UK distributor I believe.

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