Controller identity?

[Paulypaul]

Just wondering if anyone can give me an ID and any info on the controller we have fitted in our 2016 Pilote 740C?

I do have some limited info (in french) but I cannot work out what the specs actually are. The reason I ask is because I'm looking at adding more solar to the existing 120w that is already fitted.

Any advice welcomed.

 

[Jev88]

Unscrew. Might have model number on sticker

 

[Raul]

Phocos?

 

[phillipsheila]

i was too slow as above

 

[Richard n Ann]

Looked it up with Google Lens. Apparently it's model No. SC05 only available on Chinese websites. It's not made for vehicles as it has the load contacts for signpost lights etc. I'd definitely replace it with a quality mppt one.

[Hot Item] Solar Charger - Home System (SC05)

Model NO.: SC05 Origin: Shenzhen, China

m.made-in-china.com

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[Paulypaul]

Wow, thanks chaps! Any recommendations on a good mppt controller to fit as I'm going to add at the very least another 120w solar.

Pilote fitted this at the factory I think (as its all in french) or the dealer did perhaps, for the first owner?

 

[Richard n Ann]

Wow, thanks chaps! Any recommendations on a good mppt controller to fit as I'm going to add at the very least another 120w solar.

Pilote fitted this at the factory I think (as its all in french) or the dealer did perhaps, for the first owner?

We've got the Votronic duo. So called because it also maintains the starter battery

 

[Paulypaul]

Thanks Richard n Ann . I'm assuming it will just be a case of connecting the wires and or will I have to rewire if I wanted the starter battery maintained?

 

[Richard n Ann]

Thanks Richard n Ann . I'm assuming it will just be a case of connecting the wires and or will I have to rewire if I wanted the starter battery maintained?

Yes super easy. The starter battery has a common ground so you only need to put a positive wire in to it. The maximum current to the starter battery is 1 amp so the cable doesn't even need to be thick, ours is a piece of 0.75mm flex core.

 

[Paulypaul]

Great, thank you

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[Richard n Ann]

Get the optional battery temperature sensor too £20. It optimises the charging voltage but it's also a safety cut off feature.

In 2019 I noticed the leasure battery had stopped charging completely, usually it holds it at 13.5v after charging but the Votronic shut off completely, I checked the battery and it was hot! The battery had suddenly got a shorted cell and needed replacing.

 

[Paulypaul]

I just found this online: it would suggest that the controller is an MPPT?

 

[autorouter]

Yes, looks like it's the MPPT type. Although the link suggests it will take 250W, 350W or 400W of solar panel, the output amps is given as 5A in this link, and the input voltage is not given. I'd guess it's only for small solar panels, up to 25V panel voltage.

[Hot Item] Solar Charger - Home System (SC05)

Model NO.: SC05 Origin: Shenzhen, China

www.made-in-china.com

I think if you are increasing the solar panels, I'd suggest getting a higher power MPPT controller. Or you could keep this controller and panel, and add a second panel and controller connected directly to the batteries. The two controllers should work together OK, and will be better for example if one panel is shaded. And you won't have to worry about matching the panel voltages etc.

 

[the1andonly]

From the original french instruction i think the max solar voltage is 56V and max battery voltage 40V. On second page it says only for 12V systems . I cant see any reference to max power or current.
If you realy want to know if its an Mppt controller (if it is option 1 keep controller and add 2nd panel and controller.
1 Take off lid and look at the electronics, if there are any large toroids (round things wrapped in copper wire wound around it) you have an Mppt controller. This vid open the lid and is an example

 

[autorouter]

I cant see any reference to max power or current.

The link in post#13 says:

"Especially designed for small solar systems with the
Need of a low battery disconnect feature.

Technical parameter

Nominal voltage: 12V
Boost voltage: 14.5V
Float voltage: 13.7(25 degrees centigrade)
Load disconnect voltage: 11.5V voltage controlled(25 degrees centigrade)
Load reconnect voltage: 12.5v
Temperature compensation: -4mV/cell*K
Msx. Solar panel current: 5A
Max. Load current: 5A
Max. Wire size: 4mm2
Weight: 200g
Dimensions: 116.3*104.4*37.3
Ambient temperature range: -40-+50
Case protection: IP22"

PWM controllers don't usually have boost/float, so I think this is an MPPT. The Max Current of 5A is the important bit, that's only about 70W at 14V.

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[Paulypaul]

The link in post#13 says:

"Especially designed for small solar systems with the
Need of a low battery disconnect feature.

Technical parameter

Nominal voltage: 12V
Boost voltage: 14.5V
Float voltage: 13.7(25 degrees centigrade)
Load disconnect voltage: 11.5V voltage controlled(25 degrees centigrade)
Load reconnect voltage: 12.5v
Temperature compensation: -4mV/cell*K
Msx. Solar panel current: 5A
Max. Load current: 5A
Max. Wire size: 4mm2
Weight: 200g
Dimensions: 116.3*104.4*37.3
Ambient temperature range: -40-+50
Case protection: IP22"

PWM controllers don't usually have boost/float, so I think this is an MPPT. The Max Current of 5A is the important bit, that's only about 70W at 14V.

Ahh, yes, coincidentally this is what I've just translated on Google from the instruction leaflet that I found. So basically, Pilote or the dealer who installed the controller for the original owner put in a controller that was insufficient for the 120w solar panel? If this is the case could this be why my leisure batteries have only lasted 3 years as they're not getting fully charged by the 120w solar?

You might notice I'm not too technical savvy on these things?

 

[the1andonly]

From the original french instruction i think the max solar voltage is 56V and max battery voltage 40V. On second page it says only for 12V systems . I cant see any reference to max power or current.

autorouter i was referring to the original french in #1 .
If the english version is relevant and 5A is max current then as Paulypaul states this is insufficient for his panel so a new controller for the uprated combination of old and new panels is the best way forward, even if in the interim the new panel is not fitted.