Upgrading PWM to MPPT controller check

[82125]

Hi, I have a secondary solar panel that was fitted already when I bought this van (see photo).
Its pretty big, but can only guess its rating (150ish?).

The controller for it is faulty and only ever puts charge in to the starter battery on output 2, it never switches over to charge the leisures on output 1.
The controller is a PWM STCC10 (which states up to 150w/10a) which supports my guess the panel is around 150w or less.
STCC10 link

Am I right in thinking I can just swap out the STCC10 for a Voltronic MPPT 165 Duo? (165w/10)
For £100 it makes sense to have this panel (what ever wattage it is) adding to my leisure bank.

I also had a new 480w panel and MPPT fitted since the photo was taken that charges just the leisure batteries. I wanted to make sure it will be ok to fix the issue with the PWM by replacing it for an MPPT, and then both panels will charge the leisures and still put a 1a trickle to the starter.

1. Would there be any conflict having two controllers charging my leisure batteries (lead-acids)?
2. As long as I do it at night time, can I just install the new Voltronic without disconnecting anything else (disconnecting the panel first and reconnecting last)?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I can't see any issues with that as long as you don't link up the panels to the same controller.
2 feeds to the leisure batteries is ok with the secondary link to the starter from the lower watt panel. Just don't forget to set the controller to your battery type..
You don't have to wait until it's dark to to this just disconnect the pmw controller first and probably best to put a fuse inline whilst your changing it over .

Just out of interest ,how big is the 480 w panel.?

 

[82125]

I can't see any issues with that as long as you don't link up the panels to the same controller.
2 feeds to the leisure batteries is ok with the secondary link to the starter from the lower watt panel. Just don't forget to set the controller to your battery type..
You don't have to wait until it's dark to to this just disconnect the pmw controller first and probably best to put a fuse inline whilst your changing it over .

Just out of interest ,how big is the 480 w panel.?

not sure, full width of the van so 2m or more

 

[Manic]

You don't have to wait until it's dark to to this just disconnect the pmw controller first and probably best to put a fuse inline whilst your changing it over .

Best to cover panel if doing it in daylight, your not supposed to disconnect them when under load.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Wow,that's a BIG panel.

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[gus-lopez]

. As long as I do it at night time, can I just install the new Voltronic without disconnecting anything else (disconnecting the panel first and reconnecting last)?

I¡d still cover it as any type of light or even a full moon will generate power .

 

[Lenny HB]

Sounds OK to me.

 

[Bobby-gg]

not sure, full width of the van so 2m or more

I recognise that place

 

[autorouter]

The controller for it is faulty and only ever puts charge in to the starter battery on output 2, it never switches over to charge the leisures on output 1.
The controller is a PWM STCC10 (

It's not faulty, it's how it's designed. The two batteries must be electrically separate, ie no common negative. That's not possible on a motorhome, so this controller is unsuitable for charging two motorhome batteries, leisure and starter. It's fine for just one of the batteries.

The Votronic Duo will fix that problem.

 

[82125]

It's not faulty, it's how it's designed. The two batteries must be electrically separate, ie no common negative. That's not possible on a motorhome, so this controller is unsuitable for charging two motorhome batteries, leisure and starter. It's fine for just one of the batteries.

The Votronic Duo will fix that problem.

ah, thanks for that