Solar + Wind charge controller setup

[Tafa]

Hello everyone,

I am installing a 600w max wind generator + 2x100w semi-flex solar panels. I can’t decide about the optimum charge controller configuration.

Option 1 – a hybrid charge controller for wind and solar (singe battery bank feed a serious disadvantage?)

Option 2 – Separate charge controllers for wind and solar (mppt)

Option 3 – Separate charge controller for wind + each solar panel has it's own separate mppt charge controller

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Tafa

[travellerw]

Our boat has option 3. I prefer it as it provides redundancy and the most harvest. However, it is the most expensive option.

Because you have such a small amount of solar I don't think and MPPT for each panel makes sense (unless you have money to burn). I would just put those 2 panels in parrallel to a Victon MPPT charge controller.

Depending on what kind of wind generator you have, you can usually find fairly cheap wind controllers on e-bay. We have been using a $50 Chinese one for about 9 months and are quite happy with it. Its just a PWM one, but it has auto braking function and works very well.

[Mike OReilly]

I have #2 on our boat with 400 watts solar and a 400 watt wind gen. Two controllers. Solar is in four panels, all parallel, run to a single Victron MPPT (100/30). Simple, effective.

I think having each panel on it’s own controller might produce more amps, but at a higher cost, and far greater complexity.