Is there a dual input mppt charge controller

[Rowglide]

So I am finally caving into solar. I will have 2X100W panels on my dodger. Since I have a ketch, there will always be one panel partially shaded. My understanding is that I will need 2 separate charge controllers to maximize my benefit.
Is there a single charge controller that can take two separate inputs?

[noelex 77]

You can simply wire the panels together, preferably in parallel and feed this into a single controller, providing the controller has sufficient capacity.

Two controllers will be superior. This is not essential although two smaller controllers are often not much more expensive than one larger single controller.

There are no controllers that I am aware of that incorporate two separately tracking MPPT controllers in a single case. If there was such a beast there would be a loss of redundancy, which is one of the advantages of the multiple controller option.

There is a significant difference in the tracking ability the durability of different MPPT controllers, so look for a quality product rather than shopping just on features.

[Joh.Ghurt]

It's probably easiest and cheapest to get two small controller instead of finding an exotic one having 2 inputs.

[smac999]

Originally Posted by Joh.Ghurt

It's probably easiest and cheapest to get two small controller instead of finding an exotic one having 2 inputs.

This. 15a mppt victron controllers are cheap. You might even be able to use the 10a

[dougweibel]

I've got experience with those smaller Victron controllers and they are great. Under $100. Just a bit more for the SmartSolar ones with built-in BlueTooth, which is nice as you can configure and monitor them with a phone.

[David B]

Originally Posted by Rowglide

So I am finally caving into solar. I will have 2X100W panels on my dodger. Since I have a ketch, there will always be one panel partially shaded. My understanding is that I will need 2 separate charge controllers to maximize my benefit.
Is there a single charge controller that can take two separate inputs?

Just a note regarding the capacity. Already, you can get 350W semi-flexible panels (approx 90 x 100cm), so you may want to look at greater capacity panels if you just want two of them on your bimini.

Shading is an issue, so the panels should be in parallel, or ideally on separate controllers. Monocrystaline panels are more susceptible to shading, but largely make up for it with higher output, especially in lower light such as an overcast day, early morning and late afternoon.

Ideally, more smaller panels rather than just two larger panels means shading issues are minimised.