solar and wind

wesjustice · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

I am about ti install a wind generator and a solar panel and was looking at charge controllers for them . Is there any controller the will monitor bothso I don't have to purchase seperate controllers or monitors. Could someone tell me what all extras I will need on this project.

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Wes...I am not aware of anything that does a good job on solar and wind together in terms of regulation. Suggest you get a rather expensive PWM (like the Bluesky or Outbacks) regulator for the solar as this will significantly enhance the panels actual throughput to your batteries in direct full sunlight. Then get a simple regulator with a shunt for excess production for the wind genny. We wired ours to the hot water heater so we were warming the water whenever the batteries were full and we were in good wind. I also recommend a switch to take the vane out of the system so it does not trick the panel regulator into seeing a higher voltage than really exists. Finally...get yourself a link10 or 20 so you can really see for yourself what is going on with your panel/genny inputs AND usage and amp/hour deficits. There is an excellent wind and solar thread here that has over 1000 posts...many of which you can ignore...but there are plenty of gems in the thread as well.
Oh yeah...if you haven't already bought the wind gen...get one with a few big blades instead of a lot of little ones. They WORK in the 10knot winds of most anchorages while the little blade ones do not. (See practical sailor's reviews from last summer if you don't believe it! )
Good luck & here's that other thread:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...olar-wind.html

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Cam-

The BlueSky and Outback are MPPT-type charge controllers, not PWM charge controllers. FlexCharge's NC25A, IIRC, is a PWM type charge controller. Big difference in performance and price when it comes to solar charging. You might be able to use either the BlueSky or the Outback for both wind and solar, but would have to check with the manufacturer.

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008

Yup...my bad. MPPT is what I meant.