Interesting that the SB2000E may not be MPPT. I've looked carefully at my
unit's input & output volts and amps and it certainly puts out more amps
than it takes in, performing the "impedance matching" that MPPTs are
intended to do. PV solar panel power is at maximum at higher voltage
(about 17.5VDC) than batteries want to be charged at (about 14.7VDC max,
dependent on battery temperature, the 2000E has an optional thermal sensor
to bolt to one of the battery terminals). The load presented to the panel
(the input side of the controller) is tweaked every 10 seconds to keep the
panel operating at its peak power, and that power is transformed to a
lower voltage and since power = volts times amps, the controller puts out
more amps than it gets in to charge the battery. So if the 2000E is not a
true MPPT, it certainly performs pretty much like one; close enough to do
the job for us.
--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR

On 5/7/2008 1:14 PM Mark C wrote:

> I went with the Bluesky iX Charge Controller (Solar Boost 2512iX). Its MPPT without question, with 3 stage battery charging, and has an auxillary output, as well as allows for a remote. Sales guy said some people think the Bluesky SB2000E may not be true MPPT, and the iX is a better build quality. Its more than I need amp-wise, which at least is better than less.
>
> Now if someone could let me know of a good lead on vents to sneak under the solar panel.
>