Melanie Cullen
Blue Sky Energy Motorhome
RV enthusiasts that like to dry camp or boondock will find that Solar Boost™ MPPT controllers will provide an advantage in camping since these controllers will deliver more power faster to the battery in a safe and efficient manner.Story and photos by Melanie Cullen
Solar panel charge controllers are selected based on total number of watts of the PV (Photovoltaic) system, battery voltage, and type of PV panel. The purpose for using a solar panel charge controller is to regulate the power output from the PV panel to the battery to promote optimum battery charging and increase battery life. Without a charge controller, it is possible to overcharge the battery and shorten the life of the battery.
Blue Sky Energy, manufactures a variety of solar panel charge controllers, specializing in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology. We introduced the first MPPT solar controller to the commercial marketplace in 1998. We hold 2 patents on our MPPT technology. MPPT technology is most useful for PV systems of around100 watts or more due to the fact that MPPT solar controllers will extract more power from a PV array over conventional controllers. A 75 watt panel in a 12 V system will only deliver 53 watts maximum when using a non MPPT controller. An MPPT controller will typically deliver the full 75 watts due to the difference in technology employed. This type of controller will cost more than conventional controllers due to the technology and parts involved to manufacture them.
RV enthusiasts that like to dry camp or boondock will find that Solar Boost™ MPPT controllers will provide an advantage in camping since these controllers will deliver more power faster to the battery in a safe and efficient manner. Blue Sky Energy offers the largest variety and price points for MPPT solar controllers with options for adding digital displays. Our SB2000E was our first MPPT controller introduced in 1998 and includes a built in digital display. This product remains a solid performer and a popular product for RV and marine customers.
Our next generation technology solar controllers were developed using our IPN™ (Integrated Power Network) technology . The advantage of these newer controllers is the additional features we have been able to include. One of the popular features is the addition of an auxiliary output that allows for an additional 2 amp trickle charge to another battery (typically the engine battery). The products can be networked together (up to 8) on a system to allow for growth in a solar panel system from small to large. The controllers will support from 350 watts to 540 watts of PV input. Several of our products can accept 24 volt panels and charge 12V batteries. It is generally preferred to keep the PV and battery voltage the same, but there are times when it is necessary to have a controller with this capability.
The IPN network in these controllers allows them to network together by a simple daisy-chain method and allows for one controller to operate as a master controller with the others as slaves. The networked controllers will operate as a single large controller in a highly coordinated and efficient manner.
The IPN Network compatible controllers can also use our IPNRemote Display for basic battery voltage and current information or our more sophisticated IPN-ProRemote-S for full featured battery and systems monitoring. For dry camping, the IPN-ProRemote is a very popular option. The IPN-ProRemote will provide a highly accurate account of battery status, including how much remaining capacity in the battery, amps hours in & out plus much more.
Blue Sky Energy introduces its newest controller, Sun Charger 30 for shipments beginning in early August 2012. The SC30 is our first non MPPT solar controller. This controller is our answer for those customers that want an entry level controller, a reduced price and a quality product. The Sun Charger 30 includes a built in digital display, precise PWM charge voltage control along with a sophisticated 3-stage charging algorithm to properly charge flooded, GEL and AGM lead-acid batteries. The product includes an amp hour counter (typically not included in entry level products), auto night time dimming function, a manual or automatic equalize function, and the ability to change the charge parameter settings by the user. The product will support up to 450 watts PV input for a 12V battery system with 30 amps output.
Blue Sky Energy, developed its very first RV solar controller in 1998 under the name RV Power Products. The success of our first MPPT solar controller, SB2000 launched us into the renewable energy industry where we continue today developing leading edge solar products.
Blue Sky Energy solar controllers are sold worldwide through a wholesale distribution network. There are many dealers in Canada and the US that offer our products. For more information view our website www.blueskyenergyinc.com. Additonal product information and informative articles can be found there.