If you can't use a Morningstar Charge Controller on this Grape Solar unit, what charge controller did you use and did you have to modify it in any way
1127410
I haven't gotten my controller yet. . .so I didn't know it wasn't useable. Whoops!
1127411
According to Grape Solar (you can call customer service and they are very helpful), you should be able to connect the solar panel to the Morningstar charge controller, Pro Star 15 (which is 15 Amps). According to Grape Solar, you need to connect the solar panel to the Morningstar Controller with an MC4 cable. I purchased a 25ft MC4 cable ( HQRP Pair 25 feet / 7.62m 1x4mm Photovoltaic Solar Array Cables with MC4 Connectors and HQRP Coaster), and Grape Solar confirmed this was the correct purchase. Apparently you need a wire stripper to connect the MC4 cable from the solar panel to the charge controller. According to Grape Solar, you cut the MC4 cable in half, and then use a wire stripper to connect the solar panel to the charge controller. I have no idea how to do this, and i was going to call Grape Solar tomorrow to walk me through it. And then you need battery cable from the charge controller to the battery. Grape asked how far the charge controller was going to be from the battery, and i told them 3 feet. They said to get #6 gauge wire. I will try to walk you thorugh it once i figure it out myself. Hope this helps I guess i just post another comment once i find the solution from Grape? If you call and get better or different information, please let me know. Good luck!
1127412
I use Morningstar 10sl charge controller with my unit. I use #10 marine wire for my connections. I do not think #6 wire will fit in the 10sl. My charge controller is located next to the battery bank. The panel is positive grounded. I talked to the Grape Solar folks (very helpful) and they informed me that you do not need to ground the panel if your system is under 300 watts. I think you can find most of the morningstar instillation manuals in PDF format online.Good luck!
1858564
No, You can not add another charge controller to the load side of the Prostar. You need to connect directly to the battery.
712397
No..... and maybe.... The point of using the controller is that with small loads less than the rated amperage, when the battery is fully charged, your load is being supplied with power from the solar (bypassing the battery). This allows the charge controller to float charge the battery and also power your device.... If you are drawing lots of power through an inverter, then yes, you will need to connect directly to the battery.... Just FYI - the unit I got had an UN-replaceable fuse.... I had to create a work around to solve the problem....
2111969
Suggest you contact Grape Solar representatives for help with this question.
2115090
I've seen some discussions where there was a regulator required for use with solar chargers in some situations. Had the same issue with my lawn tractor; no charge after 8 hours in the sun. But it works fine for other batteries... go figure. May want to ask someone at your cycle shop about how to use this. And the other responders are right, if your battery is stone dead this thing isn't gonna help you. I found a 6A Stanley charger at Lowe's for $25 to use on the lawn tractor.
1948001
I believe the new 30 watt panels have 2 wires pre attached that go to the battery. It is possible for this low wattage and current model, that you may not need the controller. Ask Renogy 800-330-8678
1848601
You need a charge controller. I bought this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008I0IZ7O/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 , but I had to cut the wires on the solar panel to connect to the charge controller. You can get adapters, but I'm not sure what those are called.
1332096
The charge control can handle up to 7A. Your 30 watt panel puts out ~1.68A at high noon. You should be fine with one charge controller charging two or more batteries and it would require more charge time. Just make sure you hook up your batteries correctly. Personally and for convenience I would much prefer to get two charge controller with two solar panels for the two batteries so that I could avoid having to move and or reconnect the batteries. A larger solar panel can would benefit you quite a bit if you need to drawn power from the battery each night. Hope you are using deep cycle batteries. The charge control can handle up to 7A. Your 30 watt panel puts out ~1.68A at high noon. You should be fine with one charge controller charging two or more batteries and it would require more charge time. Just make sure you hook up your batteries correctly. Personally and for convenience I would much prefer to get two charge controller with two solar panels for the two batteries so that I could avoid having to move and or reconnect the batteries. A larger solar panel can would benefit you quite a bit if you need to drawn power from the battery each night. Hope you are using deep cycle... » Read More The charge control can handle up to 7A. Your 30 watt panel puts out ~1.68A at high noon. You should be fine with one charge controller charging two or more batteries and it would require more charge time. Just make sure you hook up your batteries correctly. Personally and for convenience I would much prefer to get two charge controller with two solar panels for the two batteries so that I could avoid having to move and or reconnect the batteries. A larger solar panel can would benefit you quite a bit if you need to drawn power from the battery each night. Hope you are using deep cycle batteries. « Show Less
2257380
Hi Getpreparedstuff,Are you able to share with me the model of the solar charge controller that you use? Thanks. -David
1542030
I'm not sure exactly what you have. Nearly all solar panels are set up in either 12 or 24 volt configurations for normal battery charging. Especially if it is a 9 Amp - 45 Watt Panel... I have a 45 Watt panel that at best only pushes 2.7 Amps and fluctuate between 10-17 volts depending on how much sunlight. At 5 volts you are probably talking about a USB charging panel for USB devices? If so your cell phone or tablet will have an on board charge controller... Ultimately, I think NO... this charge controller will not work for you. It needs either 12 or 24 volts into the controller to tell it how to charge the battery set up... Also, it has a non replaceable fuse inside. So if you blow the fuse, like I did, you are faced with either getting a different one, or trying to replace the fuse some how...
352792
Throwing in my two cents. Get two for this. It'll work fine for awhile for you the way you want to do it, but ultimately, your battery is going to lose charge 'cause you will be running close to max on the panel all things considered unless you are in bright sunlight all the time. Plus, over time, your battery is not going to charge as efficiently. My 100W Grape tests at 5 amps in good sunlight. But then there's nighttime....:-) I run an off grid system, and am going to get a second panel just because of those cloudy days. An MPPT controller will help maximize your charging too. I haven't gotten one of those yet. Throwing in my two cents. Get two for this. It'll work fine for awhile for you the way you want to do it, but ultimately, your battery is going to lose charge 'cause you will be running close to max on the panel all things considered unless you are in bright sunlight all the time. Plus, over time, your battery is not going to charge as efficiently. My 100W Grape tests at 5 amps in good sunlight. But then there's nighttime....:-) I run an off grid system, and am going to get a second panel just because of those cloudy days. An MPPT controller will help maximize your charging too. I haven't... » Read More Throwing in my two cents. Get two for this. It'll work fine for awhile for you the way you want to do it, but ultimately, your battery is going to lose charge 'cause you will be running close to max on the panel all things considered unless you are in bright sunlight all the time. Plus, over time, your battery is not going to charge as efficiently. My 100W Grape tests at 5 amps in good sunlight. But then there's nighttime....:-) I run an off grid system, and am going to get a second panel just because of those cloudy days. An MPPT controller will help maximize your charging too. I haven't gotten one of those yet. « Show Less
1248020
If there is a charge controller it should all work out of the box. I bought just the solar panel and the controller sold separately. The controller ensures the battery doesn't over charge and blocking diodes make sure the battery doesn't bleed charge at night time. I hope it all works out for you...
1027177
I've just talked to Instapark. There has been a change in the 600 Pro. It now requires a solar charge control to bridge the two together. The very nice folks at Instapark are sending me the $20 kit for free! http://www.instapark.com/solar-power-charge-controllers/instapark-incc1205-12v-5a-waterproof-pwm-solar-charge-controll.html
1860931
Yes,, just be sure you have them hooked up correctly.. I have 2 -12 volt deep cycle batteries and 2 6 volt good cart batteries hooked up to my panels via the controller. The Sun force charger drew moisture and burned out. I replaced it with a Thunderbolt controller. It has a digital readout which is far superior to the simple/confusing light system on the Sun force controller. Also it was only $30-$5 shipping and I received it in 2 days.
1509654
I highly recommend using a charge controller with any solar panel to eliminate problems that you are speaking of. After I started using a charge controller I have not had any problems at all. Even on a 5 watt panel I would use a charge controller.
789751
Solutions From Science uses a PWM Morningstar and 50 feet of cable with their 90w or 100w panels. However, a high quality MPPT controller will enable you to get as much output from a smaller panel. I recommend the Genasun GV-4-Lead with a 50w panel, or the GV-5-Lead with a 65w panel. Check these out at the Genasun site, then see where you can find them (Amazon does not carry them). They are made in the USA, and are the absolute best for low wattage applications. (I have 5, and love them.) Check Missouri Wind and Solar for the panels. Keep the cable as short as possible, as voltage drop occurs quickly in a 12v system. Also, use solar cable if possible, or at least low voltage landxcape cable, 12 gauge if possible. Finally, mount the charge controller as close as possible to the batteries; not the panel.
54272
I have 820 watts of solar and I have the Morningstar MPPT 45 with 6 batteries and works fine. The mppt 45 will only allow me 45 amps, but if I produce more it will not hurt that controller.