Reddit reviews Renogy Wanderer 30 Amp 12V Advanced PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Battery Regulator Compatible with Sealed, Gel, and Flooded Batteries and Wanderer Temperature Sensor
We found 7 Reddit comments about Renogy Wanderer 30 Amp 12V Advanced PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Battery Regulator Compatible with Sealed, Gel, and Flooded Batteries and Wanderer Temperature Sensor. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The Wanderer is a negative ground controller. This ensure compatibility with any negative ground system, which is the standard and most conventional way of grounding. Any negative connection on the solar module, battery and load can be safely earth grounded as required4 Stage PWM charging (Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization) prevents batteries from over-charging and over-discharging. Protection against: overcharging, overload, short-circuit, and reverse polarityCompensates for temperature, automatically corrects charging and discharging parameters, and improves battery longevity.LED Indicators that inform you about the charge controller's statusCompatible with Sealed, Gel, and Flooded batteries
I have just put together a system for a remote barn on my property. It may be overkill for what you are trying to accomplish, but thought it might help.
This is connected to a 12v deep cycle marine battery that you an find at NAPA.
Depending on frequency of use, you may be able to get away with a lower wattage solar panel, or, if it is rarely used, scrap the solar components all together and just lug the battery back to your house once a month a stick it on a trickle charger.
I have a cheap Renogy charge controller and a 50W panel. If you're into DIY that might be the way to go. 50W isn't a lot of panel, but it might work if you keep the loads down.
Here's one that's fairly simple and popular.
I just, on a whim, ordered this charge controller on eBay for $35 flat. https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Wanderer-30A-Charge-Controller/dp/B00BCTLIHC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
It was new with original everything and I figured I have the eBay protection if its not what its supposed to be. The owner says they ordered a bundle but they already had a charge controller so sold their Wanderer. we'll see how it plays out.
Thanks for your reply.
true looks like almost a $120 difference.. damn
PWM
vs.
MPPT
edit: any thoughts on this one? sounds pretty great for a 200W setup.
What current (or power if that's more handy) rating do you need?
Number 1 best seller on Amazon.
You did specify 30V - is that the actual voltage you need or did you round up? A 36 cell solar module is fairly common - you'll have an open circuit voltage of about 22V in that configuration, less after the panel heats up.
Second best seller on Amazon.Its becoming more common to claim "12V panel" as a way of saying "panels intended to charge 12V batteries" - it has nothing to do with the actual open circuit voltage of the panel.
To be honest, if you can't easily get replacements, I wouldn't go cheap on this component.
You would want a charge controller. A charge controller basically manages te solar power going to your battery so it doesn't overcharge it. They can be as cheap as $30