Solar Power Controllers

Some Bailey units are supplied with a Solar Panel on the roof and a Solar Charge Controller between it and the battery. These are the Alicanto, Unicorn  and  Pegasus Grande Ranges in the Caravans and the Autograph and Adamo Ranges in the Motorhomes.  The Size of the Truma Solar Panal varies between 80 and 100 Watts.

Until the very latest models the Truma PWM Charge Controller was fitted as standard.


This controller had two outputs capable of charging two batteries.
It is generally thought that a MTTP Controller is better in keeping the Leisure battery topped up. Obviously important on a non-EHU Rally. The science behind this can be found lower down the page.

Quite a few members have decided to change the Truma PWM Controller for a MTTP one. This is a very easy change which gives a big improvement. They can be bought for under a £100.  There are various makes available but one of the popular ones is the Victron Unit


This is the one I have fitted to my Caravan. and it is a very easy swap for the Truma Unit. Just 4 wires to swap over.
It is an MTTP Controller, the 75/15 is the handling capacity, it will take up  to 75 volts from the Solar Panel and is capable of transmitting up to 15A. More than enough for a 100W panel as fitted by Bailey. One important thing to notice is that it has Bluetooth conectivity.

This means that you can remotely control and monitor your SmartSolar MPPT charger with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect.

MPPT: Ultra Fast Maximum Power Point Tracking

By constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels, MPPT technology ensures that every drop of available power is rinsed out of your panels, and harvested for storage. The advantage of this is most noticeable when the sky is partially clouded, and light intensity is constantly changing.

It is generally accepted that MTTP is 30% more efficient than a PWM one.

 

For some of  the very latest outfits, Bailey have started to fit the
Truma MTTP Controller, which will be a big improvement over the PWM device previously fitted.
 

12V Section Gas Sections Rally