|
 - Sunforce 7 amp Solar Controller Bad: Really cheap quality. Included instructions don't provide enough information. Website is just as un-informative. Cheap connector wires (low current), and is not equipped with screw-on terminal junctions. Good: Product works as advertised. Amazinlgly "regulates" the voltage to the required amount so as not to overcharge the battery. Beware though, in order to test the actual output voltage, you must apply a load on the battery end of the controller BEFORE. Failing this, the output can register volts as high as 20 volts !!! Apparently applying an actual load causes the controller to output the correct voltage range - lucky me, cause I bought 4 units ! The LEDS alternately flickers (fast for good voltage input and slow for low to no voltage on solar panel). The manual did NOT state the order of LED flashes. (1) Fast LED flashes - good voltage/current (2) Slow LED flashes - low/no voltage/current (3) steady Green - fully charged (4) steady amber - possible no load OR really low voltage/current I recommend you go out and buy 'em. The are a really good deal and does the job at the best price ! I use them in Jamaica, to provide my appliances with power during power outages (very frequent here). Used with solar panels and DC to AC inverter, of course. Considered using a generator, but too many accidents here with generators, too noisy, too bulky, and during hurricane aftermath, fuel is a problem. Solar is freely available, so it was the BEST option all round. Hope this helps all readers ! Rating: - Product works wellThis item does control the charging of a 12 volt lead-acid battery. I use it with a 75 watt solar panel. The only criticism I have of it is that it doesn't indicate a partial charge. It either indicates that the battery is charging, or that it is fully charged. However, for the price, it is a reasonable buy. Rating:  - ChargerI have this unit connect to two automotive 12V batteries with three 15W panels connect to it. So far the charger works as advertised by preventing battery drain when the sun goes down and charging while the panels are producing at least 13 volts. It is pretty much an install and forget item. Additionally I have those same two batteries tied into one of my trucks 12V power points so that the batteries charge when the vehicle is running by way of the alternator. Even with this double charging set up, the charge controller appears unphased and shows a charge light in the daytime and has on two occasions indicated a fully charged green light. Rating: - Works great Poor quality controlOnce I finally figurd out that it was wired incorrectly internally, the controller works as it is supposed to. The positive and negative wires were reversed and was driving me crazy trying to get it working. Finally I reversed my wiring an it worked. Rating: - works wellI've been using it to maintain the charge on a car battery with an 8 watt solar panel and it has been working great.
|
