Hi Rob,
The reverse flow issue is usually addressed by a blocking diode which can b=
e
hidden in the panel junction box or the lead. These are commonly incorpora=
ted
in small panels, but you need to check. The primary goal of the regulator i=
s
usually to avoid an excessive charge rate. The smallest Morningstar
controller is prettry bulky and has rather high output for a portable kit. =
You
might want to look at a similar unit from www. globalsolar.com. I have had=
ten or so semi-custom trickle charge controllers (for 5-10 watt panels)
about the size of a small matchbox made up by www.emesystems.com.
Global Solar supplies a lot of the thin film panels sold by ICP Solar. Th=
eir
C-I-G-S panel formulation is supposed to provide more power output at low
light levels than some of its silicon predecessors. Though the price on
remaindered roll-up flexible panels is attractive, I like the crush resista=
nce
and compactness of the fold-up thin film panels from Global Solar (availabl=
e
from the Alternative Energy Store and others).
Their consumer Sunlinq panels (6 or 12 watt) incorporate a blocking diode a=
nd
regulator (of unspecified design) which seems to work OK. Their higher outp=
ut
folding panels don't have the built-in regulator. The accessory leads for t=
he
consumer panels are fairly stiff zipcord. If I was trying to minimize weigh=
t
and bulk, I'd remake them with more compliant wire.
Bill R.
--- In Rob Danielson <> wrote:
>
> Hi John--
> Yes, we might have touched upon some practical, affordable uses. I
> suspect many readers would like to do more as more becomes feasible.
> Let's try to keep on our toes and follow along with developments--
> which are considerable. I peeked into charger controllers a bit.
> Seems the main thing they do is prevent reverse flow when the PV
> panel output drops (low/no sun).
>
http://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/SunSaver/info/SS_DataSheet.pdf
>
> Morningstar is a big name. They're a few bucks more.
> http://www.affordable-solar.com/morningstar.html
>
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