You can actually run a Blue Sky 2512iX-HV solar charge controller over 400 watts (STC) as you never actually get the STC rated output from ANY Solar panel. It simply maxes out the charge amperage and clips it at 25 amps. I have done several systems like this (mine at 500 watts was the first). I would see 25 amps to the batteries on a regular basis.
When I needed the equipment for an installation (sold as USED, of course
), I replaced the 2512 with the Blue Sky 3024 controller and would see 30+ charging amps on a bright sunny day when the batteries were down, so I was effectively losing about 5 charging amps (during peak periods) by using the smaller controller.
I then needed my 5 GS-100 hard panels for another installation and replaced them with Grape Solar's 100 watt flex panels (500 watts again) as an experiment. Still have the 40 amp controller, but now never see any charging amperage above 23 amps. This is caused by inefficiencies in the flex panels and their decreased sensitivity to lower light conditions. They still don't 'put out' at the same level that the hard panels do.
The overall situation is fine, as I have also switched to a 200 amp lithium battery pack at 54 lbs. instead of the 2 Lifeline GPL-6CT 300 amp/hour golf cart batteries that I was using at 180 lbs, so I am actually way over the charging requirements of the lithiums
Linear Mode
