Solar/ wind charge controller.

Hope all out East are doing well, give the current Hurricane!

I have a question about solar and wind charge controllers. Curious what the IP folks are using to for both wind and solar.
Is there a controller that will take input from both solar and wind?
Also looking to replace our Xantrex battery monitor, as it is currently not trusted.

Best regards

Randy

Randy:

I have had several of each and now I have what I feel is a really good system that performs very well. One idea I now subscribe to is that each of these systems should be independent systems. That way when one controller breaks or a wire is broken then you only are down that one system. We originally had one totally combined system by Ample Power where one controller managed the regulator, solar and all battery monitoring. We now have removed that and we have gone with the best in each area.

Solar Boost by BLUE SKY ENERGY:
This is the new solar controller we are using with our 350 watts of solar (old 2004 install?). We also add the remote monitor and mounted that in the galley instrument drop down door.
Blue Sky Energy:
www.blueskyenergyinc.com/

SB300i controller
www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/solar-boost-3000i

Remote display:
www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/ipn_remote
I would upscale this and get the better one that allows remote admin of the sb300i

MK 450 MARINE KINETIX WIND TURBINE
Jeff Fields owner of Marine Beam designed and makes the MK450, this is a 450 watt turbine with a controller. This is a fantastic machine that is quiet and has made our boat totally energy independent. While in the Bahamas and Caribbean in trade winds, we never have to run the engine for power. Our battery bank is constantly full if the wind is 12-15+ knots and it is sunny.

Marine Beam, Jeff Field
store.marinebeam.com/

MK45 Wind Turbine
store.marinebeam.com/marinekinetix-mk4-marine-wind-generator/

We ate totally happy with these installs and they have really worked out well. My next upgrade will be to replace my old 2004 solar panels with newer and better panels with more power, but then again, WHY? We are energy positive now.

Hayden

I use Victron Energy MPPT controllers. Check their website. You can monitor you charging system on your phone or computer since they are Bluetooth enabled. They also have very good technical support and product info.

Hayden,

Thanks for your information and time putting it together. This is very good information, especially to us, as we are new to all this and renewing what we already have on board. After reading your thoughts on keeping the system separated, with their own regulation, I realize my thinking was flawed. I do a lot of rock climbing, and never rely on a single piece of protection.
There are so many options available and as many different ways to put it all together.
I believe we will take your advise on both the turbine and solar equipment.

Thanks again

Randy