Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller

Ownership Update;After two years of ownership, this is an update, with information which my installer told me to add, having just installed another 6 of these units for us.Why did we buy more when there're other 30 amp units out there at about half the price?Firstly, our installer informed us that not all 30 amp controllers are created equally (I'm using his words, it's a bit Greek to me), but apparently most cheaper units have smaller heat-sinks and can only do 30 amps battery charging current, which he says is usually about 14 (volts) * 30 (amps) or about 400-425 watts. These are based on array current, typically about 19 (volts) * 30 (amps) or 550 - 600 watts. Apparently one should always simply look for the watts of array the device can handle. Essentially, I'm told, cheaper controllers are still 30 amp, they just measure it at a different place?We now use 3 * 150 watt panels through a 3:1 solar connector and 8mm (#8) wire going some 15m to the controller, then #6 (10mm) wire from the controller to 2 deep cycle batteries, each battery is 250 ah.I was told that charge maximum rate should be between 2% and 10% of battery capacity - I don't know for certain - just told, mine is 4%We now have 12 units set up like this.We are now totally 'off grid' and have a daily usage around 14.5 kw or 430 kw/mth.Our batteries discharge by about 20% overnight - they usually are full by 2pm. On dull days, around 5pm.The batteries normally charge under sunny conditions between 22 and 23 amps per controller.I'm told that'd be 14.5 volts * 22.5 or around 325 watts to the batteries, or about 70% - 75%, which is apparently very good for solar.I was surprised to be informed that one can buy a 100 watt panel, you will never get 100 watts into your batteries.1. These are not MPPT, but are exceptionally effective with great conversion rates. In his opinion, for high sun areas, it'd be difficult to justify the extra $$ for MPPT.2. They're for lead acid or gel, they don't have a setting for AGM, but will often work with AGM - just check the charging voltage. I use lead acid batteries, have had no overcharging, no boiling, minimal water use and no battery failures. Based on how its working my electrician said I should expect 8-10 years from the batteries.3 I now own a round dozen of these, connected to 24 batteries - 2 years, no failures - 450 watts of solar connected to each charger.4 They have very good quality heat sinks, better than most, should be very reliable.5. They're for 12 volt only - connect to a 24 volt battery bank or array - you will kill them - instantly.6. You can connect more than 1 controller to a single battery bank.7. Each controller can operate over a large amp hour range of battery capacity.8. I just love that they simply do what's advertized - I now have no grid connection at all - I run everything - freezers, fridges (2), TV's, waterheater, stove, cooker, laptops, coffeemakers, kettles and immersion water heater - everything is from solar.9. I'm informed they work best with high efficiency sine wave inverters, 92% plus, which apparently means I'm getting about 66% of my panels ratings available at my power sockets.10. The displays are simple, even I can understand them.Lowest flashing red = wire break between controller and batteryNo lights = Broken wire between the array and the controller or it's dark outsideBottom green only - my batteries are very discharged. A very rare occasion, where the generator is required.Middle green - my batteries are moderately chargedTop green on the lower section - my batteries are almost fully charged.Bottom green on upper section - my batteries are fully charged and essentially 'conditioning'The blue light says the sun is shining is shining and they're chargingThe LCD display either gives battery voltage (it increases as charge level increases) or charging amps. I have them set to amps, if a connection fails then I know immediately.Original Review:These were bought for a solar panel addition, they arrived timely and in great condition.I was surprised at the color, mine were blue not gray/black, but it's not an issue.We've got them wall mounted - they are unobtrusive and look similar to a thermostat.The external displays and big digits are easy to use. It's pretty idiot proof as long as the very rudimentary instructions are followed.The units just do what they say they will. 2*190 watt panels going to each unit.Make sure the wires from the panels to the charger are AT LEAST the size the manual calls for - I was told to use one bigger and it's fine.Appearance installed *****Ease to install ***** (from electrician)Functionality *****Ease of Use *****Recommended, yes.They don't voltage track, so I'm told, but they don't advertise it and I looked at voltage tracking units they were quite a bit more.

I installed one of these controllers for use with one of the flexible 18 foot solar arrays. The array is nominally 12VDC. Unfortunately, when you put the solar array into the bright Arizona sunshine, the array output voltage goes to about 35 volts. The controller works fine while charging the battery, but once the battery is charged and the load is removed from the solar, the solar voltage goes above 30VDC and the filtering electrolytic capacitor inside the controller explodes. It's pretty messy, with dielectric residue all over inside the controller. Luckily the capacitor is available at Radio Shack for under 2 bucks, and is easy to replace if you have soldering skills.The fix for the high no-load voltage on the solar was to tell my mom that she needs to watch the controller current. If it goes below 0.5 amps, she needs to cover up half the solar array. I found that covering up half the array drops the no-load voltage to about 18 volts, which works fine for protecting the controller.I'm not going to knock any stars off the rating, as this is designed for 12 volt solar. Getting a no-load voltage on the solar input above 30V is probably well outside the rating of the controller.This is another fine example making sure the components from different manufacturers are compatible with each other.I recently installed one of these controllers in a different vehicle, with no issues. In this case, the solar panel no-load voltage didn't go above 25 volts, which is quite safe for this controller.For what it is, this controller is a good deal for the money.

I bought the Sunforce 60032 30amp charger. Upon opening there was a rattling noise coming from inside the casing if I shook the unit just a little. I decided to open it up to make sure nothing had come loose. I didn't find anything noticeably broken or loose so I put it back together. I never did find out what makes the noise although it seems to be coming from the amp/volt switch. Anyway, hooked it up using 8G wire. There are inputs from your PV array and battery outputs- very simple connections that are fairly sturdy. Included are four (4) ring terminals that will work with 8G wire. The unit so far works as advertised providing a bulk charge @ 14.4V (my voltmeter reads 14.33V-- well within limits). Then unit trickle charges @ ~13.4V. Have charged two batteries with it so far quickly, and my voltmeter verified voltages. Input from PV panel varied between 16.5V - 15.6V, but Sunforce charger never went beyond 14.4V...voltages slowly decrease as battery reaches full....Good charge controller for the money so far...

I purchased this charge controller to help me maintain the batteries on my solar system. While the book it comes with leaves you guessing at its vagueness, the controller itself lives up to my expectations. My concerns are that the controller will not be able to handle the -30 degree mornings we can have so I will give an update when that happens. The installation was easy. The lights on the top go out after the panels stop charging (when it gets too dark). The lights on the bottom left side give a picture version of where your batteries are at... 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 full and then there is the float picture up at the top of those that shows a full battery and the controller has now placed them in a "float" condition which does not allow the batteries to be charged anymore until some energy is used. This saves your batteries and elongates their life span. I would not leave this controller out in the open, it is digital after all...

It worked well for my motorhome

easy to instal, works perfect.

Sunforce 30 amp controller is well built with very readable and useful dial. I use it on my two 100 watt solar panels connected to my RV batteries. Does a great job.

Functions and looks very nice. The display is easy to read and use, and the instructions are very clear. Would recommend for any buyer.

So far as I can tell it works perfectly.