Cheap n' greasy solar charge controllers.

[Mr Gus]

Don't think I ever asked this one some way back in time.

Cheap controller from ali-express / fleabay type thing..

Bearing in mind that when I looked at a unit the difference was extra mosfets with s0d all extra shoring up on the bit grotty circuitry to deal with the extra oomph has anyone here recycled any aluminium fins for a better heat-sink performance? (rear was just a thin metal backer) it's one of the things I tend to save if stripping something out as a just in case (if I remember) in which case how effective was it for you? (before I waste time & heat-sink paste attempting increasing air flow needlessly

For instance we see designs for 30 / 60 / 90 amp max spec for which each spec has an additional pair of mosfet in place (ie 2 - 6 in total)

[Joeboy]

Don't think I ever asked this one some way back in time.

Cheap controller from ali-express / fleabay type thing..

Bearing in mind that when I looked at a unit the difference was extra mosfets with s0d all extra shoring up on the bit grotty circuitry to deal with the extra oomph has anyone here recycled any aluminium fins for a better heat-sink performance? (rear was just a thin metal backer) it's one of the things I tend to save if stripping something out as a just in case (if I remember) in which case how effective was it for you? (before I waste time & heat-sink paste attempting increasing air flow needlessly

For instance we see designs for 30 / 60 / 90 amp max spec for which each spec has an additional pair of mosfet in place (ie 2 - 6 in total)

Can't comment on the quality as my solar controller is Victron (oooh) and as its pumping out 3.2kW at times, it gets toasty. An £8, 5v usb fan made all the difference. My two Bob's worth would be towards inexpensive active cooling Gus.

[Stinsy]

Don't think I ever asked this one some way back in time.

Cheap controller from ali-express / fleabay type thing..

Bearing in mind that when I looked at a unit the difference was extra mosfets with s0d all extra shoring up on the bit grotty circuitry to deal with the extra oomph has anyone here recycled any aluminium fins for a better heat-sink performance? (rear was just a thin metal backer) it's one of the things I tend to save if stripping something out as a just in case (if I remember) in which case how effective was it for you? (before I waste time & heat-sink paste attempting increasing air flow needlessly

For instance we see designs for 30 / 60 / 90 amp max spec for which each spec has an additional pair of mosfet in place (ie 2 - 6 in total)

So long as you understand that those cheapo charge controllers are very unlikely to be MPPT no-matter what the listing claims and are likely to be much less efficient PWM designs then you’re good to go.

If I were you I’d spend the money on a respectable brand of genuine MPPT charge controller.

[Mr Gus]

Damn, knew I should have said "yup, I know" they are not MPPT as an opening sentence

These are a few years old & made sense as a bundle add on for small solar (but with theoretical headroom) 100A max "CRAPacity" just thought I might do a little of what they ought (but didn't)