All solar systems have finite energy storage capacity. Over-discharging the batteries is a permanent risk, particularly from “always on” devices like water heaters and refrigerators. We offer 2 different devices to prevent that from happening.

 The GY Controller

Designed mainly to control a water heater, there are 2 versions:

a) With12v/300w Replacement Heating Element

Originally designed for use in sailing yachts, the product is also useful in most canal and river boats. It’s most common use is to manage the water heater, turning it off when the 12v battery charge level drops below 12.2v. However there are other devices to which it could also be connected. Yachts, canal boats, and river cruisers only have hot water if they have been running the engine or are connected to shore power. Moored for any length of time they only have cold water. 

Usually installed close to the water heater , the device is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the domestic batteries using 6mm wiring, with a 30A switch fuse in between. The existing heater element (Quick boilers only) is replaced with one rated 12v and 300w and equipped to receive a temperature probe.

The device measures the domestic battery voltage and the water temperature at all times. If the battery voltage is over 12.2v and the water temperature <46°C and not >52°C then the controller switches on the heating element. A detailed wiring diagram comes with the unit.

Minimum solar system requirements:

  300w of solar panels and 200Ah of domestic battery capacity

 b) Using the existing 110/220v heating element and an inverter

This unit works similarly to the previous one, but with the important difference that it is not connected directly to the water heating element but to a dedicated 12 to 110/220v inverter that is in turn connected to the heating element. This version requires a 100A fuse between the device and the batteries and a more substantial solar array. 

Minimum solar system requirements:

400w of solar panels and 300Ah of domestic battery capacity

Optional:

remote system monitor. 

 c) Using the existing 110/220v heating element and a hybrid inverter

This unit works similarly to the previous one, but with the important difference that it is not connected directly to the water heating element but to a 12v hybrid inverter replacing the simple inverter but also providing domestic mains electricity. This version requires a 100A fuse between the inverter and the batteries and a more substantial solar array. 

Minimum solar system requirements:

400w of solar panels and 300Ah of domestic battery capacity

  The SS Controller – 12v and 48v batteries

The SS Controller needs a hybrid inverter and can switch on and off up to 3 connected devices (or groups of devices).

Designed for use in solar systems with hybrid inverters connected to either12 or 48v domestic battery packs and the hybrid inverter mains outlet, it provides up to 3 mains outputs each of which is user configurable in descending battery voltage cutoff points. In summer, most users have more than enough energy from their solar panels, but in winter total production can often be as low as 10% of that in summer. Hybrid inverters shut down completely if voltage falls below a given level.

The SS controller provides the means automatically to switch off “always on” devices in descending priority order (least important first) thus helping to prevent the hybrid inverter shutting down the entire electrical system.

An example of a possible priority order:

1) wine fridge

2) water heater

3) fridge/freezer

Available in 1, 2, and 3 outlet versions, the device is connected to that batteries to measure the voltage and to the hybrid mains OUT connectors to provide the power. Each connected device (or group of connected devices) needs a fuse appropriate to the power consumption of the connected device. 

RESULT: You awake with the system still active.