A small housing with proper charge management
When space is tight in a locker, under a bench seat or in a boat compartment, a slim, light controller makes a real difference. This Wattstunde model passes the energy from your panels to a 12 V battery while limiting voltage and current to what the battery can accept. Its MPP technology lets it follow the panels’ power point as conditions change through the day.
Who is it for?
It suits anyone building a modest solar setup: a van, a small caravan, a sailing boat, a garden shed or a remote measuring station. Professionals may consider it for on-board equipment or temporary site installations running at 12 V.
Size and construction
The plastic housing measures 131 x 40 x 77 mm and weighs 285 g. Its thin 40 mm profile makes it easy to fit into a technical panel or a narrow duct. As no protection rating is supplied, mount it in a dry place shielded from water spray.
Setting it up step by step
- Find a flat, dry, ventilated spot as close to the battery as possible.
- Plan the panel layout so that the combined voltage stays below the 60 V input value.
- Prepare cables sized for the expected current and fit them with proper lugs.
- Connect the battery before the panels, then check operation in full daylight.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the exact wiring diagrams. If in doubt, call a qualified installer.
Choosing the right panel layout
A single 12 V nominal panel is not wired the same way as two or three panels in series. Before you buy anything, add up the open-circuit voltages printed on the panel labels and keep a safety margin, because voltage rises in cold weather. Also check that the combined power does not exceed 360 W. If you plan to extend your solar array later, think about that now so you do not have to replace the controller down the line.
Why choose this controller
- Minimal footprint, ideal for confined spaces.
- Accepted panel power of 360 W for a 12 V system.
- A 60 V input that allows several panels in series within the stated limit.
- Weight of 285 g, easy to fix to a light partition.
Technical specifications
- Brand: Wattstunde
- Model: MPP 360 CI
- Battery voltage: 12 V
- Rated PV power at 12 V: 360 W
- Output: 12 V, 360 W
- Input: 60 V
- Dimensions: 131 x 40 x 77 mm
- Weight: 285 g
- Material: plastic
Precautions and storage
Never exceed the stated input voltage or power, and never reverse the polarity. An undersized cable heats up, so choose a generous cross-section. Leave free space around the housing so heat can escape, and do not place it against a heat source. Clean it dry and check the tightness of the terminals from time to time. For long-term storage, keep it in its packaging, away from moisture and dust.
