Blue Sky 2000e versus 3000i May 10, 2021, 10:06:09 pm Does anyone know if changing the Blue Sky solar controller from the stock 2000e to the 3000i would provide a benefit beyond just the increased current capacity if needed when adding panels?
Re: Blue Sky 2000e versus 3000i Reply #1 – May 10, 2021, 10:28:49 pm Hi Keith. I just upgraded from the SolarBoost 2000, to a SolarBoost 3000i. I put in the SB20 Amp version new about 19 years ago. I had the good fortune of getting Kent's SB30A when he upgraded his 2015 to a controller that could handle about 100 Amps. Blue Sky Energy made both. (SB2000e under a different name) The SB3000i is newer and has more bells and whistles. Better documentation. Same form factor to fit in to the same space. I like the red LED display better, and it can be set to alternate between battery voltage and current (delivered to the battery). The slide switch to change the display from volts to amps on the SB2000e was becoming difficult to operate. In the 20A it was hard to tell if it had distinct modes i.e. Bulk, Absorption, and float. The SB3000 clearly displays that, and has a 4th Equalization mode, if you have WLA batteries. Not used for AGM batteries. I don't use that mode even though I could, because the PD converter does that now. The 3000i is capable of trickle charging your chassis battery if you run a wire to use that feature. I already had put in a separate unit to do that, so it wasn't needed. RonB
Re: Blue Sky 2000e versus 3000i Reply #2 – May 11, 2021, 02:26:29 am The 3000i replaced the 2000e, they are very similar with the same maximum input amperage. The 3000i isn't an upgrade unless you wire your LD for it to charge the starting battery, possibly an involved project.Larry
Re: Blue Sky 2000e versus 3000i Reply #3 – May 12, 2021, 10:18:53 am As RonB pointed out, the 3000i is a three stage charger where the 2000e supports two stages.https://rvsolarstore.com/pdf/BS_2000E_Manual.pdfhttps://www.solar-electric.com/lib/wind-sun/SB3000i-manual.pdfThe 3000i adds a float cycle which should increase battery life by reducing boiling off of the electrolyte over long periods.Steve