Which charge controller for a 500 watt windmill

[Matrix1000]

I built a 12volt windmill from Hugh's plans and I'm assuming it will make about 500 watts max. I got some batteries from the local cart shop and plan on adding a solar panel in the near future. All I'm missing is a charge controller.

Are there any charge controllers, that aren't really expensive, that stand out?

If I were to use a separate charge controller for the mill alone, what would be a good choice.

[DanB]

If you built Hughs 8' machine, I expect you'll see 1000 watts or more at times.

If its 12V I'd suggest a Trace C60

For 24 or 48V I think a C40 would be fine.  A C40 would probably work OK at 12V too, they can handle up to 80 amps for short periods I believe - but at the lower voltage Id probably go with the larger controller.

Youll also need an appropriate dump load (heater).

[georgeodjungle]

i'm using a sea-50 and like it alot.

there's no bells or whistles just a black box and 4 wires.

you could get them for about $70 and another $30 for a 300 amp solenoid.

so i put a led on the solenoid to tell me when it's dumping.

[scoraigwind]

The Morningstar Tristar controllers are good.  they are like the c series but have a lot of more upto date featues.  And they respond much faster in gusts.