Battery Charge Controllers
A solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels going to the batteries. Solar charge controllers are included in PV systems that use battery storage to protect the batteries from overcharge and excessive discharge. The minimum function of the controller is to automatically assure the battery is fully charged and keep the battery fully charged without damage to the battery. The basic criteria for selecting a solar charge controller includes operating voltage and the solar panels rated current. A solar charge controller should be able to handle the rated current of all the panels combined.
Be sure to check out our big selection of Morningstar charge controllers, Outback Power, the MPPT Midnite Solar E-panels, BZ products and Steca charging solutions here.
About Charge Controllers
Solar charge controllers come in all shapes, sizes, features, and price ranges. They range from the small 4.5 amp (Sunguard) control, up to the 60 to 80 amp MPPT programmable controllers with computer interface. Often, if currents over 60 amps are required, two or more 40 to 80 amp units are wired in parallel. The most common controls used for all battery based systems are in the 4 to 60 amp range, but some of the new MPPT controls such as the Outback Power FlexMax go up to 80 amps.
Max Power Point Tracking, or MPPT, is a type of charge controller that allows you to get the most out of your solar system by programming it for maximum output. These charge controllers produced by companies like Outback and Solar Boost give you the ability to remotely program your system to provide continuous, active renewable energy, increasing your energy yield by up to 30%.
Pulse width modulators (PWM) are a type of charge controller that slowly reduces the charging current to avoid overheating the battery after it has reached the regulation setpoint. At the same time, the system continues to send the highest amount of energy over the shortest period of time , which results in rapid charge and high efficiency. Essentially, a PWM charge controller helps to increase charge acceptance of the battery while maintaining high battery capacity for a longer period of time. Choose from brands like Morningstar, PowerFilm, Solar Boost, and Xantrex.