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SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLERS: A DETAILED PERSPECTIVE

SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLERS: A DETAILED PERSPECTIVE

What is a solar charge controller?

Solar charge controllers, also referred to as voltage regulators, are an essential element to any solar power energy system. At a most basic level, charge controllers prevent batteries from being overcharged and prevent the batteries from discharging by stopping the solar panels pulling power from the battery/battery bank at night. The most basic units have a single LED power indictor, whereas more advanced units have an LCD display giving a range of system information. Some controllers also prevent batteries from getting over-discharged, protect from electrical overload, and/or display battery status and the flow of power.

How do charge controllers work?

The circuitry in a controller reads the voltage of the batteries to determine the state of charge. Designs and circuits vary, but most controllers read voltage to control the amount of current flowing into the battery as the battery nears full charge.

What main features should a charge controller have?

Basic charge controllers should at least have the below two main features. Other charge controllers have many more features, however, the below features should be available:

Over-charge protection: Disconnect the charging once the batteries are fully charged.

Reverse current leakage protection: Disconnect the solar panels from the batteries to prevent the solar panels pulling power from the battery/battery bank at night.

What are the types of charge controllers available on the market?

There are two main types of charge controllers available on the market:

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Charge Controllers: A few years ago, PWM solar charge controllers were cutting edge, whereas now this is the basic technology of choice. PWM works by slowly reducing the charge current to ensure that batteries don't detrimentally overheat or out-gas, resulting in a system that maximizes the amount of solar energy available, improves battery life and maximizes capacity.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controllers: MPPT is the latest development in the world of solar charge controllers. Charging via MPPT charge controllers maximizes the amount of current going into the battery from the solar array by lowering the panel's output voltage (which can’t be done by PWM controllers). This increases the charging amps to the battery - because if a panel can produce 60 watts with 17.2 volts and 3.5 amps, then if the voltage is lowered to say 14 volts, then the amperage increases to 4.28 (60 watts ÷ 14v = 4.28 amps, or in other words, 14v x 4.28 amps = 60 watts) resulting in a 19% increase in charging amps for this example.

Though MPPT controllers are more superior and whilst many people believe MPPT to be the better option, we recommend MPPT controllers when necessary and if budget permits, e.g.: when using panels with a voltage much higher than the charging voltage of the battery/battery bank.