Types Of Solar Charge Controller
12v Solar Charge Controller Buyers Guide – Beginner Friendly!
If you need to install a Solar Controller, we can help. Whether your system demands it or not, there is a suitable Charge Controller for you. The majority of charge controllers are classed into two categories:
- Pulse Width Modulation Charge Controller
- Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge controller
The first stage in selecting a controller for your setup is understanding these two categories and picking the one that best fits you.
How To Add A Safety Margin
The calculations given above work fine, but if you want to be extra cautious, add a safety margin to the figures. Usually it is 25%, but it can be any number you like.
The formula is similar except you add 25% to the results. So if you have 3 solar panels in a series with 38 VOC each, that would be 114 volts in total.
Using our regular calculations, a 114V solar array will require a charge controller with a 120 VOC capacity .
But if you add a 25% safety margin you need a 150 VOC controller:
114 + 25% = 152
Again the 25% is arbitrary and can be any number you choose. And for many solar power users a safety margin is not necessary. In fact many opt to oversize their solar array.
There Are Three Broad Kinds Of Charge Controllers Some Of Which Overlap
Simple controllers with one or two stages that regulate the voltage in steps using relays or shunt transistors.
When a certain voltage is achieved, they effectively merely short out or detach the solar panel.
Although they are almost extinct, you may still find some of them on outdated systems and some of the really cheap ones being sold online.
Its sole major strength is their dependability with so few parts, there isnt much to go wrong.
such as Morningstar, Xantrex, Blue Sky, Steca, and many more that use 3-stage and/or PWM.
Although they are now essentially industry standards, earlier shunt/relay kinds are still rarely used, such as in the really inexpensive systems sold by mass merchandisers and discounters.
such as those produced by Midnite Solar, Xantrex, Outback Power, Morningstar, and others.
Maximum power point tracking .
These are the top controllers available, and their prices reflect that.
However, with efficiency in the 94 to 98 percent range, they may significantly reduce costs on bigger systems since they provide the battery with an additional 10 to 30 percent of power.
See our page on MPPT for additional details.
Most controllers come with some kind of indicator, either a simple LED, a series of LEDs, or digital meters.
There are several more recent models with built-in computer interfaces for monitoring and control, like the Outback Power, Midnite Classic, Morningstar MPPT, and others.
And now we even see one that is advertised as 5-stage.
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What Is An Mppt Solar Charge Controller And Who Is This For
A charge controller is an integral of most power systems that need batteries. It regulates the energy flow from any source to its battery bank.
A maximum power point tracking or more commonly known as MPPT is a kind of charge controller. It is set as an electronic DC converter that matches the solar arrays energy to the battery bank. An MPPT is one of the most efficient charge controllers available today.
You may wonder whats unique about this kind of charge controller. It increases the efficiency of your solar arrays, so no energy is put to waste. There may be some discrepancies in the energy that your solar panels produce and the energy that your battery needs. The MPPT charge controller makes this flow so much easier and keeps all the energy it comes across with.
It is ideal for those who want to make the most of the sun, those who want to save more on energy, and those whose panels arent exposed to that much sunlight. That way, your panels can be more efficient as any solar energy that hits them is stored. This is also beneficial for home, industrial, and commercial use.
Checking Compatibility With The Battery
Different battery types need to be handled differently by the charge controller. All quality charge controllers are compatible with the standard Lithium, AGM, and Flooded Lead Acid battery types. At initial set-up of the charge controller the battery type is selected. Some PWM controllers may not work with all batteries, so be sure to read their spec sheet before buying a cheaper option! Weve got a run down for Choosing a Battery.
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What Are The Different Types Of Solar Charge Controllers
Before discussing how to select a solar charge controller, lets talk about the types of these devices to find on the market. Charge controllers are an essential part of any energy storage system. Whether it is from the sun, water, or wind, the system should be able to harness the energy for later use. A controller or regulator helps ensure that the solar power system runs more efficiently and safely. To date, solar charge controllers come in two types.
Pulse Width Modulation is a type of solar charge controller. It works like a switch mechanism that chops up the electrical signal into chunks or pulses. The electrical load moves from the supply and through the circuit at a very rapid pace of turning the switch on and off. If the length of time that the system is open or on is longer than the time that it is closed, then you will have more power in the load.
Many people consider PWM controllers as an outdated form of regulating the flow of energy from the solar panel array to the battery. It is also not very efficient in terms of producing energy when the environmental temperature drops or increases. These controllers also tend to reduce the voltage output of the solar power system relative to the battery.
Are Mppt Controllers Worth It
Shifting your energy consumption to solar power is already worth it. It is eco-friendly, and it saves so much money in the long run. And the best part is that it just utilizes the energy from the sun that shines daily. If this energy sheds some light on your solar panels, youll never run out energy for your appliances. And investing in an MPPT is even more worth it.
Having an MPPT is even maximizing out the capabilities of your solar power setup. As the standard charge controllers cant regulate the asynchronous power of the PV panel and your batteries, this will keep efficiency up and give you the satisfaction of saving more money in the future.
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Powmr Mppt Charge Controller
- High-efficiency rating
- Backlight LCD that is easy to read and understand
- Has an integrated intelligence fan
- Electronic protection is highly utilized
- Uses a 3-stage charging mechanism
- Doesnt read out the battery percentage
Maximize the energy youre having from your solar panels with the PowMr MPPT charge controller. This unit from PowMr has a PV utilization rate of more than 99% and a maximum efficiency of more than 98.1%. Thats incredibly high if you make an MPPT solar charge controller comparison. Copper coils are also used, making their efficiency more stable.
Fitting most users is one of the best features of this unit. It caters to flooded, vented, gel, NiCd, and sealed battery types. It is even user-programmable! That makes you totally in charge of the voltage flow and absorption of your solar power system.
The backlight LCD is also one of its strongest suits as it is easy to understand, and beginners in the field can quickly get to know how it operates. It also troubleshoots and even lets you know what to do and how to correct it! It takes less time to set up and get you started on having efficient solar power.
Overheating can be avoided with its intelligence fan. It usually works best at > 45 and off < 40. The bearing uses a state-of-the-art mechanism that increases the lifespan of up to 5,000 hours of regular use. The make is also built for quality heat dissipation, so it wont exude too much warmth while it is operating.
Outback Flexmax 80 Solar Charge Controller
How To Setup a Basic Solar Charge Controller | Quick Guide & Menu Overview
- Continuous and active MPPT algorithm
- Intelligent Management System
- Programmable to charge batteries from 12 VDC to 60 VDC
- Backlit display that shows up to 80 characters
- Integrated Communication System
Who wouldnt want to have the best MPPT charge controller to pair with their solar power panels and batteries? That brings out the Outback Flexmax 80 in the picture with its high-quality performance on your advanced solar power systems.
Their take on the latest innovation on MPPTs makes the Outback Flexmax 80 increase the PV capabilities up to 30% compared to non-MPPT charge controllers. The softwares algorithm functions both continuously and actively for all-day use.
Besides the fact that it is already efficient on its own, that efficiency doesnt decline even on ambient temperatures. The Outback Flexmax 80 has an intelligent thermal management system that lets the charge controller operate at its full maximum current rating. This active cooling not only keeps the efficiency thriving, but it protects your battery as well.
They also take pride in a wide array of nominal battery voltages, from 12, 24, 36, and 48. They can even recharge a battery bank with a lower voltage because it can produce a decrement on solar arrays with higher voltage. The programmable battery voltages range from 12 VDC to 60 VDC.
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Pwm Solar Charge Controllers
Simple PWM, or pulse width modulation solar chargecontrollers have a direct connection from the solar array to the battery and use a basic rapid switch to modulate or control the battery charging. The switch is open until the battery reaches the absorption charge voltage. Then the switch starts to open and close rapidly to modulate the current and maintain a constant battery voltage. This works ok, but the problem is the solar panel voltage is pulled down to match the battery voltage.This in turn pulls the panel voltage away from its optimum operating voltage and reduces the panel power output and operating efficiency.
PWM solar charge controllers are a great low-cost option for small 12V systems when one or two solar panels are used, such as simple applications like solar lighting, camping and basic things like USB/phone chargers. Note, if more than one panel is used, they should be connected in parallel, not series.
Mppt Solar Charge Controllers
MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracker these are far more advanced than PWM charge controllers and enable the solar panel to operate at its maximum power point, or to be more precise, the optimum voltage and current for maximum power output. Using this clever technology, MPPT solar charge controllers can be up to 30% more efficient, depending on the battery voltage and operating voltage of the solar panel. The reasons for the increased efficiency and how to correctly size an MPPT charge controller are explained in detail below.
As a general guide, MPPT charge controllers should be used on all higher power systems using two or more solar panels or whenever the panel voltage is 8V or higher than the battery voltage – see full explanation below.
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Common Features And Settings On A Charge Controller
The basic features of the simplest PWM charge controller include the ability to set the type of battery and battery bank voltage, and lights indicating the phase of charging . More advanced PWM and MPPT models come with a small LCD display for programming and data display, a heat sensor port to monitor battery temperature, and a communications port to connect the charge controller to an external display or computer. The most advanced charge controllers offer Bluetooth connectivity and an app for customizing settings.
Best Charge Controller For Small Systems: Renogy Wanderer
Product Ratings
Type: PWM | Battery voltage: 12V | Max input voltage: 25V | Max current output: 30A
What We Liked
- Offers different ways of determining when the load is powered
- Ability to connect to sealed, gel, and flooded batteries
- Great for non-complex and small-scale needs
What We DidntLike
- The device is only equipped with an LED indicator light and doesnt have an LCD display for important diagnostic data
- Other users have had issues with the controllers not working after a few months. We hope thats not our case
Description
Extra features: Four-stage charging, temperature compensation, LED indicators, and protection against overcharging, overload, short-circuit and reverse polarity.
With a clean and sleek black design, the Renogy Wander is an attractive choice for a home-based solar system. As a part of the large Renogy family of charge controller models, the Wanderer is one of the best based on its low price point and protective functions.
The device is a PWM type, rather than an MPPT, which significantly limits the capabilities of the unit. Although the technology isnt as advanced, this model is still a great option for those looking to power small systems.
The four-phased PWM charger includes bulk, boost, float, and equalization, which help stop the connected battery from overcharging or over-discharging. Its also negatively grounded, which is fairly standard.
Our Experience
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Best Solar Charge Controllers
May 5, 2022
Graham Sawrey
We research & test to recommend the best products learn more about our review process here. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Every solar-powered system requires regulation to prevent battery damage, which is where our list of the very best solar charge controllers comes in. The price of the controller, combined with the price of the panels and batteries, means solar system users may be intimidated by the wide range of models available on the market.
But theres good news! Its relatively easy to figure out what voltage youll need to properly service your solar system, whether it be for an RV, trailer, barn, workshop, or household.
With a little math, a touch of research to find and buy the best solar charge controller for your system can actually be quite simple. There are, of course, several important considerations to keep in mind, like safety features, the reputation of quality, and price point but well get to that later on.
Calculate How Many Solar Panels Per Charge Controller
The voltage of a solar array should not be greater than the maximum input voltage of a charge controller. If the controller VOC is 100 volts, and 3 solar panels with a VOC of 22 volts each are connected in a series, the controller can handle it because the total is 66 volts.
In these examples we will be using an MPPT charge controller because it provides better performance with high powered solar panels compared to PWM. PWM controllers are best left for small scale PV systems.
Most MPPT charge controllers can handle 3 solar panels in a series per string. The total PV voltage in a series cannot exceed the charge controller maximum input voltage or open circuit voltage .
Example:
You have three 24V solar panels with a VOC of 46V each and a 60A 150 VOC MPPT controller. The panels are connected in a series, which combines the voltage of each solar module.
46 x 3 = 138
The solar array requires 138 volts. Your 60A charge controller has a maximum capacity of 150 VOC so you can run the solar array.
Here is another example.
You have three 48V 300W solar panels with an open circuit voltage of 44V each and a 50A 100 VOC MPPT controller.
If you connect one of these solar panels to the controller, the VOC is well within the controller limits. But if you connect the three panels in a series:
44 x 3 = 132
The VOC increases to 132 volts, which exceeds the controllers capacity. You have to reduce the panels to just two or get a more powerful charge controller.
| Solar Panel Voltage | |
|---|---|
| 48 | 44 |
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Our Range Of Solar Charge Controllers:
Whether your looking for an entry level controller or one with all the bells and whistles, such as the Victron Smart Solar MPPT Charge Controllers, we have something for everyone! Our extensive range only includes models by the high quality and market leading off grid brand, Victron.
Did you need help choosing a solar charge controller for your setup? Give one of our product experts a call on 1300 400 122!
Solar Charge Controllers For Off Grid Applications:
Cheap solar charge controller
Whether youre travelling on the grid or off, a solar charge controller is necessary to protect your battery. These essential accessories prevent your battery from being overcharged and also ensures your battery doesnt discharge through the solar panel.
Simply put, a solar charge controller helps maintain your batterys health and as a result extends its life. Who wouldnt want that?!
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What Is A Solar Charge Controller And Who Is This For
They come in different names. However, their function remains the same. Solar Charge Controllers are devices that are an important part of a solar charging system. In effect, these technologies prevent the overcharging and potential overvoltage of the batteries. It maintains the integrity of the system so that you will be able to derive the most from the cells. It is also a lot safer to work with all the time.
Not everyone needs a charge controller, however. Small devices that require a trickle charge or almost negligible power supply do not need such controllers. The same can also be said of photovoltaic panels that do not have more than 5 watts. If the solar array produces at most 2 watts for every 50 amp-hours in the battery bank, then there is no need for this device.
A good example is the 210 amp-hours of a golf cart standard battery. A 12-volt system is enough to run the storage or maintenance needs of the car. At the very minimum, you will want a solar panel that can churn out at least 4.2 watts. A 5-watt solar panel should suffice in this regard. You will not need a solar charge controller in such a setup.
A solar charge controller is for anyone who would like to feel safe every time he or she generates and uses solar power. It improves the overall efficiency of the system.
FAQs
What should I set my solar charge controller at? ›
In solar charge controller settings, the voltage value range for a 12V system is 10.8V to 11.4V. For a 24V system, it is 21.6V to 22.8V, and 43.2V to 45.6V for a 48 V system. So, the typical values are 11.1 V, 22.2 V, and 44.4 V. This voltage value should be set as per the battery type.
How do I know if my solar charge controller is working? ›One of the easiest ways to check that a solar controller is working is to read the controller's LED display and use a multimeter to read the power output. If there is no voltage output or if it is very low, there is probably a problem with the controller.
How do you troubleshoot a solar charge controller? ›- Check all wires, connections and fuses. ...
- Check indicator LEDs or LCD icons on your charge controller. ...
- Check the solar panel's access to the sun and if the solar panel is performing properly. ...
- Check battery performance. ...
- Re-check design parameters.
The charge controller regulates this 16 to 20 volts output of the panel down to what the battery needs at the time. This voltage will vary from about 10.5 to 14.6, depending on the state of charge of the battery, the type of battery, in what mode the controller is in, and temperature.
How many solar panels can a 40 amp charge controller handle? ›This 40A Charge Controller works with Max 600W Solar Panel Charging a 12v Battery System, or 1200W Panel on 24v Battery System.
What happens to solar power when batteries are full? ›Should the battery bank become full, it will stop absorbing power from the solar system. The solar panels will continue to generate voltage, but that voltage will not be used or stored until there is available energy demand, or battery space.
Should I put a fuse between solar panel and charge controller? ›In most cases, a solar system fuse is required between a solar panel and its charge controller because fuses and circuit breakers protect the wiring from overheating. This also avoids any appliances from catching fire or being damaged in the event of a short circuit.
Does a solar charge controller stop charging when battery is full? ›The charge controller protects batteries and solar panels by managing the energy flow. Battery charge controllers stop electricity flow when they signal that batteries are full. Many solar power systems incorporate inverters and charge controllers to ensure trickle charging and redistribute excess charges.
Why is my solar panel not charging the battery? ›The solar charge controller manages the power going into the battery from the solar panels. If the solar charge controller is broken, the battery won't charge. Usually, this happens in the case of charge controllers of inferior quality.
Can a solar panel work without a charge controller? ›Is a Solar Charge Controller Always Required? In most battery-based renewable energy systems, yes. However, a charge controller may not be necessary if you are using a small maintenance/trickle charge panel (such as panels rated 1-5 Watts).
Will solar charge controller turn on without a battery? ›
Yes, if you are connected to an electrical grid, you can use solar panels and inverters without battery storage.
How many 100 watt solar panels can a 30 amp controller handle? ›By the rule of thumb, a 100 watt solar panel inputs 30 amp-hours per day into your batteries. So you would need 1.33 100 watt panels, or one 133 watt panel to match your solar power needs.
How do I know when my solar battery is fully charged? ›Using a hydrometer is still the quickest and simplest way to determine the state of charge of the flooded lead-acid batteries in your solar battery system. One of the advantages of a flooded lead-acid battery is the ability to quickly determine the battery's state of charge.
What size charge controller do I need for 400 watts of solar? ›For example, a 30 Amp Controller can handle 400W on 12V, so you know you can have up to 400 Watts on there.
What happens if you overload a solar charge controller? ›Charge controllers also offer some other important functions: Overload protection: If the current flowing into your batteries is much higher than what the circuit can deal with, your system may overload. This can lead to overheating and cause fires.
What happens if your solar charge controller is too big? ›There is a practical limit though, if the solar array is too large then the power is just wasted, since the charge controller is always limiting the output. A typical recommendation is to limit the solar array to 110%-125% of the maximum controller rating.
Will a 40 watt solar panel charge a 12 volt battery? ›40 watts of solar can be used for charging and maintenance of 12 volt batteries up to about 250 amp hours of capacity and replace energy consumption, giving from 9 to 17 amps or more in a day.
Is it better to have more solar panels or more batteries? ›The energy produced over the lifetime of typical rooftop solar panels more than makes up for the energy it takes to make, mount and then eventually recycle them. But adding a home battery usually lowers those dividends, according to new research from Stanford University.
What stops solar panel from overcharging battery? ›Using maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology, the hybrid inverter optimizes solar production. The hybrid inverter also controls the battery charging voltage and prevents overcharging.
What causes solar batteries to drain quickly? ›It may be that charging and discharging the batteries too quickly is a sign of inadequate battery sizing, improper IMEON settings, or the end of battery life.
How long do solar charge controllers last? ›
The longevity of a charge controller depends on the brand and the system environment. The Morningstar Professional Series controllers have a 5-year warranty and many have been in operation for 10 years or more.
How do I reboot my solar system? ›- Step 1: Turn off your inverter. ...
- Step 2: Turn off your AC disconnect. ...
- Step 3: Turn off your solar disconnect box. ...
- Step 4: Turn off your electrical service panel. ...
- Step 5: Wait 30 seconds. ...
- Step 6: Turn on your electrical service panel.
Since most 48V solar charge controllers have a max voltage (Voc) of 150V, this generally allows up to 3 panels to be connected in series.
What fuse between solar charge controller and battery? ›A 60-amp fuse or breaker should be used in this case to protect this wire set. This also aligns with the maximum capacity of the charge controller selected.
How do you hook up a solar panel to a battery and solar charge controller? ›Solar charge controllers are extremely simple to wire. Most only require four connections. Two wires - positive and negative - run from the solar panel to the charge controller, and another two wires run from the charge controller to the battery bank. That's it!
Will battery still charge with solar panel when battery disconnect is turned off? ›When master power switch is off, does the solar panels still charge the batteries? The solar panels are wired directly to the house batteries, completely bypassing the main battery disconnect. As long as you have sunshine up above, your batteries will continue to charge!
How many solar panels does it take to charge a 12 volt battery? ›Charging your battery at 12 volts and 20 amps will take five hours to charge a 100 amp hour battery. By multiplying 20 amps by 12 volts, 240 watts is how big of a panel you would need, so we'd recommend using a 300w solar panel or 3 100 watt solar panels.
How does charge controller know when to stop charging? ›The charge controller turns-off the circuit current when the batteries are fully charged and their terminal voltage is above a certain value, usually about 14.2 Volts for a 12 volt battery.
What kills solar battery? ›Solar panels, unregulated, will overcharge a battery and boil out its electrolyte or blow it up (if it's lithium). Use literally any charge controller and you will eliminate this problem and many others.
How many amps does a 100w solar panel output? ›A 100 watt panel produces an average of about 6 amps per peak sun hour, or about 30 amp-hours per day.
How do I know if my solar power bank is charging? ›
The power bank can be recharged by solar energy when it's under the sun rays or in the environment with light strong enough. The green LED light is on when the power bank is being charged by solar energy.
What happens if you charge a battery without a charge controller? ›While the solar array is still functional, overcharging the battery without a charge controller will destroy the battery's performance and cause it to overheat. In addition to overcharging the battery, the higher voltage may also shut down your inverter and cause problems with your load.
Does a solar controller need to be grounded? ›Just like in your home, your PV solar system needs to grounded. This includes all of the equipment connected into the system; inverters, mounting, controllers, and any other equipment that makes up your system.
How do you charge a battery directly from a solar panel? ›- Step 1: Purchase a 12V Solar Panel.
- Step 2: Purchase a Charge Controller.
- Step 3: Setup a Charge Controller.
- Step 4: Connect the wires from battery to the charge controller.
- Step 5: Connect the wires from battery to the solar panels.
- Step 6: Check the charging indication is the battery is charging.
Now if you know the amperage of the controller, and you would like to figure out how the maximum solar array wattage that can go into the controller, you would also use Ohm's law: Example: 80 amp controller x 48 volt battery bank = 3,840 watts of solar panels.
How many watts can a 60 amp solar controller handle? ›The Zamp Solar 60-amp charge controller can regulate up to 1,020watts and is compatible with lithium, gel, AGM, Conventional lead-acid (wet), and calcium batteries.
How many watts can a 20a charge controller handle? ›How many watts can Renogy Rover 20 amp charge controller handle? The Rover MPPT charge controller can work with standard off-grid 12/24V solar panels with high voltage or multiple panels with voltage up to 100V. And the maximum combined input solar power is 260W for a 12V battery system or 520W for a 24V system.
What should a 12 volt solar battery read when fully charged? ›Voltage on a fully charged battery will read 2.12 to 2.15 volts per cell, or 12.7 volts for a 12 volt battery.
What happens to unused power from solar panels? ›What Happens With Unused Solar Power? Net Metering Explained. Unused power from this solar electric array will be automatically exported to the electric grid, earning the homeowner a credit against future electric use on non-sunny days.
How do I choose the right size solar charge controller? ›If your solar system's volts were 12 and your amps were 14, you would need a solar charge controller that had at least 14 amps. However due to environmental factors, you need to factor in an additional 25% bringing the minimum amps that this charger controller must have to 17.5 amps.
How many amps does 400-watt solar panel produce? ›
Assuming moderate weather, most 400-watt solar panels have an amp hour rating of around 25-30, which is more than enough for most small to medium applications.
What do the numbers on a solar charge controller mean? ›WHAT DO THOSE NUMBERS MEAN?!? Lets use the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100 | 30 for example. The 1st number, 100 means the maximum input voltage the controller can handle. In other words, the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100 | 30 can handle a max of 100 volts coming from the solar panels into the charge controller.
What should the charge controller be set at for a lead-acid battery? ›When reaching full charge, the voltage must be lowered to maintain the individual battery cells at between 2.25 V and 2.27 V. (Manufacturers of large lead-acid batteries recommend a float charge of 2.25 V at 25 °C per cell.) Flooded-cell and VRLA batteries are typically charged to between 2.26 V and 2.36 V.
Does a solar charge controller prevent overcharging? ›A solar charge controller is used to charge the battery by regulating and controlling the output from the solar PV array; it also protects the battery from being overcharged or overdischarged.
How many solar panels can one charge controller handle? ›Since most 48V solar charge controllers have a max voltage (Voc) of 150V, this generally allows up to 3 panels to be connected in series.