Last Updated on 2 years by admin
A solar Charger Controller manages the power that goes from the solar panel to the battery bank. This allows the batteries you use to safely charged during the day. It also stops battery power from flowing to the panels during night hours. There is also a separate output to get the current out of the battery bank. Which monitors the battery voltage and stops the output when the battery drains below the limit. Some charge controllers are available with additional capabilities. Such as outputs and voltage control, but the primary function is to manage the power.
The solar charge controller is available in two different technologies.
The way they work on a solar charging system is very different but still does the same job.
PWM solar charger controller.
PWM solar charger controller means “pulse width modulation.”. This works by direct connection from the solar panel to the battery bank. During bulk charging, when there is a continuous connection from the solar panel system to the battery bank, the solar panel output voltage drops to the battery voltage. When the battery is charged, the energy of the battery goes up. Due to this reason, the voltage output of the solar panel is also increased.
An 18V solar panel can charge a 12V battery. A 24V battery bank requires a 30V solar panel or a solar panel system (two series 18V panels). And a 48V battery bank requires a solar panel system higher than 48V. If you try to charge a 12V battery with a 30V solar panel, you will waste more than half the power of the panel. If you are trying to charge a 24V battery bank with an 18V solar panel, you will never be able to charge the battery. Always keep this in mind when choosing panels for your system.
MPPT solar charger controller.
The MPPT solar charger controller uses a technology called “maximum power point tracking.”. It measures the voltage of the solar panel system and converts the voltage of the solar panel to support the battery voltage. MPPT controller manufacturers mention the MPPT voltage range when the panel voltage matches the controller’s MPPT range; Tt helps the controller to convert the voltage/ energy to Ampher and supports the battery charging. Wide range of solar panels was able to be used with off-grid solar systems with the invention of MPPT controllers.
Furthermore, I have shared a few models from one of my favorite brands. I use the same and it has impressive features. You have the freedom to select features. Example– Select the ampere rate of the controller according to the panels and load you are expecting to use.
Some charger controllers support Wi-Fi monitoring as well.
Recommended –
To go for a higher amperage controller to make it easy for upgrading but think of the budget as well.
Cheaper Brand – I haven’t tried this, but it is known as a good unit “MakeSkyBlue”
Next topic we will get to know the battery types for your off-grid
