How Does a Solar Charge Controller Work?

The first solar charge controller schematic below (Figure 1) illustrates how a solar charge controller is
connected to power a direct current (DC) load, and the second one (Figure 2) pertains to an alternating
current (AC) load.

Figure1: Off-grid Diagram with DC Load

When installing a solar charge controller, it is recommended that you connect and disconnect in the following
order:

1. Battery to the controller first

2. PV array to the controller

3. Electrical load to the controller

When disconnecting, you reverse that order. The battery provides power to the controller so always make
sure that solar and loads are disconnected before connecting or disconnecting the battery from the
controller. Connections between the battery, load, PV array, and the controller should have disconnect
switches to enhance safety and facilitate ease of installation and breakdown.

In the wire diagram schematic above with DC load, sunlight contacts the solar modules, which convert solar
into DC electrical power that it delivers to a charge controller. The charge controller regulates the amperage
and voltage that is delivered to the loads and any excess power is delivered to the battery system so the
batteries maintain their state of charge without getting overcharged. During the evening when there is no
sunlight, battery power is used to run the load.

You’ll notice that the battery is grounded at the negative battery terminal. This is because all
our PWM and MPPT controllers have a common negative ground. Therefore, it is possible to establish a
common negative ground for the entire system: the solar array, controller, battery, and load. This meets NEC
 code requirements for grounding. If you need an equipment ground for any metal parts on a controller
enclosure, some of our controllers include an equipment ground terminal lug. Otherwise, for our controllers
that don’t have this terminal lug, you can connect an equipment ground directly to the controller enclosure.

The next diagram (Figure 2) depicts the components and connections to power an AC load. This diagram with
an AC load looks similar to the previous example with a DC load, except that in this example, we have added
an inverter to the system. The purpose of the inverter is to convert the DC power from the battery to AC
power that can be used to run an AC load like the TV you see in the schematic.

Figure 2: Off-grid Diagram with AC Load

It’s important to note that the inverter is connected and powered from the battery, not the controller’s load
terminals like we did in the DC load example. That’s because the inverter can have a high energy surge upon
startup, and this high current surge might be higher than the rated capacity of the charge controller, whereas
the batteries will be able to meet the high energy surge requirement.

Functions of Solar Charge Controller

 Home /

 Blog /

 Functions of Solar Charge Controller

Saturday, May 14, 2022

The solar charge controller is a device used to control the solar panel to charge the battery and at the same time give the load
control voltage to the voltage sensitive device. The solar charge controller regulates and controls the charging and discharging
conditions of the battery, and controls the power output of the solar cell components and the battery to the load according to the
power requirements of the load. It is the main control part of the entire solar power supply system.
What are the functions of solar charge controller?

 Load overcurrent and short-circuit protection: After the load current exceeds
10A or the load is short-circuited, the fuse is blown and can be used after replacement.
 Overvoltage protection: When the voltage is too high, the output is automatically turned off to protect the device from
damage.
 Lightning protection: In the event of a lightning strike, the varistor can prevent lightning strikes and protect the controller
from damage.
 Reverse battery connection protection: The battery "+" and "-" polarity is reversed, and it can continue to be used after
correction.
 Battery open circuit protection: If the battery is open circuit, if the solar battery is charged normally, the controller will
limit the voltage across the load to ensure that the load is not damaged. If at night or when the solar battery is not charged, the
controller itself cannot electricity, there will be no movement.
 Overcharge protection: When the charging voltage is higher than the protection voltage, the battery is automatically
disconnected to charge the battery. After that, when the voltage drops to the holding voltage, the battery enters the floating
charge state. When the recovery voltage is lower than the floating charge, the floating charge is turned off and enters the
equalizing charge state.
 Over-discharge protection: When the battery voltage is lower than the over-protection voltage, the controller
automatically turns off the output to protect the battery from damage; after the battery is recharged, it can automatically restore
the power supply.
 Self-checking function: When the controller is affected by natural factors or improper personal operation, the controller
can be self-checked to let the user know whether the controller is normal and reduce unnecessary man-hours.
 Recovery interval: The recovery interval of the controller's overcharge or overdischarge protection to prevent the load
from jittering due to the line resistance or the self-recovery characteristics of the battery.
 Temperature compensation: monitor the temperature of the battery, correct the charge and discharge values, and make
the battery work in an ideal state.
 Light control: Most solar charge controllers are used in automatic lamps. When the environment is bright enough, the
controller will automatically turn off the load output; and when the surrounding environment is dark, it will automatically turn on
the load to realize the automatic control function.
Solar Charge Controller Types,
Functionality and Applications
A solar charge controller is fundamentally a voltage or current controller to charge the battery
and keep electric cells from overcharging. It directs the voltage and current hailing from the solar
panels setting off to the electric cell. Generally, 12V boards/panels put out in the ballpark of 16 to
20V, so if there is no regulation the electric cells will damage from overcharging. Generally,
electric storage devices require around 14 to 14.5V to get completely charged. The solar charge
controllers are available in all features, costs, and sizes. The range of charge controllers is from
4.5A and up to 60 to 80A.

Types of Solar Charger Controller:

There are three different types of solar charge controllers, they are:

1. Simple 1 or 2 stage controls

2. PWM (pulse width modulated)
3. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
Simple 1 or 2 Controls: It has shunt transistors to control the voltage in one or two steps. This
controller basically just shorts the solar panel when a certain voltage is arrived at. Their main
genuine fuel for keeping such a notorious reputation is their unwavering quality – they have so
not many segments, there is very little to break.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulated): This is the traditional type charge controller, for instance,
anthrax, Blue Sky, and so on. These are essentially the industry standard now.

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT): The MPPT solar charge controller is the sparkling star
of today’s solar systems. These controllers truly identify the best working voltage and amperage
of the solar panel exhibit and match that with the electric cell bank. The outcome is extra 10-30%
more power out of your sun oriented cluster versus a PWM controller. It is usually worth the
speculation for any solar electric systems over 200 watts.

Features of Solar Charge Controller:

 Protects the battery (12V) from overcharging
 Reduces system maintenance and increases battery lifetime
 Auto charged indication
 Reliability is high
 10amp to 40amp of charging current
 Monitors the reverse current flow
The function of the Solar Charge Controller:
The most essential charge controller basically controls the device voltage and opens the circuit,
halting the charging, when the battery voltage ascents to a certain level. More charge controllers
utilized a mechanical relay to open or shut the circuit, halting or beginning power heading off to
the electric storage devices.

Generally, solar power systems utilize 12V of batteries. Solar panels can convey much more
voltage than is obliged to charge the battery. The charge voltage could be kept at the best level
while the time needed to completely charge the electric storage devices is lessened. This permits
the solar systems to work optimally constantly. By running higher voltage in the wires from the
solar panels to the charge controller, power dissipation in the wires is diminished fundamentally.

The solar charge controllers can also control the reverse power flow. The charge controllers can
distinguish when no power is originating from the solar panels and open the circuit separating the
solar panels from the battery devices and halting the reverse current flow.

Solar Charge Controller

Applications:
In recent days, the process of generating electricity from sunlight is having more popularity than
other alternative sources and the photovoltaic panels are absolutely pollution free and they don’t
require high maintenance. The following are some examples of where solar energy is utilizing.

 Street lights use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into DC electric charge. This system
uses a solar charge controller to store DC in the batteries and uses it in many areas.
 Home systems use a PV module for house-hold applications.
 A hybrid solar system uses for multiple energy sources for providing full-time backup supply to
other sources.
Example of Solar Charge Controller:
From the below example, in this, a solar panel is used to charge a battery. A set of operational
amplifiers are used to monitor panel voltage and load current continuously. If the battery is fully
charged, an indication will be provided by a green LED. To indicate undercharging, overloading,
and deep discharge condition a set of LEDs are used. A MOSFET is used as a power
semiconductor switch by the solar charge controller to ensure the cut offload in low condition or
overloading condition. The solar energy is bypassed using a transistor to a dummy load when the
battery gets full charging. This will protect the battery from overcharging.

This unit performs 4 major functions:

 Charges the battery.

 It gives an indication when the battery is fully charged.
 Monitors the battery voltage and when it is minimum, cuts off the supply to the load switch to
remove the load connection.
 In case of overload, the load switch is in off condition ensuring the load is cut off from the
battery supply.

Block Diagram of Solar Charge

Controller
A solar panel is a collection of solar cells. The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical
energy. The solar panel uses Ohmic material for interconnections as well as the external
terminals. So the electrons created in the n-type material passes through the electrode to the
wire connected to the battery. Through the battery, the electrons reach the p-type material. Here
the electrons combine with the holes. When the solar panel is connected to the battery, it
behaves like other battery, and both the systems are in series just like two batteries connected
serially. The solar panel has totally consisted of four process steps overload, under charge, low
battery, and deep discharge condition. The out from the solar panel is connected to the switch
and from there the output is fed to the battery. And setting from there it goes to the load switch
and finally at the output load. This system consists of 4 different parts-over voltage indication and
detection, overcharge detection, overcharge indication, low battery indication, and detection. In
the case of the overcharge, the power from the solar panel is bypassed through a diode to the
MOSFET switch. In case of low charge, the supply to MOSFET switch is cut off to make it in off
condition and thus switch off the power supply to the load.

Solar energy is the cleanest and most available renewable energy source. Modern technology
can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including producing electricity, providing light and
heating water for domestic, commercial or industrial applications.
13 Important Functions of Solar charge
controller
March 30, 2023

The Solar Controller is used to control and regulate the solar panel to charge the solar battery and to protect the batteries
from getting damaged due to overcharging.

The battery charging and discharging conditions are regulated and controlled.

According to the power demand of the load, it also controls the power output of the solar panels and batteries to the
load.

It is the main controlling part of the whole solar system.

Most of the functions are the same whether the controller is a MPPT or a PWM controller.

Here are 13 important functions of solar charge controller in your power system.

1. Charge Regulation
your solar battery needs power from solar panels, the charging process is regulated by a charge controller.

Yes, the battery is in a constant state of charge and discharge.

Charging control is the most essential function of the solar controller. It continuously transfers the power generated by
the solar panel to the battery, intelligently adjusting to achieve the maximum efficiency of the transfer.

At the same time, it will detect the battery status in real time and automatically stop charging when the battery is full.

2. Battery Protection
The solar controller also has part of the BMS management function. It is always connected to the battery and can detect
the battery status in real time.
Real-time battery status can be displayed on the solar controller.

The charging voltage can be automatically adjusted by the solar controller.

After the battery is fully charged, it can automatically disconnect, and when the battery is discharged to a certain level, it
automatically starts recharging.

A battery activation function is also available on some battery controllers.

3. MPPT Tracking
This is a feature only available in the MPPT solar controller, which uses maximum power point tracking technology,
thus ensuring maximum conversion efficiency of the solar system.
Further Reading: MPPT vs PWM which is better?

4. Load Power Control

Most solar controllers have a load port. This port is used to power small devices such as DC light bulbs.

Solar controllers have built-in load control features such as timers, light sensing, voltage regulation, etc.

Further Reading: What is solar charge load output?

5. USB Discharge
You can see USB ports on many solar controllers, some have one, some have two.

Small electronic devices such as smartphones, portable battery bank, and rechargeable flashlights can be charged using
these USB ports.

6. Wind Power Charge Integration

A dedicated hybrid solar wind controller can also handle the control and regulation of wind power if you are using
a combination of wind and solar systems.

7. Battery Reverse Polarity Protection

If the positive and negative battery terminals are reversed when connected to the solar controller, the solar controller
will alarm and stop working.

You can continue to use the solar controller after correcting.

8. Lightning protection
When struck by lightning, the varistor protects the controller from damage by preventing lightning from entering.

9. Temperature Compensation
Monitors the ambient and battery temperature and adjusts the charge and discharge voltage according to the temperature
to keep the battery in ideal condition.

In summer, when the ambient temperature is high, the charge voltage is reduced to prevent the battery from overheating
and protect the battery,

in winter, it increases the charge voltage to store more power to the battery.
10. Remote Control
The advanced solar controller can also achieve remote monitoring and control functions, through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to
connect the charge controller.

Real-time detection of system operation status, battery charging status, remote parameter adjustment, etc.

11. Lithium Battery Charge

In the past, it was not possible to use solar systems to charge lithium or Lifepo4 batteries, but today it is a standard
feature of many advanced Li ion solar controllers.

The ability to charge lithium batteries and detect their condition based on their characteristics is used in off-grid solar
systems and in RV systems.

12. Dual Battery Charge

Charging dual batteries is also a function of some solar controllers, and as configurations with two or more batteries
have become more popular, dedicated dual battery solar chargers have emerged.

13. Load Protection

When the load current exceeds 10A or the load is short-circuited, the load system is no longer available and the fuse is
blown.
And can be used again after the fuse is replaced.

How Does a Solar Charge Controller Work?

Solar charge controllers are an essential element to any solar electric panel system. At a most basic level,
charge controllers prevent batteries from being overcharged and prevent the batteries from discharging
through the solar panel array at night.

Note: While the principles are largely the same regardless of the power source (solar panels, wind, hydro, fuel, generator, etc.), we’ll be
speaking here in terms of solar electric systems and will be using the terms “charge controller” and “solar charge controller”
interchangeably. Similarly, our term “battery” represents either a single battery or bank of batteries.
What Is a Solar Charge Controller?
An essential part of nearly all battery-based renewable energy systems, charge controllers serve as a current and/or voltage regulator to
protect batteries from overcharging. Their purpose is to keep your deep cycle batteries properly fed and safe for the long term.
Solar charge controllers are a necessity for the safe and efficient charging of solar batteries. Think of the charge controller as a strict
regulator between your solar panels and solar battery. Without a charge controller, solar panels can continue to deliver power to a battery
past the point of a full charge, resulting in damage to the battery and a potentially dangerous situation.

Here’s why a charge controller is so critical: most 12-volt solar panels output anywhere from 16 to 20 volts, so it’s very easy for the
batteries to overcharge without any regulation. Most 12-volt solar batteries require 14-14.5 volts to reach a full charge, so you can see
how quickly an overcharging issue could occur.
How Does a Solar Charge Controller Work?
While you don’t necessarily need to understand the technical intricacies of a charge controller, being familiar with the basics is helpful –
whether you’re doing a DIY solar installation or turning the job over to the professionals.

The basic functions of a controller are quite simple. Charge controllers block reverse current and prevent battery overcharge. Some
controllers also prevent battery over-discharge, protect from electrical overload, and/or display battery status and the flow of power.
We’ll examine each function individually below.

Modern solar charge controllers work by detecting and monitoring the battery’s voltage level and closely regulating the flow of current
from the panels to the battery. Battery charging is best done in three stages: maximizing the current to charge the battery up to
approximately 80% as quickly as possible (the “bulk charging” stage), then reducing the current as the battery approaches a full charge
(the “absorb” stage), and finally maintaining a “float” or “trickle” charge to keep the battery topped off and ready for use. For more
information about three-stage charging for solar batteries, check out the first video in our How to Charge a Deep Cycle Battery
Properly video series.
Types of Solar Charge Controllers
When you begin searching for solar charge controllers for sale online, you’ll quickly realize that there are many different options. You
can find a broad range of brands, sizes, price points, and features to choose from, which gives you the benefit of having great options –
but it can also be overwhelming.
Generally, the three primary charge controller types are 1- or 2-stage solar charge controllers, 3-stage and/or PWM solar charge
controllers, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT). You’ll also find charge controllers for electric vehicles and golf carts. The most
commonly used charge controllers range from 4 to 60 amps of charging current, but there are newer MPPT controllers that can achieve
upwards of 80 amps.
Simple 1- or 2-Stage Controllers
These charge controllers use shunt transistors or relays to control voltage in either one or two steps (hence the names 1-stage or 2-stage
controller). These are the oldest types and are extremely basic – and sometimes inefficient – in their components. However, their
reliability and affordability do still attract some people.

3-Stage and/or PWM Controllers

Manufactured by well-known brands such as Xantrex, Morningstar, Steca, and Blue Sky, PWM charge controllers are inexpensive and
reliable. Their drawback is that they should only be used when the nominal voltage of the solar panels matches the battery voltage – and
even then, they have inefficiencies in larger systems.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Controllers
MPPT charge controllers are the highest-quality, most advanced option available, but they come with the high prices to match. Produced
by brands like Victron Energy, OutBack Power, MidNite Solar, and others, MPPT controllers provide an impressive 94-98% efficiency
level, delivering about 10-30% more power to the solar battery than other types. Unless your solar system is small (cabin-sized or
smaller) and its battery voltage is no more than 24V, an MPPT controller is usually worth the extra initial investment. With larger, more
advanced systems and 48V battery banks becoming much more common over the years, MPPT charge controllers are the new standard.
Why Having a Solar Charge Controller Is Important
Blocking Reverse Current
Solar panels work by pumping current through your battery in one direction. At night, the panels may pass a bit of current in the reverse
direction, causing a slight discharge from the battery. The potential loss is minor, but it is easy to prevent. Some types of wind and hydro
generators also draw reverse current when they stop (most do not except under fault conditions).
In most controllers, charge current passes through a semiconductor (a transistor) which acts like a valve to control the current. It is called
a “semiconductor” because it passes current only in one direction. It prevents reverse current without any extra effort or cost.

In some older controllers, an electromagnetic coil opens and closes a mechanical switch (called a relay – you can hear it click on and off.)
The relay switches off at night, to block reverse current. These controllers are sometimes referred to as call shunt controllers.

If you are using a solar panel array only to trickle-charge a battery (a very small array relative to the size of the battery), then you may not
need a charge controller. This is a rare application. An example is a tiny maintenance module that prevents battery discharge in a parked
vehicle but will not support significant loads. You can install a simple diode in that case, to block reverse current. A diode used for this
purpose is called a “blocking diode.”

Preventing Overcharge
When a battery reaches full charge, it can no longer store incoming energy. If energy continues to be applied at the full rate, the battery
voltage gets too high. Water separates into hydrogen and oxygen and bubbles out rapidly. (It looks like it’s boiling so we sometimes call
it that, although it’s not actually hot.) There is excessive loss of water, and a chance that the gasses can ignite and cause a small
explosion. The battery will also degrade rapidly and may possibly overheat. Excessive voltage can also stress your loads (lights,
appliances, etc.) or cause your inverter to shut off.
Preventing overcharge is simply a matter of reducing the flow of energy to the battery when the battery reaches a specific voltage. When
the voltage drops due to lower sun intensity or an increase in electrical usage, the controller again allows the maximum possible charge.
This is called “voltage regulating.”

It is the most essential function of all charge controllers. The controller “looks at” the voltage, and regulates the battery charging in
response. Some controllers regulate the flow of energy to the battery by switching the current fully on or fully off. This is called “on/off
control.” Others reduce the current gradually. This is called “pulse width modulation” (PWM). Both methods work well when set
properly for your type of battery.

PWM solar charge controllers hold the voltage more constant. If a PWM controller has two-stage regulation, it will first hold the voltage
to a safe maximum for the battery to reach full charge. Then, it will drop the voltage lower, to sustain a “finish” or “trickle” charge. Two-
stage regulating is important for a system that may experience many days or weeks of excess energy (or little use of energy). It maintains
a full charge but minimizes water loss and stress.

The voltages at which the controller changes the charge rate are called set points. When determining the ideal set points, there is some
compromise between charging quickly before the sun goes down, and mildly overcharging the battery.

The determination of set points depends on the anticipated patterns of usage, the type of battery, and to some extent, the experience and
philosophy of the system designer or operator. Some controllers have adjustable set points, while others do not.

Understanding Control Set Points vs. Temperature

The ideal voltage set points for charge control vary with a battery’s temperature. Some controllers have a feature called “temperature
compensation.” When the controller senses a low battery temperature, it will raise the set points. Otherwise when the battery is cold, it
will reduce the charge too soon. If your batteries are exposed to temperature swings greater than about 30° F (17° C), compensation is
essential.

Some controllers have a temperature sensor built in. Such a controller must be mounted in a place where the temperature is close to that
of the batteries. Better controllers have a remote temperature probe, on a small cable. The probe should be attached directly to a battery in
order to report its temperature to the controller.

An alternative to automatic temperature compensation is to manually adjust the set points (if possible) according to the seasons. It may be
sufficient to do this only twice a year, in spring and fall.

Control Set Points vs. Battery Type

The ideal set points for charge controlling depend on the design of the battery. Up until the mid-2010s, the vast majority of renewable
energy systems used deep-cycle lead-acid batteries of either the flooded type or the sealed type. Flooded batteries are filled with liquid.
These are the standard, economical deep cycle batteries.
Sealed batteries use saturated pads between the plates. They are also called “valve-regulated” or “absorbed glass mat,” or simply
“maintenance-free.” They need to be regulated to a slightly lower voltage than flooded batteries or they will dry out and be ruined. Some
controllers have a means to select the type of battery. Never use a controller that is not intended for your type of battery.

Typical set points for 12V lead-acid batteries at 77° F (25° C)

(These are typical, presented here only for example.)

High limit (flooded battery): 14.4V

High limit (sealed battery): 14.0V
Resume full charge: 13.0V

Low voltage disconnect: 10.8V

Reconnect: 12.5V

Temperature compensation for 12V battery:

-.03V per ° C deviation from standard 25° C

What is Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)?

Lead acid deep-cycle batteries used in renewable energy systems are designed to be discharged only by about 50-80%. If they are
discharged 100%, they are immediately damaged. Imagine a pot of water boiling on your kitchen stove. The moment it runs dry, the pot
overheats. If you wait until the steaming stops, it is already too late!
Similarly, if you wait until your lights look dim, some battery damage will have already occurred. Every time this happens, both the
capacity and the life of the battery will be reduced by a small amount. If the battery sits in this over-discharged state for days or weeks at
a time, it can be ruined quickly.

The only way to prevent over-discharge when all else fails, is to disconnect loads (appliances, lights, etc.), and then to reconnect them
only when the voltage has recovered due to some substantial charging. When over-discharge is approaching, a 12V battery drops below
11 volts (a 24V battery drops below 22 volts).

A low voltage disconnect circuit will disconnect loads at that set point. It will reconnect the loads only when the battery voltage has
substantially recovered due to the accumulation of some charge. A typical LVD reset point is 13 volts (26 volts on a 24V system).

All modern inverters have LVD built in, even cheap pocket-sized ones. The inverter will turn off to protect itself and your loads as well
as your battery. Normally, an inverter is connected directly to the batteries, not through the charge controller, because its current draw can
be very high, and because it does not require external LVD.
If you have any DC loads, you should have an LVD. Some charge controllers have one built in. You can also obtain a separate LVD
device. Some LVD systems have a “mercy switch” to let you draw a minimal amount of energy, at least long enough to find the candles
and matches! DC refrigerators have LVD built in.

If you purchase a charge controller with built-in LVD, make sure that it has enough capacity to handle your DC loads. For example, let’s
say you need a charge controller to handle less than 10 amps of charge current, but you have a DC water pressurizing pump that draws 20
amps (for short periods) plus a 6 amp DC lighting load. A charge controller with a 30 amp LVD would be appropriate. Don’t buy a 10
amp charge controller that has only a 10 or 15 amp load capacity!

Have Peace of Mind with Overload Protection

A circuit is overloaded when the current flowing in it is higher than it can safely handle. This can cause overheating and can even be a
fire hazard. Overload can be caused by a fault (short circuit) in the wiring, or by a faulty appliance (like a frozen water pump). Some
charge controllers have overload protection built in, usually with a push-button reset.

Built-in overload protection can be useful, but most systems require additional protection in the form of fuses or circuit breakers. If you
have a circuit with a wire size for which the safe carrying capacity (ampacity) is less than the overload limit of the controller, then you
must protect that circuit with a fuse or breaker of a suitably lower amp rating. In any case, follow the manufacturer’s requirements and the
National Electrical Code for any external fuse or circuit breaker requirements.

Why Displays and Metering are Important

Charge controllers include a variety of possible displays, ranging from a single red light to digital displays of voltage and current. These
indicators are important and useful. Imagine driving across the country with no instrument panel in your car! A display system can
indicate the flow of power into and out of the system, the approximate state of charge of your battery, and when various limits are
reached.

If you want complete and accurate monitoring however, spend about $200 for a separate digital device that includes an amp-hour meter.
It acts like an electronic accountant to keep track of the energy available in your battery. If you have a separate system monitor, then it is
not important to have digital displays in the charge controller itself. Even the cheapest system should include a voltmeter as a bare
minimum indicator of system function and status.

Have it All with a Power Panel

If you are installing a system to power a modern home, then you will need safety shutoffs and interconnections to handle high current.
The electrical hardware can be bulky, expensive and laborious to install. To make things economical and compact, obtain a ready-
built power panel. It can include a charge controller with LVD, the inverter and digital monitoring as options. This makes it easy for an
electrician to tie in the major system components, and to meet the safety requirements of the National Electrical Code or your local
authorities.
Charge Controllers for Wind and Hydro
A charge controller for a wind-electric or hydro-electric charging system must protect batteries from overcharge, just like a PV controller.
However, a load must be kept on the generator at all times to prevent overspeed of the turbine. Instead of disconnecting the generator
from the battery (like most PV controllers) it diverts excess energy to a special load that absorbs most of the power from the generator.
That load is usually a heating element, which “burns off” excess energy as heat. If you can put the heat to good use, fine!

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). It is widely accepted that charge controllers aren’t a required
component if your panel puts out no more than 2 Watts for each 50Ah (amp-hours).
Is My Solar Charge Controller Working?
How do you know if a controller is malfunctioning? Watch your voltmeter as the batteries reach full charge. Is the voltage reaching (but
not exceeding) the appropriate set points for your type of battery? Use your ears and eyes-are the batteries bubbling severely? Is there a
lot of moisture accumulation on the battery tops? These are signs of possible overcharge. Are you getting the capacity that you expect
from your battery bank? If not, there may be a problem with your controller, and it may be damaging your batteries.

Conclusion
A good charge controller is not expensive in relation to the total cost of a power system. Nor is it very mysterious. The control of battery
charging is so important that most manufacturers of high quality batteries (with warranties of five years or longer) specify the
requirements for voltage regulation, low voltage disconnect and temperature compensation. When these limits are not respected, it is
common for batteries to fail after less than one quarter of their normal life expectancy, regardless of their quality or their cost.

Shop the Best Solar Charge Controllers at the Lowest Prices

Your unique needs, budget, and setup can help you determine the best charge controller options for your system – and whatever you
choose, you can count on finding it at the best price from altE.

Our selection of solar charge controllers features all the top-rated models from leading brands, saving you the hassle and time of having
to check multiple stores to narrow down your options. And with altE, you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible price
without sacrificing product authenticity or quality.