1.What is a solar charge controller?
Solar charge controller is an important component of the solar power system, mainly regulates the rated voltage of the solar battery when charging and prevents the solar battery from overcharging. If the solar battery is charged at a voltage that exceeds the rated voltage, the solar battery will be irreversibly damaged. A solar charge controller can avoid this problem and ensure the normal use of solar batteries.
2. Types of solar panel charge controllers
PWM solar charge controller (pulse width modulation solar charge controller):
PWM controller is a more common type of solar charge controller, PWM controller by controlling the output voltage of the solar panel and solar battery, and then control the current. When the solar battery is full, the PWM controller reduces the amount of power passing through the solar battery, preventing the solar battery from being overcharged. PWM controllers are less costly, but their efficiency is low, making them suitable for low-voltage, small-scale solar systems and DIY solar systems.
MPPT solar charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller):
Compared to PWM controller, MPPT controller is more high-end. It can regulate the voltage matching between the solar panel and the solar battery, so that the solar panel can get the maximum power generation efficiency, and also can change the output power of the solar battery to achieve the maximum utilization of the solar battery. This means that MPPT controllers are more efficient than PWM controllers, but MPPT controllers will also cost more than PWM controllers. It is suitable for large power stations or larger off-grid systems.
Functions of solar charge controller
Protect solar battery: Solar charge controller can control the input voltage and current of solar battery to prevent it from being overcharged, resulting in swelling and unusable solar batteries.
Optimize the output voltage of the solar panel: The solar charge controller can regulate the matter output voltage of the solar panel according to the input voltage of the load or the solar battery, to ensure the charging and discharging utilization of the solar panel for power generation, to avoid overloading or over-voltage of the solar panel, in order to prolong the service life of the solar panel.
Tracking the maximum generating power: because of weather or other reasons, the solar panel generating power may change, the solar charge controller will track the maximum generating power of the solar panel in real time, which ensures the best generating efficiency of the solar energy system and increases your economic benefits.
Summarize
Solar charge controller is the core component of solar energy system, and solar panels, solar battery life has an important relationship, in the budget enough, we recommend that you choose to install solar charge controller.
FAQ
Not necessarily, some inverters already have a solar charge controller module built-in, in which case there is no need to install a solar charge controller. However, for areas where DC power is used without an inverter, an additional solar charge controller is required.
PWM controllers are less expensive, usually within $40. MPPT controllers range from $70 to $600. The exact price is also related to the brand of the solar charge controller, you can choose the right solar charge controller for your needs.
For RV solar systems, small solar systems or when cost is a concern, a PWM controller is better for you. For large power plants or when the weather is rough, an MPPT controller is better for you.
Generally there is no harm to the solar system, it can control the solar system properly. However, a larger solar charge controller will result in a larger cost. If you don’t have the idea of expanding your solar system at a later stage, it is recommended that you don’t choose a larger solar charge controller.
