Solar Charge Controllers and What They Do

Solar Charge Controllers and What They Do

A solar charge controller deals with the power going into the battery bank from the sun oriented cluster. When a solar panel is hit by sunlight, the photovoltaic (PV) cells collect that energy in cells made of silicon crystals and impurities like boron which make them better conductors of electrical current. This sunlight excites positive and negative electrons that then bump into each other, generating electricity as they leave the cell and enter thin wires across the panel. A solar panel charge controller helps to direct the path of this electricity, keeping it directed towards the batteries in an efficient and safe way.

Solar charge controllers guarantee that the profound cycle batteries are not cheated amid the day, and that the power doesn’t run in reverse to the sun-based boards overnight and deplete the batteries. Some accuse controllers are accessible of extra capacities, such as lighting and load control, however dealing with the power is its essential occupation.

How Do Solar Charge Controllers Differ?

Solar charge controllers come in many different sizes, in order to appropriately connect to batteries and panels alike. Higher amp solar charge controllers tend to be more expensive but may be necessary depending on your setup. Inexpensive solar charge controllers offer protection from power loss, overloading, short circuiting and more, but may not be equipped for larger solar panel infrastructures. Meanwhile, solar charge controllers with higher technological capabilities can offer you readouts regarding your batteries, energy produced, solar panel charging currents and more and can help compensate for weather and temperature differences.

A solar charge controller is accessible in two distinct innovations, PWM and MPPT. How they perform in a framework is altogether different from each other. A MPPT charge controller is more costly than a PWM charge controller, and it is frequently justified, despite all the trouble to pay the additional cash.

Which Solar Charge Controller Is Best for Me?

When it comes to understanding how to select the best solar charge controller for your setup, it’s important to consider the size and complexity of your arrangement. Each solar charge controller is compatible with different size inverters and charges different voltage solar systems, so make sure that you’re choosing a compatible solar charge controller. Our AIMS Power solar charge controller range in amps but display key information such as battery voltage and capacity, solar panel wattage, charging current and more.

You’ll want to consider your solar panel arrangement as well as its output and whether it is a 12-, 24-, 36- or 48-volt system. Think about your weather and temperature conditions and what type of protections you may need, as well as how many of a solar charge controller’s functions you would prefer automated. Remember to add battery bank cables and charge controller cables to your purchase!

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