How Do Solar Panel Charge Controllers Work

A solar charge controller is an electronic component that controls the amount of charge entering and exiting the battery and regulates the optimum and most efficient performance of the battery.

How do solar panel charge controllers work.

Most 12 volt panels put out about 16 to 20 volts so if there is no regulation the batteries will be damaged from overcharging. While mppt charge controllers usually cost more than traditional solar charge controllers the gain in overall charging efficiency makes them well worth it in most cases. If it has the full charge the controller will disconnect the solar panel automatically from the batteries. Solar charge controllers work by regulating this voltage to a level that can safely charge batteries and run appliances.

A solar charge controller also known as a solar regulator is essentially a solar battery charger connected between the solar panel s and battery. The controller also keeps checking at certain. A charge controller or charge regulator is basically a voltage and or current regulator to keep batteries from overcharging. Its job is to regulate the battery charging process to ensure the battery is charged correctly or more importantly not over charged.

Charge controllers block reverse current and prevent battery overcharge. At night the panels may pass a bit of current in the reverse direction causing a slight discharge from the battery. Maximum power point tracking mppt is a popular technology that an increasing number of solar charge controllers offer. Let s examine each function individually.

It regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels going to the battery. Batteries are almost always installed with a charge controller. Solar panels work by pumping current through your battery in one direction.