Types of Solar Chargers
Types of Solar Chargers
Solar charge controllers are essential for any solar system off grid. The charge controller serves as a gateway to your battery, and can help avoid overcharging and damaging your battery’s energy storage device. This article will describe what a solar charger is and compare the two main types: pulse width modulation (PWM) as well as maximum power point monitoring (MPPT).
What is a solar charger's controller?
The solar charge controller regulates the solar battery’s voltage to stop it from charging too much. The battery’s voltage capacity is what they are designed to be used for. Overcharging can cause irreparable harm to the battery and eventually loss of functionality. Solar charge controllers serve as a gateway to your battery’s storage, making sure that the battery isn’t overwhelmed.
A small percentage of cases will require charge controllers. If you’re looking to install an unconnected solar panel, charge controllers are a good option. This includes rooftop systems as in smaller installations on boats and RVs. Charge controllers are not required if you’re homeowner looking to install solar panels using batteries connected to an electrical grid. When your battery is completely charged, all excess energy will be sent to grid. This will prevent you from charging your battery too much.
We’ve put together an extensive list of the best portable solar products for 2022 to help you choose the right one. This includes solar charge controllers to make it simple to use.
Do solar chargers right for me?
Most solar buyers don’t need charge controllers. Solar panels that are mounted on the roof or ground with a backup battery are usually linked to grid. If your batteries are fully charged excess solar energy will be routed to it.
The charge controller will be essential to ensure that your battery is charged safely if you are interested in an off-grid solar power system. A solar charge controller that uses PWM is ideal for batteries with small capacities that are used in conjunction with small output, 5–10 Watt (W) and solar panels. A MPPT charge controller is a good choice for more complex DIY solar power projects, which need higher output panels.
Different types of solar charger controllers
There are two types that you can choose from if would like solar power to be completely off grid: PWM and MPPT controllers.
Pulse Width Modulation solar charge controllers
The most commonly used type that solar charge controllers are used for solar consumers is the solar charge controller that uses PWM. They are usually more simple than MPPT controllers, and also less costly. PWM controllers reduce the energy that batteries draw as it reaches its capacity. PWM controllers ensure that your battery is full by maintaining a condition known as “trickle”. This means they supply only a tiny amount of power to maintain the battery’s capacity.
Your home battery and solar panel system must be of the same voltage when using PWM controllers. The voltages of the panel and battery in larger solar panels and systems which power the entire home aren’t always the same. PWM controllers are ideal for DIY solar systems that include some low-voltage panels, and an insignificant battery.
Maximum Power Point Solar Chargers with Tracking
A solar charger with MPPT is much more intricate and expensive. These controllers provide the same protection of switches as PWM controllers and lower the power flow to your battery when it is at capacity.
MPPT chargers can be matched with voltages that aren’t compatible in contrast to PWM controllers. MPPT controllers are able to adjust their input to draw the maximum power to track your solar array. They also have the ability to adjust their output power to match the battery attached. MPPT charge controllers draw greater power than controllers that use PWM and are able to charge your battery at home more efficiently.
An MPPT controller is the most suitable option if efficiency was your only concern when purchasing an instrument. This isn’t always the case. The selection of the best solar charger controller requires more than just efficiency.
What type of solar charger controller do you require?
These questions can help you determine which controller is best for you:
What kinds of panels do you have?
Off-grid panels consist of 36-cell panels that can recharge a battery with 12V. These systems can be operated together with PWM controllers. These panels that are 60-cell or 72-cell and can be used in conjunction using a grid tie solar panel system. They also come with a higher voltage for the battery and will necessitate an MPPT controller.
What size is your system?
A PWM controller can be used with any size system, as long as the battery voltage between your solar panel and your home battery is compatible. While they’re not compatible in larger systems but they are compatible with smaller systems. PWM controller is perfect for smaller ones. MPPT controllers will not function efficiently if your system is smaller than 170W.
What temperature ranges are you able to expect?
When it gets cooler, MPPT controllers work better than PWM controls. An MPPT controller will detect an excess voltage when the temperature drops. An MPPT controller is not required in warmer environments, where temperatures do not fall very often.
How much do you have to invest in the controller?
Because MPPT controllers have a greater charging efficiency, they are generally higher priced than PWM models. The MPPT controller has a higher charging efficiency of up to 20%. This is because it utilizes an advanced charging system with four stages which makes it more reliable and more beneficial for the battery’s life. Although PWM solar chargers are more flexible and simple to set up, they typically have lower efficiency.
Purchase a solar charger controller
It can be difficult to pick the correct product once you’ve determined the type of solar charger you need. To help you get started we’ve listed a few of the most well-known companies and products.
Renogy
Renogy creates DIY-friendly products that can be used for various off-grid projects. They offer a variety of items, including inverters batteries along with solar panel. The charge controllers from their line are perfect for small-scale projects that require a PWM controller or larger projects that require the MPPT charger. You can choose from a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
BougeRV
BougeRV is an excellent resource for RV owners as well as anyone who is looking for alternative power sources that are off grid. Their PWM and MPPT chargers are both well-rated, and offer compatibility options and sizes that can be adapted to your needs. BougeRV also has various other outdoor power and appliances as well as solutions. This is a good alternative if you are worried about compatibility issues with your system.
Victron Energy
Victron Energy provides a variety of off-grid energy storage and supply solutions. Victron Energy has been in the business for more than 45 years and is continuously developing new products to satisfy the ever-changing demands of consumers. You can select from a variety of sizes and prices to meet the requirements of your system, such as the MPPT charge controller.
Are you always in need of a solar charger controller?
As stated above the solar battery keeper is needed to safeguard the battery bank from frequent overcharges and discharges. This could drastically shorten its lifespan.
This is particularly true for sealed batteries where the charge controller is an absolute necessity.
A sealed battery can be damaged, or even a safety risk.
If you own a low-power solar panel (less then 10Wp) along with a battery that has 100 amp-hours or more of capacity, you don’t need a storage device for your solar batteries.
It is quite certain that an extremely low-power panel is unable to overcharge such a large capacity battery.
A large battery capacity, however will ensure that the battery will never fully filled.
This is only applicable if your load has been connected with the configuration described above – a 10-watt panel and a 100 Ah bank.
Practically speaking, this system can be installed on a boat or a recreational vehicle (RV) and it is highly likely to be shut off for several weeks. There is also the chance of overcharging.
A solar regulator is a good option if you own a boat or RV, or high capacity banks that you require to turn off for very long durations of time.
In order to save money, you don't have to construct your own solar system.
Register your property on the Marketplace for Nevada Solar Power Installers to receive quality quotes for solar installations. You can express your desire to explore storage solutions that work with your panels on your profile. Installers will be able to see your request. It is advisable for you to join your solar power project to a grid, even with battery backup. This gives you a backup and you don’t have to be able to power down.
While going completely off grid may be feasible in some instances but it’s not financially prudent to engage a professional installer to help with your solar project. An experienced solar installer can ensure that your solar system is functional and efficient. There aren’t the same protections and warranties from an installer as you would in a DIY-based project. To find out how much solar could save you, use our Solar Calculator to get an instant estimate based on your property.