What is a Solar Controller?
Solar Controllers convert the current from the PV generator into charge for the battery. It is the most important component in a PV standalone system with battery storage.
PWM controllers are rated and sized based on the maximum input current they can handle from a PV panel that has a nominal voltage matching that of the battery. They are inexpensive, robust and easy to install and operate.
PWM Charge Controllers
Modern solar charge controllers have a variety of features that make your solar system run more efficiently. For example, a PWM controller monitors the battery and keeps current from flowing back into the solar panels at night, which would drain the batteries and shorten their lifespan. Some also feature a display to show the battery voltage, state of charge, and amps coming into the solar panel.
Another function of solar charge controllers is to prevent the battery from charging too quickly or allowing it to get too low. They do this by connecting the solar panel to the battery via a diode that only allows power to flow in one direction. The diode also helps reduce the amount of electricity lost from long wire runs between the solar panel and the charge controller.
There are two main types of solar charge controllers: MPPT and PWM. Both have their own unique set of benefits. An MPPT solar charge controller will down-convert the PV input voltage of your panels to match your battery’s voltage. This increases your efficiency and is perfect for larger or grid-tied systems. However, they are more expensive than PWM solar charge controllers.
MPPT Charge Controllers
MPPT controllers are digital and continuously track your system voltages, currents and maximum power point – they can be used with both 12V and 24V batteries and are the preferred solar charge controller choice for many of our customers. MPPT’s are the best solution for larger solar systems operating in colder, cloudier environments and provide superior efficiency compared to PWM controllers.
PWM controllers use basic ‘rapid switches’ to modulate battery charging and pull the panel voltage down to match the battery operating voltage (Vmp). This is fine in warm conditions but as temperatures drop, it dramatically reduces your solar panels output and operating efficiency – wasting up to 35% of power generated!
A MPPT solar charge controller, also known as a Maximum Power Point Tracker, tracks your panels voltage and amps to extract the most energy possible for your batteries – reducing losses by up to 30%. This translates into increased solar power during the winter when panels are producing less due to shorter, cloudier days.
MPPT controllers are rated and sized depending on the total wattage of your panels and system voltage and are available in 12, 24 and 48 volts with current ratings between one and 60 amps. If you are unsure which type of controller Solar Controller is right for your system, talk to our sales team for more information. It is important to correctly size your charger and never exceed its input/output current rating.
Redodo 12V/24V 40A MPPT Charge Controller
Unlike PWM controllers, MPPT controllers track the maximum power point of solar panels and convert excess voltage into additional charging current. This results in a higher energy harvest and system efficiency.
The Redodo 12V/24V 40A MPPT Charge Controller features 99% tracking efficiency and peak conversion efficiency of up to 98%, providing an optimal performance for your solar power system. The LCD display and LED indicators offer a clear view of your system status, while four operating buttons make navigation easy.
This charger supports LiFePO4 battery charging Solar Controller mode by default, but it can be compatible with other types of batteries by adjusting the parameters. It also features overvoltage, overheating, reverse polarity and BMS protection to ensure the safety of your battery bank and solar panel.
The Redodo 410Ah Lithium Battery is a perfect match for trolling motors with its large usable capacity, high discharge depth, and high amp hours. It eliminates the need for voltage balancing and can replace two AGM batteries, delivering double the runtime and saving up to 70lbs in weight. This battery is rated IP67, designed to withstand harsh marine environments and has built-in low temperature charging cutoff protection. The aluminum alloy housing ensures heat dissipation and is environmentally friendly. It is also salt-spray resistant and corrosion-proof. The upgraded BMS protects against overcharging and deep discharging, providing a long service life.
Victron Energy 30A 100V MPPT Charge Controller
Smart built-in Bluetooth for setup, monitoring and updates on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Also compatible with a Smart Battery Sense, BMV-712 or SmartShunt for remote system monitoring.
Intelligent Battery Life function ensures your batteries are not allowed to run ‘flat’, thus prolonging their lifespan. SmartSolar will monitor the state of your battery and try to achieve a full recharge (or at least a deep charge) each day, if possible. If not, it will raise the disconnect voltage every day until a successful recharge can be achieved.
MPPT technology wrings the most power from your solar panels, especially in partial shading and cloudy conditions when light intensity is changing constantly. With this ultra-fast MPPT controller you can expect an energy yield increase of up to 30% compared to PWM controllers and up to 10% versus slower MPPT controllers.
With the optional VictronConnect app you can remotely access all the extensive features of this controller using your smartphone, tablet or PC/laptop. This includes viewing battery status, current and solar panel power as well as detailed 30 day performance data. The controller also has comprehensive protection including PV short circuit, PV reverse polarity and overheating protection – controlled by an internal temperature sensor. It operates without a cooling fan and features a robust heatsink that facilitates natural convection cooling.
