This is an essential component of a solar power system. It prevents batteries from getting overcharged and damaged. In this text, you will learn about what exactly a charge controller does, how it protects batteries, the reason why having a good one is so important, the difference between PWM and MPPT controllers, and tips for picking the right one for your renewable energy system.
Each solar panel absorbs sunlight and converts it to electricity. Storing this electricity in batteries for use later. They can be damaged if the batteries are too full or too empty. This is where a charge controller comes in.
The charge controller controls the output to the batteries. It ensures the batteries are charged properly, but not excessively. It also prevents the batteries from going too low, which can damage them. A charge controller ensures the batteries are protected, leading to longer battery life.
But an overcharged battery will heat up, and it won’t retain a charge very well. A battery can also get damaged when it swings to (over) using it. A charge controller monitors the battery voltage, ceasing to charge when the batteries are full. It also prevents the batteries from being lowered too low.
A proper charge controller helps in accurate storage of energy. Good battery management is done with a charge controller which will help charge and discharge at the appropriate rates. This helps keep the batteries over the longer term. It works better too and is less likely to break, and that can be expensive to fix.
The charge controllers are of two primary types – PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Products. PWM controllers are less complex and cheaper, but less effective than MPPT controllers. MPPT controllers are also more expensive but extract additional power from the solar panels, hence are more efficient.
Here are a few considerations for choosing a charge controller for your renewable energy system. First Renewable Energy, ensure that the controller you pick is compatible with your solar panels and batteries. Second, consider the size of your system and its power requirements. Finally, establish a budget and select a controller that falls within your price bracket.