solar panel charge controllers

solar panel charge controllers

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Solar Panel Charge Controller For Prolonged Battery Life

A Solar Power system is based on solar panels, because the main source of energy is provided by them. These days, solar power inverters are gaining huge popularity amongst consumers as they offer saving potential in the long run. All solar PV systems draw power from the solar panels that ultimately rely on the sunlight for electricity generation. It is very important to choose the right kind of charge controller for the panels since they regulate the power going from the panels to the batteries. 

How it works and choosing the Right Solar Panel Charge Controller 

Solar Panels are totally dependant on sunlight to generate power. It is however a known fact that the brightness or the intensity of sun rays are never constant. That is, some days the sunshine may be brighter and some days it may be gloomy. So the power generation from the panels may fluctuate as per the intensity of sun rays. A charge controller's task is to regulate the power going from the panels to the batteries. For example on a very brighter day the power generated from the panel may exceed permissible limits and in turn harm the batteries. 

The charge controller controls and makes sure that right amount of power is flowing to the batteries. Ideally a solar charge controller goes through a 3-phase cycle – Bulk, Absorption and Float. ‘Bulk' is the period when the voltage from the panels rise above 14 volts (typically touching 14.6 volts) and the batteries draw maximum power. This phase can be harmful for the batteries. To counter that the ‘Absorption' phase begins when the batteries charge up to a maximum level over a specific period of time. Gradually the power from the solar panels (high) lowers down. ‘Float' is the cycle when the batteries start drawing lower power or to an optimum level (known as float level) until charged. Solar charge controllers are typically installed between the solar panel arrays and the batteries and they regulate and maintain optimum level of charging. 

There are many companies that manufacture the charge controllers; however, it is very important to not compromise on quality. Saving little bit of money by buying a cheap controller will ultimately increase overall expenses in the long run.

 

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