Solar Panel Charge Controller Working Principle

Detailed information on mppt charge controllers.

Solar panel charge controller working principle.

Its purpose is to keep your deep cycle batteries properly fed and safe for the long term. They convert a higher voltage dc output from solar panels and a few wind generators down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries. Contrary to intuition solar panels work best at cooler temperatures. Using this clever technology mppt solar charge controllers can be up to 30 more efficient depending on the battery voltage and type of solar panel connected.

It prevents overcharging and may protect against overvoltage which can reduce battery performance or lifespan and may pose a safety risk it may also prevent completely draining deep discharging a battery or perform controlled discharges. The charge controller regulates this 16 to 20 volts output of the panel down to what the battery needs at the time. A charge controller is an essential part of nearly all power systems that charge batteries whether the power source are solar panels wind hydro fuel or the utility grid. Mppt or maximum power point tracking controllers are far more advanced than pwm controllers and enable the solar panel to operate at its optimum voltage for maximum power output.

Roughly a panel rated at 100 watts at room temperature will be an 83 watt panel at 110 degrees. A charge controller charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries. A mppt or maximum power point tracker is an electronic dc to dc converter that optimizes the match between the solar array pv panels and the battery bank or utility grid.