Photovoltaic panel charge controller line

What is a solar charge controller?

Solar charge controllers play an integral role in solar power systems, making them safe and effective. You can’t simply connect your solar panels to a battery directly and expect it to work. Solar panels output more than their nominal voltage. For example, a 12v solar panel might put out up to 19 volts.

What is a PWM solar charge controller?

PWM solar charge controllers are a great low-cost option for small 12V systems when one or two solar panels are used, such as simple applications like solar lighting, camping and basic things like USB/phone chargers.

Can a solar charge controller be used on a 120V battery?

A select few, such as the Victron 150V range, can be used on all battery voltages from 12V to 48V. Several high-voltage solar charge controllers, such as those from AERL and IMARK, can be used on 120V battery banks. Besides the current (A) rating, the battery voltage also limits the maximum solar array size connected to a solar charge controller.

What is a DC-coupled solar charge controller?

DC-coupled solar charge controllers have been around for decades and are used in almost all small-scale off-grid solar power systems. Modern solar charge controllers have advanced features to ensure the battery system is charged precisely and efficiently, plus features like DC load output used for lighting.

Do solar charge controllers have load terminals?

Generally, most smaller 12V-24V charge controllers up to 30A have DC load terminals and are used for caravans, RVs and small buildings. On the other hand, most larger, more advanced 60A+ MPPT solar charge controllers do not have load output terminals.

Can I oversize a solar charge controller?

Warning - you must NEVER exceed the maximum INPUT voltage (Voc) or maximum input current rating of the solar charge controller! Example: Specification sheet from Morningstar highlighting this manufacturer allows oversizing of solar.