Solar Panel Charge Controller Working Principle

The basic functions of a controller are quite simple.

Solar panel charge controller working principle.

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. Roughly a panel rated at 100 watts at room temperature will be an 83 watt panel at 110 degrees. Detailed information on mppt charge controllers. A charge controller charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries.

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. Maximum power point tracking mppt. Contrary to intuition solar panels work best at cooler temperatures. The charge controller regulates this 16 to 20 volts output of the panel down to what the battery needs at the time.

They convert a higher voltage dc output from solar panels and a few wind generators down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries. Its purpose is to keep your deep cycle batteries properly fed and safe for the long term. 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.