Thursday, August 27, 2009

Solar Knowledge: What is a Charge Controller?

Charge ControllerCharge Controller
AKA: controller, regulator

A charge controller’s primary function is to protect your battery bank from overcharging. It does this by monitoring the battery bank. When the bank is fully charged, the controller interrupts the flow of electricity from the PV panels. Batteries are expensive and pretty particular about how they like to be treated. To maximize their life span, you’ll definitely want to avoid overcharging or undercharging them.

Most modern charge controllers incorporate maximum power point tracking (MPPT), which optimizes the PV array’s output, increasing the energy it produces. Some batterybased charge controllers also include a low-voltage disconnect that prevents over discharging, which can perma nently damage the battery bank.

No comments: