What Are You Planning To Power
For those looking to power smaller loads, like lights and small appliances, LOAD or LVD outputs are good options. The load terminal has a low voltage disconnect and will turn off a connected device to keep the battery from being expired.
This option is used for non-critical loads and can sometimes be used as a lighting controller that will automatically turn the device on at dusk. However, this system is only used for very small inverters and cannot be used with anything higher than 60 amps as it may cause it to malfunction.
If youre looking to power a remote system, like the ones youll use in an RV or for a solar lantern, then a LOAD/LVD output is great. A PWM controller is also ideal for these types of devices as its a low-cost option and can only handle small loads as it is.
On the other hand, large devices, like grid solar panel systems, require an MPPT controller. These technologically advanced and expensive controllers are much more suitable for large loads.
Victron Energy Smartsolar 30a 100v Mppt
Victron is one of the most trusted solar brands in the world, and its technology is now becoming more widely available in the United States. This 30A, 100V charge controller is known as one of the best on market. Just like the EPEVER controller, it works with 12- or 24-volt battery banks but allows for slightly lower voltage solar input. To stay under this chargers rating, you could run as many as three parallel strings of three 60-cell solar panels in series to achieve an output of 90 volts at around 20 amps .
It’s made with quality components, calculates maximum power point quickly and with high efficiency, and is very easy to use. The SmartSolar line of charge controllers all come with Bluetooth connectivity on board and can connect to the VictronConnect app on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows for easy programming. Perhaps most importantly, you get a 5-year limited warranty that protects you against defects in materials and workmanship.
The SmartSolar 30A is the most expensive product on our list at around , but reading the reviews from its users, you can see why the expense might be worth it.
Our #1 Pick: Epever Mppt Charge Controller
Product Ratings
Type: MPPT | Battery voltage: 12-24V | Max input voltage: 100V | Max current output: 30A
What We Liked
- A cheap MPPT controller compared to other top-tier models with great safety protections
- Easy to install
- Comes with a wide range of extra features
- Great customer support
What We DidntLike
- Doesnt offer as high of a max input voltage or max current output as other MPPT models
- Other users have reported issues when trying to use the controller with lithium batteries
Description
Features: Four-stage battery charging, temperature compensation, LCD screen, PC software, supports remote meter, and multiple load control methods.
Overall, the Epever solar charge controller has an advertised high tracking efficiency rating of no less than 99.5%. The brand has other models with current outputs from 20A to 40A. However, the 30A version is a good middle-ground for average buyers who arent looking to create huge solar arrays.
Its also a great choice for those looking to create off-grid solar panel systems to power a home or bunker. With free system design and technical support from the company, Epever makes it super simple to harvest energy-efficient and eco-friendly solar power.
Our Experience
First of all, the great price and high quality of this MPPT solar charge controller are stellar! We have used the device to regulate solar panels on an RV and our home, so we can say that the installation is very easy.
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Solar Charge Controller Maintenance Tips
Since there is no moving part in the solar charge controller and the whole function is based on electronic circuits, not much maintenance is required.
It means you dont have to check the filters, cooling methods, or anything like that. Just occasionally when you see that it is covered in a bit of dust. Take a dry fabric and clean it, and after that, make sure that you have not loosened the wires or connections as the loose wire can lower power transfer efficiency and overheat the solar charge controller.
Just keep it clean with a dry and strong fabric when it needs it.
Does Your Pv System Require A Solar Charge Controller
Smaller PV systems like those used outdoors for charging or running small devices may not need a charge controller, but it would be better to have one to optimize both charging and performance.
Many people may not want to spend the extra money on a solar charge controller, but in reality, any PV system should have a solar charge controller.
Because PV systems are an investment, and even though you may not be spending thousands of dollars on a small portable one, you would still be investing a few hundred dollars.
Regardless of what size system you are buying, chatting with the technician regarding including a solar charge controller will form part of the system design. It will be included in larger PV arrays as you could not run a high-voltage system without one.
Remember that you want your PV system to perform at optimum when you need it and have your batteries last as long as possible, so incorporating a solar charge controller is certainly going to go a long way to achieving that.
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What Type Of Weather Will Your Panels Be Exposed To
Ironically, solar panel kits work best under cold and cloudy conditions than in the full sun. This is because temperature affects the efficiency of a solar panel. For example, a 100-watt solar panel at about 70°F temperature will become an 83-watt panel at 110°F.
That being said, if your solar panels are regularly exposed to rainy or cold weather, a PWM controllers input voltage ratings will pull down as the temperature drops. At high temperatures, the voltage input may drop to below the point needed to fully charge the battery.
In such cases, an MPPT controller is the best option because it regulates temperature and compensates for the changing voltage. In fact, you can experience a 10-15% power gain in summer and a 20-45% gain in winter with an MPPT charge controller, although this may vary depending on a variety of different factors.
Some solar controllers offer battery temperature sensors which will enhance the battery capacity. This is a great option for those looking to place their panels in varied environments with strong weather patterns.
What Is A Solar Charge Controller
To put it simply, a solar charge controller regulates the power thats transferred from a solar panel to a battery.
Its important to use a charge controller as it improves the efficiency of a solar-powered system by up to 50%, can prevent the batteries from being overcharged, and will extend the batterys life when used correctly.
If theres no regulation, the batteries can be easily damaged, which will cost you money and time to fix.
There are two main types of solar charge controllers: Maximum Power Point Tracking and Pulse Width Modulation . Each type serves its own purpose, but ultimately the MPPT controllers are more commonly used.
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Binen 20a Solar Charge Controller
About the Product
The Binen 20A is basically a lower version of the Binen 30A. It offers the same peak charging efficiency as the Binen 30A. However, its charge current, input voltage, and input wattage are lower.
Our Review
Like the Binen 30A, the Binen 20A has a peak conversion efficiency of around 76%. Only the Renogy Wanderer has a lower efficiency amongst the products on the list.
The Binen 20A can handle voltages of up to 50 volts from a solar array. Not as much as what the MPPTs can handle, but still good enough for a PWM controller.
Maximum Input Wattage
The Binen 20A is also suitable for a solar system with a battery voltage of 12v or 24v. And when used in a 12v system, it can handle a maximum input wattage of around 260 watts. But with a 24v system, it can handle up to 520 watts.
The maximum input wattages of the Binen 20A are less than what the Binen 30A handles. However, they are higher than what the Renogy Wanderer can handle.
Maximum Charge Current
The Binen 20A has a charge current of 20 amps the second-highest amongst the PWMs, just behind the Binen 30A. So, besides the Binen 30A, the Binen 20A offers the next best charging efficiency and rate amongst the PWMs.
Like the Binen 30A, the Binen 20A is suited for only lead-acid batteries. Therefore, you can only connect it to AGM, GEL, or OPEN batteries to a battery bank. It is incompatible with lithium-ion batteries, nickel hydride, amongst others.
Pros
Cons
Where Should The Solar Panels Be Placed In Relation To The Battery
If your solar panels are placed a fair distance from your batteries, youll experience significant power loss and voltage drop unless youre using a large wire.
This can be quite cumbersome for those who dont have the room or the budget to use big wires across large distances, especially those with grid systems.
However, an MPPT solar charge controller can allow you to use a much smaller wire as it will convert the voltage. In this case, an MPPT is the best choice compared to a PMW charge controller.
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Charge Controllers For A Longer Battery Life
For many people, building their own solar panel system and living off-grid is becoming a reality instead of a dream. Connecting the solar panels directly to a single battery or bank of batteries for charging may work, but is not a good idea. Whats needed is a battery charge controller to safely charge and discharge your deep cycle battery for a longer lifespan.
A standard 12 volt solar panel which can be used to recharge a battery, could actually be putting out nearly 20 volts at full sun, much more voltage than the battery needs. This difference in voltage between the required 12 volts need for the battery and actual 20 volts being generated by the solar panel translates into a greater current flow into the battery.
This results in too much unregulated solar generated current overcharging the battery which could cause the electrolyte solution within the batteries to overheat and evaporate off, resulting in a much shortened battery life and ultimately, complete battery failure.
Then the quality of the charging current will directly affect the life of any connected deep cycle battery, so it is extremely important to protect batteries of a solar charging system from being overcharged, or even undercharged, and we can do just that using a battery charge regulation device called a Battery Charge Controller.
The charge controller does this by controlling the flow of electrical power from the charging source to the battery at a relatively constant and controlled value.
The Relationship Between The Solar Panel And The Battery
One of the most important dynamics in the PV system is the relationship between solar panels and batteries. The solar panels create the electric current in the cells and then distribute that current either directly to a device or storage for later use.
In smaller systems where the panel voltage does not exceed 140W, you could connect your solar panels directly to your batteries for charging. Still, you would need to monitor the progression of the battery charging carefully.
Because there is nothing between the battery and the panel, the panel will continue to send current to the battery even if its fully charged. This will lead to overcharging and damage to the batterys internal structure, which is usually not fixable.
Even a small 10W panel emitting 0.7A of current can overcharge a battery if not attended to, and while lead-acid batteries are cheap, replacing them due to overcharging can become expensive, and this is why you should have a solar charge controller.
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What Size Do I Need
Take the number of panels x watts to get the total watts of the solar array. You then divide it by the voltage of your battery bank to get amps, add 25% to allow for cold temperatures and as always, round up. Example: 2 – 140 watt solar panels in series = 280 watts / 12 VDC battery bank + 25% = 29.18 amps. You would choose a 30 amp, 12 VDC charger in this example. Another example would be 4 – 250 watt solar panels = 1,000 watts / 24V battery bank = 41.7 amps + 25% = 52.09 rounded up = 60 amp controller. Note Solar charge controllers are rated and sized by the solar panel array current and system voltage. These examples are simple calculations for small systems. If you have a larger system with muliple strings you are considering, you should look at our Off-Grid Living page for some preconfigured systems that include the right sized charge controller or consult the charge controllers manufactures string calculator.
Pwm Solar Charge Controllers: A Quick And Thorough Explanation
PWM charge controllers are probably the most used type of solar charge controller in small off-grid systems. Compared to MPPT charge controllers another type of solar charge controller- they are very cheap and accessible.
In this article, Ill explain what a PWM charge controller is, how it works, why you need one, and how to choose the right one.
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How Does Charge Controller Know Soc Of Lfp Batteries
Offgrid Cabineer, N.E. Ontario, Canada
- Joined
A solar charger controller can decently estimate the state of charge of a lead acid battery by simply measuring the battery voltage. My understanding is that the battery voltage is not a good indicator of SOC for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Shunts or battery monitors are often required to decently assess state of charge of LFP batteries. My questions are therefore: How does the SCC know the SOC of the LFP battery in order to control charging stages and charging rates? How does an MPPT SCC know that it is time to stop pumping in high current to the LFP battery, if voltage is not a good indicator of SOC?
A solar charger controller can decently estimate the state of charge of a lead acid battery by simply measuring the battery voltage. My understanding is that the battery voltage is not a good indicator of SOC for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Shunts or battery monitors are often required to decently assess state of charge of LFP batteries. My questions are therefore: How does the SCC know the SOC of the LFP battery in order to control charging stages and charging rates? How does an MPPT SCC know that it is time to stop pumping in high current to the LFP battery, if voltage is not a good indicator of SOC?
Offgrid Cabineer, N.E. Ontario, Canada
- Joined
Constant Current Bulk Charge Stage:Constant Voltage Absorption Stage: Constant Voltage Float Stage:
What Is A Pwm Charge Controller And How Does It Work
A PWM solar charge controller is a smart ON/OFF switch that regulates the DC voltage from the solar panels to match that of the battery.
When your battery is almost charged, a PWM controller lowers the voltage from the solar panels by switching ON and OFF . This lowers the average DC output voltage and consequently prevents overcharging.
Since the voltage of a battery is relative to its state of charge, PWM chargers measure the state of charge of the battery by sensing its voltage.
When the voltage of the battery is low , the PWM charge controller increases the duty cycle . When the voltage is high , the PWM until the desirable voltage is maintained.
In this process, the PWM charge controller ensures the safe charging of the battery, but theres an issue. Since power is the product of voltage and current, if you decrease the voltage by a certain ratio, the power will decrease by that same ratio.
This results in considerable power losses which with big systems can be very costly.
Although they cost more, MPPT charge controllers fix this problem.
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Connect The Mc4 Solar Adapter Cables To The Solar Panel
This step takes all of 20 seconds to do.
Locate the MC4 connectors at the ends of your solar panels cables. Therell be a male and a female one. Theyll look like this:
Connect the MC4 inline fuse and positive solar adapter cable to the positive solar panel cable. Connect the negative solar adapter cable to the negative solar cable. Dont let the exposed wires touch!
Didnt I say itd take all of 20 seconds?
On to the final step!
What Role Do Solar Charge Controllers Play
Solar charge controllers balance the current received from the solar panels and ensure that the batteries receive the correct level of current to prevent overcharging.
Solar panels dont produce the same current as this depends on the atmospheric conditions. They can produce variable levels of voltage and current that flow to the batteries.
Without regulation, your batteries would receive an overload of electricity. While they could absorb and charge up initially, there would be no way to stop the flow from the solar panels short of disconnecting them as they approached full charge.
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Charge Controllers For Wind And Hydro
A charge controller for a wind-electric or hydro-electric charging system must protect batteries from overcharge, just like a PV controller. However, a load must be kept on the generator at all times to prevent overspeed of the turbine. Instead of disconnecting the generator from the battery it diverts excess energy to a special load that absorbs most of the power from the generator. That load is usually a heating element, which burns off excess energy as heat. If you can put the heat to good use, fine!
