Charge Regulator
Inverters
Wind Generators
Complete Power
Ready Systems
Lights
Small Solar Kits
Efficient Appliances
module mounts
Solar controllers
Batteries
The main function of a charge regulator or controller is to fully charge a battery without permitting overcharge while preventing reverse current flow at night. If a non-self-regulating solar array is connected to lead acid batteries with no overcharge protection, battery life will be compromised.
A simple charge regulator contains a transistor that shunt the PV charging circuit, terminating the charge at a pre-set high voltage and, once a pre-set reconnect is reached, opens the shunt, allowing charging to resume.A more sophisticated charge regulator utilize pulse width modulation (PWM) or maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to assure the battery is being fully charged.The first 70% to 80%
of battery capacity is easily replaced, but the last 20% to 30% requires more attention and therefore
more complexity.
Why you need a charge regulator
How to size a charge regulator
Charge regulators are rated and sized by the array current and system voltage.
Most common are 12, 24, and 48-volt regulators. Amperage
ratings run from 1 amp to 60 amps, voltages from 6-60 volts.
For example, if one module in your 12-volt system produces 7.45 amps and two modules are utilized, your system will produce 14.9 amps of current at 12 volts. Because of light reflection and the edge of cloud effect, sporadically increased current levels are not uncommon. For this reason we increase
the regulator amperage by a minimum of 25% bringing our minimum regulator amperage to 18.6. Looking through the products we find a 20-amp charge regulator, as close a match as possible.
There is no problem going with a 30-amp or larger charge regulator, other than the additional cost.
If you think the system may increase in size, additional amperage capacity at this time should be considered
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