ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Voltage and Current Regulation

    A charge controller is placed between the solar panels and the batteries to regulate the voltage and current coming from the solar panels. Most solar panels put out more voltage than needed, so if a charge controller is not used the batteries can become damaged from over-charging. The charge controller also protects the battery from over-discharge.

    On the Other: Not Necessary for Some Panels

    Usually with trickle charge panels a charge controller is not needed. As a rule thumb, if the panel puts out about 2 watts or less for each 50 battery amp-hours, then a charge controller is not necessary. However, you never really know when you might need one; the brighter the sun, the more voltage solar panels produce, so the batteries can become over-charged unexpectedly.

    Bottom Line

    A charge controller is necessary to ensure that proper charging voltage is reaching the batteries. As the input voltage from the solar panels rises, the charge controller regulates the charge to the batteries preventing over-charging. It also protects against over-discharging by shutting down the batteries before they are totally drained.

    Source:

    Northern Arizona Wind & Sun: What is a solar charge controller?

    Free Sun Power: Why a Charge Controller is necessary

    Powered by Solar Panels: Solar panel charge controller

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