A solar charge controller is an indispensable key component in a solar power system. Its main role is to manage the electricity generated by solar panels, regulate the current and voltage, protect the battery from damage caused by overcharging and over-discharging, and ensure the efficient operation of the system. With the increasing popularity of solar energy applications, solar controllers have been widely used in households, agriculture, industry, and other fields, from simple lighting systems to complex photovoltaic power plants, almost all scenarios need its support.
Why do you need a solar charge controller? Simply put, it is the ”brain” of the solar system. Solar pv panels may produce fluctuating currents under direct sunlight, and batteries need a stable voltage for charging. The presence of a controller not only extends the life of the battery but also improves the efficiency of the overall system. In addition, solar charge controllers provide various protection functions, such as short-circuit protection, reverse connection protection, overload protection, etc., thus greatly reducing the failure rate of the system.
Powerhome shop price list and purchase guide will introduce the basic principle, classification, market price, and advantages of using solar charge controllers and other aspects in detail, to help you quickly understand how to buy solar charge controllers suitable for your needs and maximize the benefits of subsequent use.
Solar Charge Controller Types, Features & Price List
According to the working mode and function, the solar controller is mainly divided into the following types: PWM solar charge controller and MPPT solar charge controller.
PowerHome PWM Solar Charge Controller Price List | ||
Product Name | SKU | Price |
5A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 6V/12V | PH-PWM-5 | $17.65 |
10A PWM Solar Charge Controller for Hydro Generators, 12V/24V | PH-PWM-10 | $12.53 |
15A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V | PH-PWM-15 | $26.79 |
20A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-PWM-20 | $98.66 |
30A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-PWM-30 | $92.96 |
40A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-PWM-40 | $108.86 |
50A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-PWM-50 | $98.88 |
60A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-PWM-60 | $102.06 |
70A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V | PH-PWM-70 | $95.87 |
80A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/36V/48V | PH-PWM-80 | $99.77 |
100A PWM Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/36V/48V | PH-PWM-100 | $129.96 |
- Features: Adjust the current through PWM technology, which is inexpensive, and suitable for small or primary solar energy systems.
- Advantages: Simple structure, low price.
- Disadvantages: Relatively low conversion efficiency, cannot fully utilize the potential of solar panels.
PowerHome MPPT Solar Charge Controller Price List | ||
Product Name | SKU | Price |
10 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-MPPT-10 | $95.15 |
20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-MPPT-20 | $164.45 |
30 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-MPPT-30 | $177.89 |
40 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12/24V | PH-MPPT-40 | $226.77 |
40 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 96V | PH-MPPT-40A | $244.99 |
50 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12/24V | PH-MPPT-50 | $261.38 |
60 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 96V | PH-MPPT-60 | $263.96 |
70 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12V/24V/48V | PH-MPPT-70 | $259.66 |
80 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 96V | PH-MPPT-80 | $412.93 |
100 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 96V | PH-MPPT-100 | $456.34 |
- Features: Algorithm to calculate the optimal power point of the solar panel, to realize efficient power conversion.
- Advantages: High conversion efficiency, especially in the environment of large changes in light better performance.
- Disadvantages: Relatively high price, suitable for large or high-demand systems.
Choose the right power range according to the size of the solar system to avoid resource waste or insufficient function. If the budget allows, prioritize the MPPT charge controller, especially when the system power is large. If you plan to upgrade your system, choose a controller that supports more functions and communication capabilities.
The Basic Working Principle of Solar Charge Controller
The core of the solar charge controller is electrical energy management. Solar panels convert light energy into electrical energy output, regulated by the good quality solar charge controller and stored in the battery. The electrical energy from the battery is eventually used to drive power-using equipment.
Its main working principle includes the following aspects:
- Voltage Regulation: The solar charge controller monitors the output voltage of the solar panel and regulates it to a voltage range suitable for charging the battery to avoid damage to the battery caused by over-voltage.
- Current Management: The controller controls the current output to ensure that the charging current is within the range that the battery can withstand, to avoid affecting the battery life due to excessive current.
- Intelligent Protection: In addition to managing current and voltage, the controller is also responsible for providing protection functions. For example, automatically disconnect the circuit when the battery is full to prevent overcharging, limit the output when the power is too low to prevent over-discharging.
- Data Monitoring and Communication Function: Some high-end solar controllers also have data logging and communication functions, which allow users to monitor the system operation in real-time through APP or other interfaces.
Why Use a Solar Charge Controller?
- Solar charge controllers prevent the system from being damaged due to overcharging and over-discharging conditions, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
- The application of MPPT technology can improve power generation efficiency by 15%-30%, especially in uneven light environments.
- Stable charging and discharging control can extend the battery life by 1-2 times, thus reducing the long-term use cost.
- Intelligent solar controller reduces the time and complexity of routine maintenance through data logging and remote monitoring functions.
The solar charge controller is the core component of the solar system, and its performance and function directly determine the system's operation efficiency and service life. Choosing the right controller not only guarantees the stability of the system but also provides more possibilities for future expansion. When purchasing, you need to consider factors such as budget, demand, and system size, and plan your investment rationally. At the same time, with the progress of technology, the market is also very fast product updates, so it is recommended to choose a brand with good after-sales service, to get more permanent protection. Through power your off-gird home article, we hope you have a clear understanding of the basic principles, classification, price range, and advantages of using solar charge controllers. Whether for home or commercial use, an efficient and durable solar charge controller will be an important step towards using green energy for off-grid living.