Are you Paying the Right Solar Charge Controller Price?

A solar charge controller is an important component in a battery-based solar system. These are used in straight grid-tie systems. Its role is to manage charging the battery, prevent the battery from getting overcharged, and also control the rate of the current at which the battery charges. You need a charge controller if you have more than five watts of solar for every 100-amp hours of battery capacity. Generally speaking, there is no need for a charge controller with the small maintenance, or trickle charge panel.  Basically, the rule is that if the panel puts out about 2 watts for each 50 battery amp-hours, then you don’t need a solar charge controller. If you wish to go for a solar charge controller, then you should be aware of its price. You should consider all the factors that show if the solar charge controller price is acceptable or not.

The most important job of these controllers is to charge the batteries properly and also give them a long life. There are basically two types of charge controllers: Pulse width modulation and Maximum power point tracking. MPPT is more efficient than PWM. Before you pick up a solar charge controller, you need to know the wattage of the solar array and the battery bank voltage. The best controllers are the ones that have the following features-

• 150, 200, 250, 600 V

• Manual & auto EQ

• Online Status monitoring

• Hyper VOC extends VOC limits

• Built-in GFP and arc fault

• Solar, wind, and hydro MPPT modes

• 12-72 volt battery charging

Though a solar charge controller price might seem high, but considering its lifespan, the price is justified.

How to test your solar charge controller?

To test the regulator, you can disconnect the positive cable between the panel and the battery. Now, you have to measure the operating current by connecting the negative from the meter to the positive battery terminal and the positive from the multi-meter to the positive cable from the panel.

How to choose the most suitable charge controller and pay the right price for the same?

• Voltage selection- The charge controller should be compatible with the system voltage.
• Current capacity- The charge controller should be able to handle the maximum output current of the solar panel.
• It is always better to include a safety factor for isolated events.

A solar charge controller is an essential part of nearly all power systems that charge batteries. No matter what the source of power is, PV, wind, hydro, fuel, or utility grid, the controller plays an important role. This is the reason why consumers should not shy away from reasonably priced solar charge controller price because it keeps the batteries properly fed and safe for a long time.